Tea Tree oil is one of the most famous aromatherapy pure essential oils, known for its antimicrobial qualities. It is obtained from the steam distillation of the leaves or branches of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree, native to Australia. Tea Tree oil has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antifungal properties [1].
History and Origin of Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree oil was originally used by the aboriginal people of Australia as an antiseptic and herbal medicine. Its medicinal properties were officially recognized in the 1920s, and subsequent studies have highlighted its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities. It is now commonly used in topical formulations for dermatological applications and oral hygiene.
Tea Tree Oil Benefits and Uses
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.
1. Skin Blemishes and Acne
Using diluted tea tree oil can help treat acne spots and blemishes. Before applying the oil to your face, it’s important to do a small patch test on the inside of your elbow to check for any skin sensitivity or allergic reactions. This can be done by diluting 1-2 drops of tea tree oil in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil.
After dilution, use a cotton pad to apply the diluted tea tree oil directly onto the blemish spot once a day after washing your face.
2. Cleanse the air and purify the environment
Tea tree oil is an excellent tool for cleansing the air and purifying the environment. With its natural antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, it can effectively eliminate airborne pollutants and neutralize odors. One simple way to freshen the air in any room is by adding a few drops of tea tree oil to a diffuser. The oil will help create a clean and fresh atmosphere.
Make a room spray
Another option is to create a homemade room spray. By mixing 5 drops of tea tree essential oil with 3 drops of bergamot essential oil and 1 tablespoon of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), you can create a powerful spray mixture. Once blended, add the mixture to a spray bottle and top it up with 300ml of distilled water. Give it a good shake to ensure the ingredients are well mixed.
Now you can use the room spray to mist the air in your home, helping to purify the environment and leave a pleasant scent. Simply spray it around different areas of the house to enjoy the cleansing benefits of tea tree oil.
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
When selecting a tea tree essential oil, ensure that it contains the Latin name “Melaleuca alternifolia” and is sourced from Australia.
Taking Safety Precautions when Using Tea Tree Essential Oil
To ensure safety when using tea tree essential oil, it is important to dilute the oil before applying it to the skin, as the active ingredient terpinen-4-ol can irritate individuals with sensitive skin.
Potential Side Effects of Tea Tree Essential Oil
While many individuals can use tea tree oil topically without any issues, it is important to be aware of potential side effects. These may include skin irritation, allergic skin rash (dermatitis), itching, stinging, burning, scaling, redness, and dryness [3].
The experts advise against using tea tree oil if you have eczema and stress that it should not be ingested due to its toxic nature.
Storing Essential Oils 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. In order to protect the quality and shelf life, it is important to store it in glass instead of plastic.
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.
