The essential oil from the Australian Melaleuca alternifolia plant is known as tea tree oil. It is a highly unstable substance. Melaleuca, a genus within the Myrtaceae family, has around 230 varieties, most of which are native to Australia.
Many topical creams and ointments that are used to combat infections contain tea tree oil, and it is marketed as a natural anti-inflammatory and antiseptic agent in Australia, Europe, and North America. Tea trees can be located in numerous home and beauty products, such as cleaning solutions, washing powder, hair conditioners, massage oils, and facial and nail lotions.
What is tea tree oil good for? This plant oil is highly acclaimed due to its capacity to be employed as a potent antiseptic agent and its capacity to be used topically for tackling skin disorders and inflammation.
The main components of tea trees are terpene hydrocarbons, monoterpenes, and sesquiterpenes. These compounds give tea trees the ability to fight bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Tea tree oil consists of more than one hundred different chemical components, with terpinen-4-ol and alpha-terpineol being the most influential. Concentrations may vary.
Research suggests that the vaporous hydrocarbons from the oil are labeled aromatic and can pass through the atmosphere, the pores in the skin, and the mucus membranes. Tea tree oil is often inhaled or applied directly to the skin to wipe out bacteria, tackle infections, and calm skin irritations.
6 Benefits of Putting Tea Tree Oil On Your Skin
1. Treating acne
Tea tree oil contains compounds that are strong antibacterial and antifungal agents which are recognized for lessening swelling from inflammation of the skin. Research undertaken by the Department of Dermatology at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia discovered that when looking at the efficiency of tea tree oil versus benzoyl peroxide – a normal treatment for acne – “5% tea-tree oil and 5% benzoyl peroxide had a clear effect in relieving the individuals’ acne.”
An investigation conducted by researchers at the Skin Diseases and Leishmaniasis Research Center at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in Iran revealed that tea tree oil works well on soft to average cases of acne. For the study, participants were split into two groups; one was administered a placebo and the other one was administered tea tree oil. The individuals being treated were monitored for 45 days, with evaluations occurring every 15 days. Results indicated a stark contrast between individuals that used the placebo and those that used tea tree oil, with the oil proving to be 5.8 times more powerful in decreasing acne severity.
It only requires a tiny quantity of this potent oil to soak through the dermis and clear out the sebaceous glands. It will effectively eradicate whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and other skin imperfections, while also sanitizing the pores.
Beware of products that claim to contain pure tea tree oil, as the concentration is usually very minor. Mix some oil with a teaspoon of witch hazel, and use a cotton ball to rub this blend onto the skin that is irritated twice a day. It is possible to leave it on for a few hours or for the whole night. If you’ve been having issues with pimples on numerous parts of your body, combine two or three drops of this oil along with a base oil in a tub of water and it will help treat acne on your chest, back, and any other problem spots.
If you have delicate skin, combining a teaspoon of coconut or olive oil with tea tree oil is the best approach due to its strength. Take care not to use it in excess – although it is milder than benzoyl peroxide, it can still dry out your skin and prompt your body to generate excessive oils, possibly exacerbating the situation. Be sure to use protection from the sun, including a hat and sunscreen, before heading outside since tea tree oil can make your skin more sensitive to UV radiation.
Unfortunately, even when the acne has gone away, it can leave behind scars that can be hard to erase and just as troubling as the initial pimples. Fortunately, tea tree oil may be beneficial in treating acne scars as well. Avoid reaching for expensive facial products that promise to eliminate wrinkles, as not only are they costly, they may not even work and they typically contain harmful chemicals which can result in more skin damage.
Tea tree oil can help reduce the visibility of scars and help bring back the skin’s natural oil levels. The powerful cleansing capability of this product is capable of going into the pores to extract toxins and avoid blockage which can cause acne.
2. Relieving psoriasis
Psoriasis results in patches of the skin becoming reddened, covered in scales, and sometimes inflammation. This condition is caused by an accumulation of deceased skin cells on the epidermis leading to the development of thick silver flakes or irritated, red and dry areas that are sore and produce unpleasant sensations. There is no remedy for this distress, but leveraging the anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil may reduce the severity and help the healing process to occur quicker.
Tea tree oil is beneficial in eliminating dry, dead skin cells which are responsible for causing psoriasis. The healing powers of this substance help soothe itching, reduce inflammation, and alleviate redness and burning due to its antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory qualities. This natural oil does not just help to reduce the production of too many skin cells, but it’s particularly effective at diminishing the marks of psoriasis as it has a compound named terpinen 4, which provides calming properties and works towards the inner layers of skin.
Mix 10 drops of tea tree oil with 2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil to use as a treatment for psoriasis. Apply just enough to cover the affected area. Repeat two to three times each day.
3. Eczema
Eczema can be a taxing issue, producing unrelenting symptoms such as an irritated rash, roughness, irritation, and blistering that is so severe it becomes hard to rest peacefully. The antiseptic characteristics of tea tree oil are helpful in alleviating irritation and recuperating the skin while hindering further harm, and its anti-inflammatory effects diminish swelling as well. If an infection were to occur, the antibacterial properties of the oil could provide protection against it and stop it from spreading.
Combine 20 drops of tea tree oil with half a cup of coconut oil to treat eczema. Gently massage the concoction over the affected spots twice per day. If you experience eczema in multiple spots on your body, soaking in a bath that contains tea tree oil may help to relieve the symptoms. Mix fifteen drops of tea tree oil, blended with two tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil or almond oil, into the water and soak for about twenty minutes.
4. Cuts and infections
Using tea tree oil and lavender essential oil together makes an ideal remedy for treating cuts and infections. Begin by making sure to sanitize the wound, using water and a hydrogen peroxide solution. Mix two drops of tea tree and lavender oil in jojoba oil, then spread it onto the affected area and secure it with a bandage to stop any germs from entering.
5. Razor burn relief
A razor burn not only looks bad, but if you don’t take care of it, it can be quite annoying or even cause pain. Rubbing a tiny bit on the surface, it has the same effects as witch hazel for relieving skin irritation resulting from shaving. After shaving, combine a few drops of tea tree oil with two teaspoons of witch hazel and put the mixture onto a cotton ball. Apply this blend onto the places of your skin that are susceptible to razor burn and experience a comforting feeling.
6. Get rid of the athlete’s foot
You can create your own athlete’s foot powder with tea tree oil, arrowroot powder, and bicarbonate of soda. Arrowroot powder comes from the root of various exotic plants and combats foot smell while providing a dry foundation for the powder. It is essential to have something that can take in moisture, as the fungus responsible for this ailment prefers locations that are humid and damp, such as sweaty shoes. Baking soda can also help reduce and control bad smells, perspiration, and discomfort due to itching. Tea tree oil is the important ingredient in this recipe, able to deal with the fungus and stop its reproduction.
To prepare it, you should get ahold of a shaker (it is possible to purchase one or utilize a parmesan cheese shaker). Combine a quarter cup of arrowroot powder, a quarter cup of baking soda, and 20 drops of tea tree oil in a separate bowl. Do your best to evenly disperse the oil droplets throughout the powder. A fork can be utilized to crumble any lumps, and then the powder should be put into your shaker. Start by washing your feet, then gently pat them until they are dry. Afterwards, use clean hands to spread the powder evenly over your feet. Do this at least twice each day. Once you are done with it, put your shaker in a place that is not too hot and not too light.
Uses
One can create natural beauty, health, and cleaning items that are void of noxious ingredients using tea tree oil. It can be used in the following ways:
- Aromatically: Diffuse tea tree oil throughout your home using an oil diffuser. You can also directly inhale the oil by sniffing it right out of the bottle.
- Topically: Tea tree oil can be applied to the skin topically, but you should always dilute it with a carrier oil (like jojoba oil) in a 1:1 ratio before applying it.
- NOT for internal use: According to the National Poison Center, tea tree oil is known to be poisonous if swallowed. Tea tree oil should NOT be taken by mouth for any reason. If you are using tea tree for foul breath or oral health, make sure you spit it out afterward to prevent potential side effects like digestive issues, hives, or dizziness.
Below are some ways to employ tea tree oil in your house to enhance your well-being.
1. Natural Acne Fighter
Australian tea tree oil is now popularly used in skin care products due to its reputed capability to serve as a successful home remedy for acne.
You can easily create a homemade face wash with tea tree oil and honey to help combat acne. To do so, combine five drops of pure tea tree essential oil and two teaspoons of raw honey. Spread the mixture on your skin, wait for one minute, and then rinse with warm water.
2. Improve Psoriasis and Eczema
Tea tree oil could be beneficial for easing certain types of skin inflammation, like eczema and psoriasis. To make your own skin-enhancing lotion or body soap, combine a teaspoon of coconut oil with five drops of tea tree oil and five drops of lavender oil.
3. Boost Hair Health
It has been demonstrated that tea tree oil is immensely helpful for the well-being of your hair and scalp. It has the capacity to relieve dry, scaly scalps and get rid of dandruff.
To DIY tea tree oil shampoo, combine a few drops of tea tree essential oil with aloe vera gel, coconut milk, and various other extracts, such as lavender oil.
4. Natural Treatment for Lice
Mix together three tablespoons of coconut oil and one teaspoon of ylang-ylang oil and one teaspoon of tea tree oil to eliminate head lice without resorting to chemicals. Spread this concoction around the entire head, using your fingers to really work it in.
Run a fine-toothed comb through the hair, put a shower cap over the head, and let the cap stay in place for two hours. Go over the hair once more, and wash away the oils.
Mix two parts of apple cider vinegar and one part of water together and spray it all over the hair until it’s damp. Then rinse the hair, and comb through it again.
The final procedure is to put a thin coating of coconut oil and let it stay there. This procedure must be carried out every 5-10 days for a few weeks to make sure that all lice and eggs are eradicated.
Using a comb with very small teeth, go through your hair and don’t rinse out the oil, instead allowing it to stay in as a conditioner.
5. Natural Household Cleaner
Tea tree oil can also be an excellent household cleaner. Tea tree oil has strong antimicrobial properties that can eradicate poor bacterial growth in your house.
To concoct a DIY tea tree oil cleanser, blend five to 10 drops of tea tree oil with water, vinegar, and five to 10 drops of lemon essential oil. Then apply it to the surfaces of your countertops, kitchen tools, bathroom shower space, toilet, and basins.
You could also consider trying out my homemade bathroom cleaner formula that uses a combination of natural cleaners such as liquid castile soap, apple cider vinegar, and baking soda.
6. Laundry Freshener
Tea tree oil has antimicrobial characteristics, making it an excellent natural deodorizer for laundry, especially if your laundry has an unpleasant odor or even contains mold. Put five to 10 drops of tea tree onto your washing powder.
You can also remove dirt or stains from fabrics, rugs, or exercise gear using a combination of tea tree oil, vinegar, and water.
7. Fight Toenail Fungus and Ringworm
Tea tree oil is a superb option to utilize against onychomycosis, athlete’s foot, and ringworm due to its ability to knock out parasites and fungal infections. Utilize a pristine cotton bud to place two to five unadulterated tea tree oil drops on the influenced region.
For difficult fungal infections, try combining it with the naturally antifungal oregano oil. Apply a couple of drops of tea tree oil to the area of the wart once or twice each day for 30 days to take advantage of the benefits this oil has to offer in terms of treating and removing warts.
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