Tea trees found on Australia's southeast coast are the source of tea tree oil, commonly referred to as melaleuca oil. Due to the presence of terpenoids, which act as antibacterial and antifungal agents, this potent essential oil has been utilized as herbal medicine for generations. Tea tree oil is now readily available in most drugstores as an oil or in skincare and haircare products, unlike the traditional treatment method, which involved crushing tea tree leaves and applying them to the affected area. Tea tree oil is harmful when consumed and should only be applied topically. Tea tree oil has a lot of advantages for treating hair and skin disorders, as long as it is used responsibly.
Acne
If you’re looking for an all-natural acne treatment, tea tree oil is a good option to kill the bacteria that causes breakouts. Research has shown that acne lotions and gels containing 5% tea tree oil are effective for inflamed and non-inflamed acne. Studies have also reported that some people are allergic to it, so try a small amount first to see if you have a reaction. Common side effects include minor burning, itching, and redness.
Dandruff
Tea tree oil shampoo can help soothe an itchy, flaky scalp. Look for a dandruff shampoo with 5% tea tree oil and use it for four weeks to see significant results. Tea tree oil fights fungus and bacteria on the scalp. It also breaks down residue from hair care products. Removing product buildup can clear layers of dead skin that cause itchiness and breakouts. Keep in mind that while tea tree oil products may have a strong scent, it goes away when you rinse your hair.
Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot treatments containing 25 to 50% tea tree oil have been shown to relieve symptoms within four weeks. The antifungal properties of tea tree oil work best when applied to the feet twice a day. You can find athlete’s foot relief from tea tree oil in a variety of products ranging from heavy creams to light lotions to foot soaks. Remember to test it on a small area first to make sure you don’t have an allergic reaction.
Nail Fungus
If there’s fungus among us, reach for a bottle of tea tree oil. A few studies have reported that pure tea tree oil or tea tree oil products have antifungal benefits that can help treat toenail or fingernail fungus. The research compared twice-daily application of 100% tea tree oil to popular antifungal medications, such as clotrimazole and butenafine hydrochloride. Tea tree oil was found to be just as effective as the other topical treatments. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a natural approach.
Hair Growth
One of the tea tree oil benefits for your scalp is that it boosts hair growth. This stimulating oil increases blood flow near the hair follicles and makes hair sprout faster. Experts recommended adding a few drops of pure tea tree oil to a carrier oil like Argan oil or coconut oil. Then massage it into your scalp, leave overnight, and wash in the morning. You can also look for shampoos and conditioners that already contain tea tree oil.
Skin Tags and Warts
There’s no doubt that tea tree oil is powerful and has many benefits for the skin. It’s so strong, it can even dissolve skin tags and warts! The suggested remedy is to dilute pure tea tree oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil and then dab a few drops on your skin tag or wart. Cover it with a Band-Aid overnight. Repeat the process every day for several weeks until your skin tag disappears. Stop treatment if the tea tree oil irritates your skin.
Scrapes, Cuts and Bites
ea tree oil is perfect for your first aid kit, because it has antibacterial properties. If you have a minor scrape, cut, or bug bite; dab on a little tea tree oil and cover it with a Band-Aid to protect it. The tea tree oil will battle bacteria while your wound heals. For quicker healing, apply the tea tree oil 2 to 3 times a day. This multipurpose oil has also been shown to reduce redness and swelling, which can make your skin feel better faster.
Disinfectant
Looking for a natural way to
disinfect your home and body? Tea tree oil is strong enough to tackle
bacteria and fungus on any surface. To clean counters, fill a spray
bottle with 20 to 30 drops of oil, a cup of water, and two tablespoons
of apple cider vinegar. Make a hand sanitizer by mixing 10 drops of tea
tree oil with two ounces of organic cane alcohol, a half ounce of aloe vera gel, and a few drops of vitamin E. It’ll clean the delicate skin on your hands without drying it out.