Tea Tree Oil Uses

Tea tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia), a native of Australia, is well-known for its medicinal and strong therapeutic values. It is one of the leading oils prescribed in alternative medicine. Steam distillation of the leaves of this tree results in 100% natural tea tree oil, exhibiting antiseptic properties. This essential oil was traditionally used for centuries by aborigine tribes to prevent and treat various infections (mostly pertaining to the skin). The Australian aboriginals crushed the leaves of this tree and applied them on skin cuts, infections and burns. The finest quality of this oil comes only from the east coast of Australia (New South Wales). Tea trees have been cultivated in several other parts across the globe. However, the oil yielded is of inferior quality.

Tea Tree Oil Uses
Tea tree oil comprises 48 compounds, of which terpinen-4-ol is the main constituent (41.7%). It is this terpinen-4-ol which gives the oil its antifungal and antibacterial properties. This nutmeg-scented, amber-colored oil has a proven history of safe usage for over sixty years. Tea tree oil is believed to be this magic potion which cures all the three types of infectious organisms: virus, bacteria, and fungus. It is also known to fight scores of infections that are resistant to certain antibiotics. Some of the uses of tea tree oil are as follows:

Athlete's Foot (tinea pedis): In a randomized controlled trial, the use of tea tree oil solution was examined on people with athlete's foot. After applying tree oil twice a day for two weeks, it was observed that the oil was effective in curing the condition in a large percentage of people. However, the oil was observed to cause dermatitis in a nominal few, which improved on discontinuing the application of tree oil.

Acne Vulgaris: Tea tree oil is used to treat acne, and is believed to reduce the number of inflamed and non-inflamed lesions. When acne-infected skin is gently wiped with a cotton ball soaked with diluted tea tree oil, the inflammation and infection is believed to reduce. It also prevents the development of new acne sores. The best part about tea tree oil is that it does not cause skin irritation while killing the bacteria.

Dandruff and Head Lice: Certain preliminary research reveals that application of 5% tea tree oil shampoo is effective when used on mild to moderate dandruff. Tea tree oil has also been effective in treating head lice, wherein addition of 10 drops of tea tree oil to the shampoo is sufficient.

Vaginal Infections (yeast and bacteria): A number of laboratory studies signify that tea tree oil has the capacity to kill certain bacteria and yeast. The oil is believed to reduce itching caused by bacteria or yeast. However, it may cause allergy or itching from dry skin. Since the information available from experiments conducted on human beings is limited, it is too early to state the oil's effectiveness with respect to vaginal infections.

Bug Repellant: Tea tree oil is observed to be an effective bug repellant, as bugs seem to loathe it. The oil, when mixed with water and wiped on pantries and cupboards, is effective in deterring cockroaches, ants and other pests. Mattresses rubbed with pure tea tree oil is efficacious in daunting dust mites. Adding a few drops of the oil into the vacuum cleaner bag helps destroy the dust mites thriving in the carpets.

Besides the above-mentioned uses, tea tree oil uses for treating cold and flu, sinus, insect bites, sunburns, etc. have also been reported. Tea tree oil is a natural as well as powerful antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral medicine. However, there have been reports of toxicity on oral ingestion, which is why it is advisable to avoid oral consumption of this oil. Moreover, this oil must be avoided by pregnant and breast-feeding women. People with sensitive skin should dilute the oil in another base oil before applying it on the skin. Those with sensitive skin may experience itchiness, redness and irritation if undiluted tea tree oil is used.