What is Tea Tree Oil, Its Uses, and Benefits?

The tea tree oil is an essential oil, acquired by steam distillation of tea tree leaves from the plant known as Melaleuca alternifolia. A tree that is native to southeast Australia.

The tea tree essential oil- at times called Melaleuca oil – has traditionally been used by native Australians as a medicine. Currently, this is promoted as an antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and antifungal, due to the significant amount of terpenoids found in the oil. Today, it is widely used as a topical medication and an active component in over-the-counter skin care products, including soaps, shampoos, moisturizers, toners, hand sanitizers, and many more.

What Safety and Precautions Should be Taken

Tea Tree oil may cause some side effects to certain people when applied to the skin; skin irritation, swelling, dryness, itching, burning, redness, and stinging.

This is unsafe if consumed orally and causes severe side effects; confusion, inability to walk, rash, coma, and degraded consciousness.

A study warns against repeated exposure to lavender oil and It can possibly swell the breast tissue among young boys.

How to use tea tree oil in your Skin care regimen?

It is readily available in the market in its purest and most highly concentrated form. To use this essential oil, add 3 to 4 drops of tea tree to every spoon of the carrier oil. This essential oil is to be used topically after diluting due to its high potency and ingesting it is unsafe. Avoid using this oil mixture on sensitive areas such as lips, eyes, etc.

To get the best results use the product routinely, and apply the oil mixture once or twice a day. After 12 weeks of consistent efforts, You will be able to see the results. If the results are not visible yet, then you may have to try a product of higher potency.

*Patch Test

It is advised to first have a patch test, by applying a small amount of the oil on the inside of the forearm or below the ear, cover the applied area with a bandage, and examine the area after a day or two, if irritation transpires, wash thoroughly, and avoid further use.

* Carrier Oils are used to dilute essential oils so that the essential oils do not cause irritations to your skin, Coconut oil, Grape Seed Oil, Jojoba Oil, Avocado Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Olive Oil, Argan Oil, Rosehip Oil, Sunflower Oil, Black Seed Oil,

Uses and Benefits of Tea Tree Oil

Contemporary research data suggests that the plethora of benefits Melaleuca oil includes are anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, and antiprotozoal properties.

The myriad tea tree oil benefits are:–

Extermination of Acne

Research suggests that people suffering from mild to moderate acne can be relieved effectively by it. Although tea tree oil for acne takes a longer time to work, it has the least side effects. On the other hand, people using benzoyl peroxide to subdue acne have a higher chance of side effects.

Cessation of Dandruff

Since, It has antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-flake properties it comes in handy in treating dandruff.

In a study conducted on 126 participants suffering from dandruff were given to use Tea Tree Oil Shampoo for a period of four weeks; the symptoms of 41% of the participants subsided.

Annihilate Nail Fungus – tea tree oil for nail fungus

Nail fungal infections are quite common, even though it is an innocuous malady, it is not pleasant to look at. To cure this ailment there are medications as well but some often opt for a natural remedy.

To obliterate (according to research) the fungus you can use it or a mixture of it and carrier oil in small equal amounts and then apply it to the affected areas.

Heal Athlete’s Foot

Even though antifungal medications are widely used to treat athlete’s foot, a recent study suggests that They can be an alternative natural remedy. An ointment containing tea tree oil used on the affected area twice a day for a period of one month has been shown to be effective in healing an athlete’s foot.

Mitigate Skin Inflammation

Skin inflammation is also known as Contact Dermatitis, which is a type of eczema, prompted by contact with an allergen.

A test was conducted to compare the results of several treatments of Contact Dermatitis, which included tea tree oil, zinc oxide, and clobetasone butyrate. It was found that contact dermatitis was more effectively suppressed by it.

It is to be noted that in some cases this oil may trigger contact dermatitis.

Extermination of Lice

A study conducted recently has shown positive results in eradicating lice by using it just after 30 minutes; nerolidol – a natural essential oil helps in eliminating lice eggs. A combination of both oils helps in uprooting this malady. Another research has shown that the combination of one part two of tea tree oil and lavender oil was effective in treating lice and their eggs.

Antiseptic for minor cuts and abrasions

Germs set their foot into the bloodstream through broken skin due to cuts and scrapes, which can cause infections. To treat cuts and scrapes this can be used as a disinfectant.

To make your own disinfectant; clean the cut or scrape with water; infuse one droplet of tea tree oil with one teaspoon of carrier oil preferably coconut oil; apply this ointment on the affected area; cover it with a bandage; repeat the process at least once a day until the skin has scabs.

Accelerates Wound Healing

Since it is antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antioxidant, therefore it diminishes inflammation and aggravates the healing process.

You may follow the same steps as mentioned in the Antiseptic for minor cuts and abrasions to make your own remedy and the application is also the same.

Oral Health

A recent investigation on this oil suggests that it may help fight germs, which is a genesis for gingivitis (an inflammatory gum disease), tooth decay, and bad breath.

Make your own natural chemical-free home remedy to the aforementioned diseases, add one drop of tea tree oil to a glass of warm water, stir it to mix it thoroughly, approximately 30 seconds after swishing it around in your mouth, and spit it out. This mouthwash is toxic if ingested.

Illuminate Your Skin

This can be used for skin care as well; helps you attain better-hydrated skin and alleviates oiliness; reduces dryness and flakiness.

* Whilst looking to buy Tea Tree Oil, ensure that the label reads 100% pure.

Conclusion

The aforementioned points and research links testify that tea tree oil can be helpful in curing mild to moderate maladies, it is a preferred choice in home remedies due to its virtue of being chemical-free and is an alternative to the chemicals based in the over-the-counter beauty and skin care products. It may take nearly three months for the results to appear but as the research indicates a whooping percentage of people have benefited from this natural home-based remedy. Nevertheless, this may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction in certain people following its use. Since the product is toxic if ingested, swallowing the oil must be avoided.

*It is best to consult a dermatologist for any skin-related issues and follow their guidelines on the usage of it and any other related products.