Everyone knows that Tea tree oil has various applications, keeping skin, hair, and nails healthy is only one of them.
Applying tea tree oil topically may offer some natural advantages.
When used as prescribed, it may help maintain healthy skin and eradicate some microorganisms.
Apart from its scientifically proven benefits, tea tree oil is also reasonably priced and safe when used as directed.
The health benefits of using tea tree oil safely and successfully are discussed in this article.
Read on to find out more about the everyday uses of tea tree oil.
What is tea tree oil?
The leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, often known as tea trees, are crushed to yield oil.
This can be inhaled to treat colds and coughs or applied topically to heal wounds.
Though sometimes called the ‘tea tree,’ Melaleuca alternifolia is not to be mistaken with the plant from which oolong, green, and black tea are made.
These days, tea tree oil—which is 100% pure—is easily accessible
In skin care products, there are also diluted variants with potencies ranging from 5 to 50%.
Numerous substances found in tea tree oil, such as terpinen-4-ol, have been demonstrated to be effective against specific bacteria, viruses, and fungus.
Additionally, it seems that terpinen-4-ol stimulates the white blood cells.
Which aid in the defense against pathogens and other external invaders.
What Health Advantages Does Tea Tree Oil Offer?
Tea tree oil is a well-liked natural remedy for bacterial and fungal skin disorders.
Due to its antibacterial properties, it also helps prevent infection and speeds up healing.
Among the antibacterial properties are:
As all-natural deodorant
The antimicrobial properties of tea tree oil may aid in the management of sweat-related underarm odor.
Sweat has no fragrance by itself.
However, a mild to strong odor is created when bacteria on your skin combine with secretions from your sweat glands.
These glands are highly concentrated under your arms, which is why body odor is mostly associated with this location.
Due to its ability to combat bacteria, tea tree oil is a great natural substitute for store-bought deodorants and antiperspirants.
Repellent for insects
Tea tree oil might help deter bothersome insects.
One study found that fly population for 24 hours was 61% lower in cows treated with tea tree oil than in cows not treated with the oil.
Tea tree oil is used in agriculture to keep ants away from fresh crops.
It also functions effectively as a mosquito repellant.
In a test-tube investigation, tea tree oil outperformed DEET, the most widely used active component in commercial insect repellents, in terms of mosquito repulsion.
Sanitizer for hands
Tea tree oil is an excellent natural hand sanitizer.
Research has indicated that it eliminates a number of common pathogenic bacteria and viruses, such as E. Coli, S. pneumoniae, and H. influenzae.
In fact, adding tea tree oil to other cleansing ingredients increased their efficacy against E. coli, according to a study that tested numerous types of handwashing solutions.
Research keeps showing that tea tree oil-containing hand sanitizers effectively clean hands without the need of antibiotics.
An antiseptic for minor bruising and cuts
Broken skin injuries facilitate the simple entry of microorganisms into your bloodstream, perhaps leading to an infection.
Tea tree oil kills S. aureus and other germs that can infect exposed wounds.
It can be used to treat and disinfect small cuts and abrasions.
How to apply:
1. Use water and ordinary soap to thoroughly clean the wound.
2. Blend one drop of tea tree oil with one teaspoon of coconut oil.
3. Dab a tiny bit of the concoction onto the wound and wrap it with a bandage.
4. Continue doing this once or twice a day until a scab forms.
Promotes the healing of wounds
Tea tree oil may promote wound healing in addition to avoiding infection in cuts and abrasions.
Studies have indicated that tea tree oil contains anti-inflammatory properties.
Which stimulates the production of white blood cells, that aid in the healing process.
Tea tree oil has well-established antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties that promote healing and lessen inflammation.
In a small study with ten participants who had wounds, all but one of them healed faster when tea tree oil was added to standard wound treatment.
Fights Acne
Tea tree oil is a potent acne-fighting tool.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that it lessens acne’s overall harshness and quantity.
Certain types of acne are brought on by bacteria that are becoming immune to conventional antibiotics.
Through scientific analysis, tea tree oil was shown to kill germs in the lab after 4–6 hours in addition to reducing their activity.
In another study, tea tree oil proved to be just as successful in treating acne as benzoyl peroxide.
Which is the most widely used medicine for the condition.
How to apply:
1. Mix one- part tea tree oil to nine parts water to make a homemade acne treatment.
2. Apply the mixture to the trouble spots once or twice a day, as needed, using a cotton swab.
Removes nail fungus
Nail fungus infections are common.
They can be ugly, even when they aren’t harmful.
Nail fungus can be treated with topical medications.
Some, meanwhile, could opt for a more organic approach.
When used alone or in conjunction with other natural therapies, tea tree oil has been demonstrated to effectively get rid of nail fungus.
With fewer adverse effects than conventional drugs.
For six months, participants in a controlled study with nail fungus used either straight tea tree oil or an antifungal drug taken.
Approximately 60% of participants in each group reported either partial or complete fungal resolution at the end of the research.
Applying a few drops of tea tree oil directly to the affected region is also an option.
As is combining it with the same quantity of coconut oil.
In order to prevent the fungus from spreading to other regions, make sure you wash your hands right away after application.
As mouthwash without hazardous chemicals
Research suggests that tea tree oil may be able to fight the microorganisms that cause tooth decay and foul breath.
According to one study, tea tree oil outperformed the popular disinfectant and mouth rinse chlorhexidine in its ability to destroy bacteria that cause plaque.
Its taste was also discovered to be less disagreeable.
A 2020 study found that using a mouthwash containing tea tree oil reduced the inflammation associated with gingivitis.
Make your own mouthwash without hazardous chemicals.
How to apply:
1. Add a drop of tea tree oil to a cup of warm water.
2. Swirl, and swish in your mouth for about 30 seconds.
Tea tree oil, like other mouthwashes, should not be consumed, if consumed, it may be poisonous.
Multipurpose cleaner
Tea tree oil is an excellent all-purpose cleaner and surface sanitizer.
Furthermore, it does so without leaving behind any chemical residue that you wouldn’t want your loved ones or pets to come into contact with.
How to apply:
1. Pour 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 3/4 cup water, and 20 drops of tea tree oil into a spray bottle.
2. Give it a good shake to fully blend.
3. Directly spray onto surfaces, then use a dry towel to wipe up any residue.
4. To ensure that the tea tree oil and other contents are well combined, shake the bottle before using each time.
Reduces inflammation of the skin
Tea tree oil might be able to soothe irritated skin.
Contact dermatitis, which happens when your skin comes into contact with an allergen like nickel, is a common type of skin irritation.
After coming into contact with the allergen, skin appears red, itchy, and sometimes even painful.
Application of topically applied tea tree oil has been shown to help reduce the severity of these symptoms in both people and animals.
Tea tree oil was found to dramatically lessen symptoms of contact dermatitis by 40% in a study evaluating the effects of various treatments.
This was in comparison to typical drugs applied topically.
According to one study, using tea tree oil as a gel to treat rosacea lessened redness and inflammation.
Inflammation around the eyes and eyelids caused by Demodex mites is known as Demodex blepharitis.
Tea tree oil has been used for centuries to treat this irritable ailment.
Which has been shown to lower inflammation and the number of mites.
How to apply:
1. Mix 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil, and 10 drops tea tree oil.
2. Thoroughly stir, then keep in an airtight container.
3. Use the affected region twice a day, or until the symptoms go away.
Manages dandruff
Dandruff or dead skin flakes that fall from the scalp in white, is not harmful.
For other people, though, it can be inconvenient and embarrassing.
Dandruff has been shown to be lessened by mixing tea tree oil with shampoo.
Its antifungal qualities are assumed to be connected to this.
Additionally, it aids in removing dandruff scales because it has a slightly higher acidity than your skin.
In one study, it was discovered that tea tree oil shampoos were useful in lowering the growth of yeast, or Candida albicans, which frequently causes dandruff.
How to apply:
1. Mix a small amount of tea tree oil with a large quantity of shampoo to help lessen dandruff.
2. Wash your hair with the mixture.
Treats athlete’s foot
A fungal illness of the foot, athlete’s foot (medically known as tinea pedis), can also affect the hands and toenails.
It can be excruciatingly difficult to control athlete’s foot.
Peeling, cracking, blisters, and redness are some of the symptoms.
Antifungal drugs are regarded as the standard of care for athletes’ foot.
Studies suggest that tea tree oil could be a good stand-in for treating symptoms.
In a 158-person controlled trial, 72% of the tea tree oil group and 39% of the placebo group experienced meaningful clinical improvements in athlete’s foot.
According to a 2020 study, tea tree oil effectively reduces athlete’s foot
However, a combination of traditional treatment and tea tree oil may be a more expedient solution.
A natural remedy for athlete’s foot symptoms is as follows:
How to apply:
1. Mix 20–25 drops of tea tree oil with 1/4 cup of baking soda and 1/4 cup of arrowroot powder.
2. Mix, stir, and transfer to a covered container.
3. Use twice a day on dry, clean feet.
It gets rid of mold on produce and fruits
It’s no secret that fresh food is wholesome and delicious.
Unfortunately, especially in warm, humid conditions, it is also prone to the growth of gray mold, or Botrytis cinerea.
Research has indicated that the antifungal components of tea tree oil, terpinen-4-ol and 1,8-cineole, may be able to stop the growth of this mold on fruits and vegetables.
How to apply:
1. Add five to ten drops of tea tree oil to the water to prevent mold growth.
2. Carefully use it to clean the vegetables and let them dry.
Brings relief from psoriasis
The autoimmune disease psoriasis is typified by flare-ups of red, scaly, and itchy skin.
Despite the fact that drugs might lessen symptoms, there is currently no recognized treatment for the chronic illness.
There is growing evidence that the anti-inflammatory components in tea tree oil may be beneficial for reducing the signs of psoriasis.
How to apply:
1. Melt two tablespoons of coconut oil with ten to fifteen drops of tea tree oil to relieve flare-ups of psoriasis.
2. As needed, apply these two to three times a day to the affected region.
Things to Note When Using Tea Tree Oil
Research suggests that tea tree oil is generally safe, when its safety guidelines are adhered to.
Before using it, there are a few items to be mindful of.
Since tea tree oil can be poisonous if eaten, it should not be consumed.
Keep it out of children’s reach.
Try one or two drops of tea tree oil on a small patch of skin before using it for the first time.
Then, wait a day to see if there is any reaction.
This is significant because, unfortunately, one of the problems tea tree oil may help treat—contact dermatitis—occurs in certain users of the oil.
Similarly, applying undiluted tea tree oil can irritate those with delicate skin.
It is recommended to combine tea tree oil with an equivalent or higher quantity of olive, coconut, or almond oil if you have sensitive skin.
It might not be safe to use tea tree oil on pets as well.
More than 400 dogs and cats experienced tremors and other nervous system issues after ingesting orally 0.1–85 mL of tea tree oil, according to research findings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What advantages does tea tree oil have spiritually?
Entering the realm of spirituality, tea tree oil’s exceptional properties become apparent.
Highly regarded for its purifying and shielding properties, this ethereal oil is also believed to dispel negative energies and foster a calm, clear atmosphere.
What benefits does tea tree oil offer females?
Studies indicate that it can effectively lessen vaginal discharge, pain, and itching.
Does tea tree oil lighten skin?
There’s little proof that it can lighten skin tone, but many people find that it helps minimize dark spots and tan lines, and it also makes skin look healthy and radiant.
Can you drink tea tree oil with water?
For many years, tea tree oil has been used as a ‘natural’ remedy, particularly for skin conditions.
However, it should never be administered in or close to the mouth because it is poisonous if consumed.
Which is more beneficial, vitamin C or tea tree?
Orange-driven Vitamin C:
Enhances natural brightness and gives the complexion a dazzling glow.
Tea tree oil:
It clears and improves the appearance of skin by fighting bacteria that cause acne and effectively controlling blemishes.
Disclaimer
This information is not meant to replace medical care from a licensed healthcare or beauty expert; rather, it is meant for educational and self-awareness purposes.
