10 Benefits of Tea Tree Essential Oil

Tea tree oil is an essential oil that has several uses, including keeping your skin, hair, and nails healthy. In addition to its scientifically backed benefits, tea tree oil is inexpensive and safe when used as directed.

What is tea tree oil and how does it work? Tea tree oil comes from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a small tree native to Queensland and New South Wales, Australia. Tea tree oil has been used as a traditional medicine by the Aboriginal people of Australia for centuries. These native Australians crush tea tree leaves to extract the oil, then inhale it to treat coughs and colds or apply it directly to the skin for healing.

Tea tree oil contains a number of compounds, including terpinen-4-ol, that have been shown to kill certain bacteria, viruses, and fungi. These germ-fighting properties make tea tree oil a valued natural remedy for treating bacterial and fungal skin conditions, preventing infection, and promoting healing.

1. Antiseptic for minor cuts and scrapes Injuries that result in broken skin make it easy for germs to enter your bloodstream, which can lead to infection. Tea tree oil can be used to treat and disinfect minor cuts and abrasions by killing the bacteria that can cause infection in open wounds.

To disinfect a cut or scrape, follow these steps:

1. Clean the cut thoroughly with plain soap and water.

2. Mix one drop of tea tree oil with one teaspoon of coconut oil.

3. Apply a small amount of the mixture to the injury and cover with a bandage.

4. Repeat this process once or twice daily until a scab has formed.

2. Hand Sanitiser Tea tree oil makes an ideal natural hand sanitizer. In fact, a study testing several types of handwash shows that adding tea tree oil to the cleansers boosted their effectiveness against E. coli. Studies continue to confirm that hand sanitizers with tea tree oil are effective for hand disinfection, killing bacteria without antibiotic.

Using tree oil as a natural hand sanitizer may help kill a number of germs responsible for colds, the flu, and other illness.

3. Boost wound healing In addition to preventing infection in cuts and abrasions, tea tree oil may also encourage wound healing. Research has shown that tea tree oil helps reduce inflammation and triggers the activity of white blood cells that are instrumental in the healing process.

Tea tree oil is a known antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-oxidant, and these actions will help reduce inflammation and enhance healing.

In a small study of 10 people with wounds, adding tea tree oil to conventional wound treatment led to decreased healing time in all but one participant. A few drops of tea tree oil can be added to wound dressing each time a new dressing is applied. Tea tree oil may help speed wound healing by reducing inflammation and increasing white blood cell

4. Insect repellent Tea tree oil may help keep pesky insects away. One study found that 24 hours after being treated with tea tree oil, cows had 61% fewer flies than cows not treated with tea tree oil. Tea tree oil has been used to keep ants off of produce in agriculture and it is also an effective mosquito repellent.

A test-tube study revealed that tea tree oil had a greater ability to repel mosquitoes than DEET, the most common active ingredient in commercial insect repellents. Tea tree oil has been shown to kill or repel insects. In some cases, it is as effective or more effective than standard insecticides or repellents.

5. Natural deodorant Tea tree oil’s antibacterial effects may help control underarm odour related to perspiration. Sweat itself does not smell. However, when secretions from your sweat glands combine with bacteria on your skin, a moderate to strong odour is produced.

Your underarm area contains a large concentration of these glands and is mainly responsible for what is commonly referred to as body odour. Tea tree oil’s bacteria-fighting properties make it an ideal natural alternative to commercial deodorants and antiperspirants.

Tea tree oil contains compounds that fight bacteria responsible for body odour. It can be used to make a safe and effective deodorant.

6. Fight acne Tea tree oil can be a powerful weapon against acne. Several studies have shown that it helps reduce the amount and overall severity of acne. Some acne is caused by bacteria that are becoming resistant to traditional antibiotics. Scientific examination of tea tree oil found that application not only reduced the activity of bacteria but also killed them in the laboratory after 4 to 6 hours.

In another study, tea tree oil was found to be as effective against acne as benzoyl peroxide, the most common anti-acne medication without drying out the skin.

You can make your own acne treatment by mixing one part tea tree oil with nine parts water and applying the mixture to affected areas with a cotton swab once or twice a day, as needed. Serums containing tea tree oil have been shown to reduce the number of lesions and severity of acne in a number of studies.

7. Get rid of nail fungus Fungal nail infections are quite common. Although they aren’t dangerous, they can be unsightly. There are medications that can treat nail fungus, but some people may prefer a more natural approach.

Tea tree oil has been shown to help get rid of nail fungus when used alone or in combination with other natural remedies, with fewer side effects than traditional medications.

In a controlled study, people with nail fungus used straight tea tree oil or an antifungal medication for 6 months. At the end of the study, about 60% of people in each group experienced partial or full resolution of the fungus.

You can use a few drops of tea tree oil alone or mix it with an equal amount of coconut oil and apply it to the affected area. Be sure to wash your hands immediately after applying in order to avoid spreading the fungus to other areas.

8. Chemical-free mouthwash Research suggests that tea tree oil may fight germs that cause tooth decay and bad breath. One study found that tea tree oil was more effective against plaque-causing bacteria than chlorhexidine, a common disinfectant and oral rinse. What’s more, its taste was found to be less objectionable.

A 2020 study found that a tea tree oil mouthwash was an effective treatment to reduce the inflammation of gingivitis.

To make your own chemical-free mouthwash, simply add a drop of tea tree oil to a cup of warm water, mix thoroughly, and swish in your mouth for 30 seconds or so. Like other mouthwashes, tea tree oil should not be swallowed. It can be toxic if ingested.

Tea tree oil can be diluted with water to create a mouthwash that helps fight bad breath and dental plaque.

9. All-purpose cleaner Tea tree oil makes a great all-purpose cleaner that also sanitizes surfaces. Plus, it does so without leaving traces of chemicals you wouldn’t want your family members or pets coming in contact with. Here’s an easy recipe for an all-natural, all-purpose cleaner:

1. Combine 20 drops tea tree oil, 3/4 cup water, and a 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle.

2. Shake well until thoroughly mixed.

3. Spray directly onto surfaces and wipe clean with a dry cloth.

4. Make sure to shake the bottle before each use in order to mix the tea tree oil with the other ingredients.

Tea tree oil can be mixed with water and vinegar to create a chemical-free, all-purpose cleaner for your home.

10. Soothe skin inflammation Tea tree oil may help relieve inflamed skin. A common form of skin irritation is contact dermatitis, which occurs when your skin comes in contact with an allergen, such as nickel. Exposure to the allergen leads to red, itchy, and sometimes painful skin.

Both animal and human research suggest that applying tea tree oil may help reduce the severity of these symptoms. In a study comparing the effects of different treatments for contact dermatitis, tea tree oil was found to reduce symptoms by 40%, which was significantly more than standard medications applied to the skin

In addition, tea tree oil may provide relief from bug bite reactions by reducing the itching, redness, and swelling that occurs when your body releases histamine to defend against the insect’s saliva.

One study found that tea tree oil applied as a gel to rosacea reduced inflammation and redness.

Use this recipe to relieve inflamed skin:

1. Combine 10 drops tea tree oil with 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil and 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil.

2. Mix well, and store in a sealed container.

3. Apply to the affected area up to twice per day until symptoms resolve.