Tea Tree essential oil is one of the most famous aromatherapy pure essential oils, known for its antimicrobial qualities.
Introduction to Tea Tree Essential Oil: History, Benefits, and Uses
Tea tree oil is a volatile essential oil mainly obtained from the steam distillation of the leaves or branches of Melaleuca alternifolia, a small tree belonging to the Myrtaceae family, which is native to Australia.
Tea tree oil has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antifungal properties. [1]
Originally used by the aboriginal people of Australia as an antiseptic and herbal medicine, although its medicinal properties were not reported until the 1920s. Since then, several studies have outlined its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities. As a result, the oil is now incorporated as an active ingredient in many topical formulations used for dermatological applications or oral hygiene.
Tea Tree essential oil is a powerful and versatile oil with many aromatherapy uses. It is an excellent oil to keep in your first-aid kit.
Exploring the Wonders of Tea Tree Essential Oil for Health and Beauty
1. Skin Blemishes and Acne
As a powerful, natural antibacterial, it inhibits a broad spectrum of bacteria and cleanses and protects skin blemishes.
How to use the oil for acne spots and blemishes?
Before applying diluted tea tree oil to your face, do a small patch test on the inside of your elbow. Signs of skin sensitivity or an allergic reaction include itchiness, redness, swelling, and burning.
To start, dilute the oil, by mixing 1-2 drops of tea tree in 1 tsp of carrier oil.
Use a cotton pad to apply the diluted Tea Tree Oil directly to the blemish spot once a day after you wash your face.
2. Cleanse the air and purify the environment
Tea tree oil is a great tool to help cleanse the air and purify the environment! It’s a natural antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral oil that can help remove airborne pollutants and reduce odours. Adding a few drops of tea tree oil to a diffuser can help freshen the air in any room. You can also add a few drops to a spray bottle of water and mist it into the air to help purify the environment.
Make a room spray
You can make a room spray by mixing 5 drops of tea tree essential oil with 3 drops of bergamot essential oil and 1 tbsp sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), then add to a spray bottle and top 300ml of distilled water.
Mix well and spray around the house.
3. Athlete’s foot
An athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that affects the feet. Tea tree essential oil mixed with coconut oil or shea butter as a base oil can help to treat athlete’s foot.
4. Cystitis
Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder, usually caused by a bladder infection. Tea tree oil can help to fight cystitis.
You can add a few drops to your bath. When adding essential oil to the bath, always dilute the essential oil first in a carrier oil to minimise the risk of skin reaction.
5. Boost your immune system
Strongly anti-infectious, antibacterial, antiviral and immunomodulating, tea tree oil is ideal for fighting a wide range of infections. This means that it can fight infections, prevent the development of bacteria, act against the multiplication of a virus and boost the immune system.
6. Help to relieve symptoms of colds and flu
Tea tree oil is antibacterial, antimicrobial and antiviral, which makes it a great cold and flu fighter. Additionally, it is an excellent expectorant, so it can drastically improve congestion when you are feeling under the weather. [2]
Different Forms of Tea Tree Essential Oil: How to Choose the Right One
Look for the Latin name: Melaleuca alternifolia
Country of origin: Australia
Taking Safety Precautions when Using Tea Tree Essential Oil
The active ingredient, terpinen-4-ol, can irritate people with sensitive skin, so it is important to dilute this oil before applying it to the skin.
Potential Side Effects of Tea Tree Essential Oil
Most people can use tea tree oil topically with no problems. However, tea tree oil can cause the following [3]:
- Skin irritation
- Allergic skin rash (dermatitis)
- Itching
- Stinging
- Burning
- Scaling
- Redness
- Dryness
Don’t use tea tree oil if you have eczema.
Tea tree oil is toxic when swallowed.
Storing Tea Tree Essential Oil for Maximum Shelf Life
Tea tree oil requires a dark bottle to maintain its efficiency and potency. When oil comes into contact with oxygen, light, and heat, its composition changes. Over time, it starts to lose its strength and effectiveness. It also needs to be stored in glass instead of plastic in order to protect the quality and shelf life
Summarising the Benefits of Tea Tree Essential Oil: A Final Look
In conclusion, the main benefits of tea tree oil are its antimicrobial properties, making it a popular choice for treating skin problems. Tea Tree essential oil is famous for treating fungal skin conditions such as athlete’s foot and can also be used to treat acne, dandruff, and other skin conditions. It can also be used in a diffuser to cleanse the air and purify the environment. In addition, tea tree essential oil can also help to boost your immune system, and help to relieve symptoms of colds and flu. With so many uses, it is no wonder why Tea Tree essential oil is such a popular choice for aromatherapy.
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