Tea Tree Oil: The Benefits & Uses of Tea Tree Oil Explained

Tea Tree oil is a type of essential oil that comes from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia, a small tree native to New South Wales in Australia. The Melaleuca alternifolia belongs to a large family of over 200 different species, all known as 'tea trees' because early Australian settlers brewed them to make traditional teas. Tea Tree oil has a wide variety of benefits and uses, from helping treat skin conditions to fighting colds.

Tea Tree Oil History

The indigenous people of Australia have long used the Melaleuca alternifolia plant in their rituals. They would prepare it by heating leaves or bark along with water so they could inhale the steam during treatments. For topical treatments, they used the leaves of the tea tree directly on their skin. They even drank it as a medicinal tea!

Tea Tree Oil for Treating Skin Conditions

Tea Tree oil is popularly known as an effective treatment for many common skin issues such as acne and fungal infections like ringworm because it has antiseptic properties. It's also an effective bactericide, meaning it kills harmful bacteria.

The antiseptic properties in Tea Tree oil make it a natural astringent which tightens pores and clears up blackheads, whiteheads, zits, and pimples. Applying Tea Tree oil topically to the skin can keep bad bacteria from clogging pores.

Tea Tree Oil as a Household Cleaner

Tea Tree oil is also useful for cleaning around the home because of its strong antiseptic properties that deter mold and mildew growth. It can kill the dangerous bacteria lurking in kitchen counters, bathrooms, and other areas in your house. Use Tea Tree oil to clean your microwave without having to use harsh chemicals that may leave a chemical residue and damage your microwave.

Tea Tree Oil as an Air Freshener

You can also use Tea Tree oil as an air freshener to kill mold and mildew, which helps prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses throughout your home. It is safe to apply directly to furniture or fabric surfaces such as linens or drapes and can eliminate odors without leaving a chemical residue.

Tea Tree Oil for Treating Colds and the Flu

The essential oils of the Tea Tree plant contain terpenes and other antimicrobial agents that fight colds and flu viruses. You can use them as alternative treatments to help you recover from these common health conditions.

Many people drink Tea Tree oil as a tea to fight colds and the flu, but you can also apply it directly to your chest, neck, and face as a steam treatment. The steam will open up breathing passages and kill any viruses lurking in these areas. You could also use a humidifier to infuse your room with the vapors from the Tea Tree oil during your treatment.

Tea Tree Oil as a Mouthwash

If you have strong, bad-breath causing bacteria growing on the back of your tongue or inside your mouth, you can also use Tea Tree oil as a mouthwash to kill harmful germs that cause bad breath and gum disease. You can gargle with Tea Tree oil or swallow a few drops mixed into a small glass of water.

Tea Tree Oil for Insect Repellent

In addition to being an effective antiseptic, Tea Tree oil is also a natural bug repellent. Because it contains insecticidal properties, you can use the essential oils from the tea tree plant as an insect repellent on your skin.

Tea Tree Oil for Wounds

You can use Tea Tree oil not only as an antiseptic, but also as a topical analgesic that can help relieve pain from sore or cramping muscles, joint pains, and more. It will help disinfect the wound area while providing relief from discomfort.

Tea Tree Oil Precautions

Pregnant women should avoid Tea Tree oil at all costs because it can cause uterine contractions. Don't give Tea Tree oil to children under the age of three for this same reason.

Don't mix Tea Tree oil with other remedies or supplements without checking first with your doctor. It can interfere with certain medications and other herbal remedies, and can also cause dangerous drug interactions.

In addition to being an effective antiseptic, Tea Tree oil is also a natural bug repellent. Because it contains insecticidal properties, you can use the essential oils from the tea tree plant as an insect repellent on your skin.

Tea Tree Oil for Athlete's Foot

You can treat athlete's foot with Tea Tree oil because of its antifungal and insecticidal properties. Simply soak a cotton ball in Tea Tree oil and rub it on the affected areas of your foot until you've covered all of the fungi. Let the oil dry completely before putting on socks. You can use this treatment up to three times per day or as needed until your athlete's foot is gone.

Tea Tree Oil for Acne

You can also use Tea Tree oil as a natural treatment for acne because it contains antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. You can either drink a drop or two of the oil in a glass of water, mix a few drops with an equal amount of carrier oil such as coconut or olive, or find Tea Tree oil capsules at your local vitamin and health food store.

Tea Tree Oil as a Hair Rinse

If you want to use Tea Tree oil as a natural hair rinse, mix 20 drops of Tea Tree oil into two cups of apple cider vinegar and let the mixture sit overnight to maximize effectiveness. The next morning, wash your hair as usual with shampoo and conditioner, and then apply the Tea Tree oil mixture as a final rinse instead of regular water. Let the tea tree oil sit on your hair for at least 15 minutes before rinsing it out again with regular water.

Tea Tree Oil Precautions

Before you use Tea Tree oil or prepare it as an herbal remedy, check with your doctor to determine whether or not it will cause dangerous drug interactions with other prescription medication you may be taking. In addition, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use Tea Tree oil under any circumstances because it can lead to uterine contractions and complications for the baby.

Tea tree oil comes from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant, which is a type of paperbark tree. It has been used for over 100 years throughout Australia as a natural alternative to conventional medical treatments.

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