Tea tree essential oil, Melaleuca alternifolia. ID: 555-68

Tea tree oil can be used to treat conditions and symptoms that affect the skin, nails and hair.

Can also be used as a deodorant, insect repellent or mouthwash.

When used topically, tea tree oil can cure some skin conditions or improve the overall appearance of your skin.

What are its benefits for the skin?

Tea tree oil is effective in promoting healthy skin by soothing and treating a wide range of skin problems. Use tea tree oil with a few precautions:

Get rid of nail fungus

Fungal infections are quite common. Although not dangerous, they can be unsightly. There are medications that can cure nail fungus, although some people prefer a more natural approach.

Tea tree oil has been shown to help get rid of nail fungus when used alone or in combination with other natural remedies.

In a controlled study, people with nail fungus used straight tea tree oil or antifungal medication for six months. At the end of the study, approximately 60% of individuals in each group had partial or complete analysis of the fungus.

You can use only a few drops of tea tree oil or mix it with an equal amount of coconut oil and apply it on the affected area. Be sure to wash your hands immediately after application to prevent the fungus from spreading to other areas.

Treat the athlete's foot

Known medically as tinea pedis, the athlete's foot is a contagious fungal infection of the feet that can also spread to the nails and hands. Symptoms include peeling, cracking, blistering and redness.

Antifungal drugs are considered a standard treatment for an athlete's foot. However, studies show that tea tree oil can be an effective alternative to relieving symptoms.

In a controlled study of 158 people, 72% of the tea tree oil group had a clinically significant improvement in the athlete's foot, compared with 39% in the placebo group.

Here is a natural remedy for relieving athlete's foot symptoms:

Combine 1/4 cup baking soda and 20-25 drops of tea tree oil dissolved in carrier oil (almond oil, coconut, jojoba)

Mix to combine and place in a covered container

Apply to clean, dry feet twice a day

Dry skin and eczema

Tea tree oil can help soothe dry skin by reducing itching and irritation. It is also more effective than zinc oxide creams and clobetasone butyrate in treating eczema.

How to use: Mix a few drops of tea tree oil in a small amount of moisturizer or lubricant. Apply this mixture to the affected areas immediately after showering and at least once a day.

Oily skin

The antiseptic properties of tea tree oil may contribute to its ability to fight oily skin. A small 2016 study found that participants who used sunscreen containing tea tree oil for 30 days showed improvements in oiliness.

How to use: Mix a few drops of tea tree oil in the moisturizer or sunscreen. You can add two drops of tea tree oil to clay to make a mask.

Itchy skin

The anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil make it useful in relieving itchy skin. Soothes the skin and can also help heal infections that cause itchy skin.

A 2012 study showed that tea tree oil was effective in reducing itchy eyelids. An ointment containing 5% tea tree oil by massaging the eyelids of the participants. Sixteen of the 24 participants completely eliminated their itching. The other eight people showed some improvement.

How to use: Mix a few drops of tea tree oil in a moisturizer or carrier oil and apply it on your skin several times a day.

Inflammation

The anti-inflammatory action of tea tree oil helps to soothe and soothe sore and irritated skin. It can also reduce redness and swelling.

Research suggests that the tea tree reduces skin inflammation due to the skin's sensitivity to nickel. This study used pure tea tree oil on the skin, but it is usually recommended to dilute the tea tree oil with a carrier oil before applying it to the skin.

How to use: Add 1 drop of tea tree oil to a carrier oil or moisturizer and apply to the affected area several times a day.

Infections, cuts and wound healing

The antibacterial properties of tea tree oil make it an effective wound healer.

According to a 2013 study, tea tree oil helps to heal wounds caused by bacteria. Nine out of 10 people who used tea tree oil in addition to conventional therapy experienced a reduction in healing time compared to conventional therapy alone.

How to use: Add 1 drop of tea tree oil with a wound ointment cream and apply according to the instructions during the day.

Hair and scalp treatment

You can use tea tree oil to treat dandruff by removing chemical and dead skin cells from the scalp. Using tea tree oil on your hair can help it stay healthy and hydrated, promoting optimal growth.

How to use: Apply a mixture of tea tree oil and carrier oil to your hair and scalp. Leave it on your hair for 20 minutes. Then use a shampoo with tea tree oil containing 5% tea tree oil. Massage your scalp and hair for a few minutes before rinsing. Follow with an olive oil emollient.

Ακμή

Tea tree oil is a popular choice for treating acne due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It is believed to soothe redness, swelling and inflammation. It can even help prevent and reduce acne scars, leaving your skin soft, supple.

How to use: Dilute 3 drops of tea tree oil in carrier oil. You can use it for face washing or moisturizer.

Psoriasis

There is no scientific research supporting the use of tea tree oil for psoriasis. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that tea tree oil may be helpful in treating the symptoms of psoriasis, such as infection and inflammation, while boosting immunity.

How to use: Dilute 1 to 2 drops of tea tree oil in a small amount of carrier oil. Apply gently to the affected area several times a day.

Hand sanitizer

Tea tree oil makes an ideal natural hand disinfectant

Studies have shown that it kills many common bacteria and viruses responsible for causing disease, including E. coli, S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae.

In addition, a study of various types of hand washing shows that the addition of tea tree oil to cleansers enhanced their effectiveness against E. coli.

Using oil as a natural hand sanitizer can help kill some of the germs responsible for colds, flu and other illnesses.

Insect repellent

Tea tree oil can help keep annoying insects away

One study found that 24 hours after treatment with tea tree oil, cows had 61% fewer flies than cows that did not receive tea tree oil.

In addition, a study of test tubes found that tea tree oil had a greater ability to repel mosquitoes than commercial insect repellents.

Natural Deodorant

The antibacterial effects of tea tree oil can help control sweat-related breast odor.

Sweat does not smell.

However, when sweat gland secretions are combined with bacteria on your skin, a moderate to strong odor is produced.

The area of ​​your armpit contains a large concentration of these glands and is mainly responsible for what is commonly referred to as "body odor". The anti-bacterial properties of tea tree oil make it an ideal natural alternative to commercial deodorants and antiperspirants.

Oral solution without chemicals

Research shows that tea tree oil can fight germs that cause tooth decay and bad breath.

One study found that tea tree oil was more effective against plaque-causing bacteria than chlorhexidine, a common disinfectant. In addition, it tasted better.

To make your own chemical-free mouthwash, simply add a drop of tea tree oil to a cup of warm water, mix well and wipe in your mouth for about 30 seconds.

Cleaner for all uses

Tea tree oil is an excellent all-purpose cleanser that also disinfects surfaces.

In addition, it does so without leaving traces of chemicals that you would not want your family members or pets to come in contact with.

Here is an easy recipe for a natural, all-purpose cleanser:

Combine 20 drops of tea tree oil, 3/4 cup water and 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle.

Shake well until well combined.

Spray directly on surfaces and wipe with a dry cloth.

Be sure to shake the bottle before each use to mix the tea oil with the other ingredients.

Side effects

Research has shown that tea tree oil appears to be generally safe.

However, there are some things you need to know before using it.

Tea tree oil should not be consumed as it may be toxic if swallowed.

Therefore, tea tree oil should be kept out of the reach of children.

Before using tea tree oil for the first time, try a drop or two on a small area of ​​your skin and wait 24 hours to see if there is a reaction.

Similarly, people with sensitive skin may experience irritation when using diluted tea tree oil. If your skin is sensitive, it is best to mix tea tree oil with plenty of olive oil, coconut oil or almond oil.

For every 1 drop of tea tree oil, add 12 drops of carrier oil.

In addition, the use of tea tree oil in pets may not be safe.

Also be careful when using tea tree oil around the eye area. Exposure may cause redness and irritation.