Tea tree oil, often called melaleuca oil, is an essential oil obtained by steam distillation of the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a plant native to Australia. Tea tree oil is usually clear to very pale golden in color and it exudes a fresh, camphor-like scent. It is an extensively used natural remedy in many skin problems, beauty cares, and a variety of diseases. Here are the top 7 health benefits of tea tree oil that you will be pleased to know.
1. An anti-viral
Several studies have demonstrated tea tree oil possesses anti-viral activities against pathogens causing many types of infections, such as warts, seasonal flu, urinary tract infections, measles, and so on. For best results, try using a few drops in the bath at the first signs.
2. Tea tree oil for Skin health
Tea tree oil is non-toxic and low-sensitizing oil that controls extra oil on the face. If you are suffering from blemishes, dark spots, pimple outburst etc, tea tree oil is your saviour. It also has antiseptic properties and is used to treat cuts, wounds, burns, boils and other skin disorders. Dab a few drops of this essential oil on a cotton swab and apply it over the affected areas on the skin. Undiluted Tea Tree Oil can cause itchiness, irritation, and redness on sensitive skin. Therefore, if you have sensitive skin, it is always safer to dilute the oil in another base oil such as olive oil.
3. Reduces Acne
Tea tree oil is a great remedy for treating your acne problems. Studies have shown that tea tree oil is just as effective as benzoly peroxide, to reduce acne. It is a natural alternative for curing acne, without negative side effects like reddening and peeling of skin. You can apply tea tree oil on your acne, or add a few drops to the water with which you are cleaning your face. Don’t forget to sample it on your wrist before you try it on your face. Also, I found a tea tree oil Anti-Acne Mask to share with you: Mix 2-3 drops tea tree oil with 1 tablespoon yogurt and 1 tablespoon honey in a small bowl, apply the mask on skin using fingers, wait 10-15 minutes, then rinse off with warm water and apply moisturizer. Besides tea tree oil, learn about other home remedy for acne.
4. Tea tree oil for hair health
Based upon its properties, tea tree oil is a viable solution for those with dandruff, itchy scalp, and problems with sebum buildup. Tea tree oil is an effective solvent for sebum and other dirt or oily buildup on the scalp and hair, so it can be used to help provide a clear, clean surface that can absorb moisture and conditioning products more readily. Add a few drops of Tea tree oil to your regular shampoo and simply massage it onto your scalp. You will feel a great refreshing and tingling effect on your scalp. More about Home remedies for dandruff.
5. Treating Athlete’s Foot
Tea tree oil is an excellent home remedy for athlete’s foot. A scientific study published in the August 2002 issue of the Australian Journal of Dermatology reported that almost three-quarters of those who applied a 25 per cent tea tree oil solution to their feet twice a day for 4 weeks showed improvement. Healthdoyen advises patients to soak feet at the first sign of itchiness or redness between the toes, and to dry feet thoroughly using a hairdryer or fan before applying the tea tree oil solution. Read more home remedies for athlete’s foot and get pretty feet.
6. Sore Throat
Tea Tree Oil can be combined with a simple steam inhalation technique to naturally cure sore throat. Pour water into a large pot and bring it to a boil. Remove the pot from the stove and add 2 to 3 drops of tea tree oil into it. Cover your head with a towel and lean over the pot, be careful not to get too close to the steam to prevent burns. Inhale the vapors for about 5-10 minutes. Repeat the process each night before going to bed until symptoms are cured completely.
7. Oral Problems
When used as a mouth wash, tea tree oil can help to cure bad breath, toothache, inflamed gums and gingivitis. Studies have shown that tea tree oil being used for oral problems is safe, since it is a 100% natural product. It kills the bacteria in the mouth and reduces the pain and irritation due to its anti-bacterial properties. For use, dilute 3 drops of the essential oil in a bowl of warm water. Use this to rinse the mouth twice a day. It has a numbing effect and strong taste that will dissipate within five minutes. Never swallow the oil, do not use more than three drop, and wait around 15 minutes before drinking or eating.
A Few Words of Caution:
Tea tree oil is only meant for topical use. NEVER consume it.
Tea tree oil by itself is strong. Make sure you never use it directly. Always mix carrier oil with it before application.
Don’t use tea tree oil if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Keep tea tree oil out of the reach of children and pets.
