Tea tree oil is famously known for its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Derived from the Australian plant, Melaleuca alternifoli, it's a great addition to any holistic medicine cabinet. I've used tea tree oil for many different things, like as a household cleaning agent, in the wash cycle for my laundry…I've even used it as a mouthwash! Tea tree oil is incredibly versatile; its bacteria fighting power is among the strongest in the alternative medicine realm, so let's learn more about this Aussie oil and get into the 5 Benefits of Tea Tree Oil.
- Treats Wounds, Cuts and Burns
Tea tree oil is known to be a powerful antibacterial agent, meaning anything you apply it to will knock bacteria out cold. This makes it perfect for treating wounds, cuts or burns. Tea tree oil's antimicrobial properties most likely arise from its compound, terpinen-4-ol. In addition to this special compound, tea tree oil's anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiseptic properties also aid in the treatment of wounds. To treat trauma to the skin it's suggested to make a 10 parts warm water with 1 part tea tree oil solution and dip the wounded area or dab with solution using a cotton ball. Repeat daily and watch for healing. Because tea tree oil is non-greasy, it makes it great for treating burns while allowing the skin to breathe. Run burn under cold water or apply ice for at least 1 minute, then apply tea tree oil, and continue applying ice. Oil can be applied twice daily for 3-4 days if necessary.
- Boosts Skin Health
Tea tree oil is a godsend when it comes to skin conditions. It's been thoroughly proven to treat ailments like acne, psoriasis, eczema, athlete's foot, warts, boils and razor burn, and it can even promote the fading of scars. Tea tree oil has been proven to be just as effective in treating acne as benzoyl peroxide except without the side effects of redness or peeling. Α-Terpinene is an antioxidant found in tea tree oil, responsible for its beneficial effect in the skin. It also boosts the production of collagen and gives your skin that wonderful, youthful glow. I find the best way to use tea tree oil for skin is to combine it with aloe vera gel -- the two together makes for a deeply healing and refreshing face gel that leaves your skin feeling supple and renewed the next day. Simply combine about 2 teaspoons of aloe vera gel with 3-4 drops of tea tree oil and combine by rubbing between your hands; apply to face.
- Oral Health
You may have noticed tea tree oil as an ingredient in many brands of natural mouthwash and toothpaste. This is because tea tree oil is actually excellent for oral health and can effectively combat gingivitis and inflamed gums. In other words, tea tree oil kills bacteria and it kills them fast. Plaque is a problem for people with gingivitis and tea tree oil helps to control plaque as well as heal any sores in the mouth. Add a drop or two to your toothbrush and brush gently along the gum line. If you’d like, you can also add some drops to your mouthwash to boost its bacteria-fighting power.
- Hair Care
Tea tree oil is also featured in many shampoo and conditioner products because it can benefit those with dry scalp and dry, brittle hair. The organic solvent properties of tea tree oil can unclog the pores of hair follicles, promoting thicker and healthier hair. If you are experiencing hair loss, tea tree oil can also reduce inflammation and itchiness associated with this ailment. Not only does tea tree oil moisturize and renew the scalp, it prevents the formation of dead skin cells, making it excellent for dandruff relief. Massaging a few drops of tea tree oil onto your scalp before shampooing will do wonders to your scalp, roots and hair.
- Household Cleaning
Tea tree oil is absolutely wonderful for cleaning use -- from kitchen counters, to bathroom tubs, to floors, to basically any surface you can think of. Tea tree oil can be used to thoroughly clean, disinfect and purify any area and surface. Add a few drops to a spray bottle with water and you have yourself a multi-purpose cleaner ready to use! Tea tree oil also lends a clean pure scent that goes well with any season. Makeup brushes, which are known to harbor all sorts of bacteria and dead skin cells, can be cleaned with tea tree oil by combining water with a few drops of oil and soaking brushes in solution for a few minutes, then rinsing thoroughly with warm running water.
Tea tree oil is a multi-functional essential oil that you'd be crazy not to include in your medicine cabinet. Improving hair, skin and oral health, it's a powerful antibacterial agent that will heal even the toughest, most persistent ailments.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22250748
http://www.theherbsplace.com/content/152-Tea_Tree_Oil_Uses_sp_153
http://www.zliving.com/wellness/natural-remedies/health-benefits-of-tea-...
https://doterra.com/US/en/blog/spotlight-tea-tree-oil
http://www.naturallivingideas.com/tea-tree-oil-for-hair/
