Tea tree oil is one of the most beneficial essential oils for our health. most beneficial essential oils for our health and care and care, which is why it has been gaining popularity in recent years.
We tell you what tea tree oil is used for and what are its main properties and benefits, so that you can add it to your essential oil kit.
- Related article: “Essential oils: natural properties and benefits”.
What is tea tree oil and what is it used for?
Tea tree oil is distilled from the leaves and bark of Malaleuca alternifolia or tea tree, a shrub native to Australia traditionally used as a medicinal remedy by the Aborigines. Not to be confused with the tea plant from which the different types of tea are extracted.
The chemicals present in tea tree oil have an antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic and antifungal effect. have an antibacterial, fungicidal and healing effect, making it perfect for treating cuts, wounds and sores.It is perfect for treating cuts, wounds, insect bites, fungus, infections, acne, dandruff and even colds.
This essential oil is mainly used topically, applying a few drops on the skin.by applying a few drops on the skin. But you can also use it by adding a few drops during a hot water bath, or in a container with boiling water to make vapours or inhalations. In any case it should not be ingested, as it can be harmful.
Tea tree oil can be bought in the form of essential oil in herbalist’s shops.It can be found in stores with natural products or even in supermarkets such as Mercadona. But you can also find it as part of other products, such as lotions or creams.
- Related article: “Argan oil: what it is used for and its 8 healthy benefits”.
12 properties and benefits of tea tree oil.
Here is a list of list of properties of tea tree oilHere is a list of properties of tea tree oil, with all the benefits it has for your health and the uses you can give it.
1. Relieves acne
One of the benefits of tea tree oil is that of its action against acne, as it reduces their appearance and the scarring of the wounds they cause.
You can use anti-acne creams containing this essential oil or dilute a few drops of the product in a glass of water and apply the solution with a cotton pad on the affected areas once or twice a day.
2. Healing wounds
Another of the properties of tea tree oil is its antiseptic effect, which together with its healing effect makes it an ideal product to treat cuts, wounds or burns. ideal for treating cuts, wounds or burns.. This essential oil not only prevents infections, but also helps reduce inflammation and stimulates healing, accelerating the healing process.
3. Irritations and rashes
It also helps to reduce the symptoms of irritations and rashes, such as inflammationssuch as inflammations, redness and itching. Tea tree oil works by soothing areas of skin irritated by contact or allergic dermatitis.
4. Antiseptic
Its antibacterial and antiviral effect acts against all types of bacteria and makes it an ideal product to use as a hand disinfectant or as an antiseptic. hand sanitizer or antiseptic..
5. Anti-dandruff
Another of the most proven benefits of tea tree oil is that of combating dandruff. To do this, just add a few drops to your usual shampoo and use it normally, but leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing. This remedy will alleviate inflammation and dryness of the scalp, responsible for flaking.responsible for flaking.
6. Colds and congestion
The antiviral properties of this essential oil help to fight colds and flu. In addition, it acts phenomenally as a treatment to relieve nasal congestion. In this case, it is best to make steam baths or vapours, adding a few drops of tea tree oil in a container of boiling water and inhaling the steam.
7. Bad breath
The antibacterial properties of tea tree also help to fight germs that settle in the mouth, causing cavities or bad breath.
In this case, you can use tea tree oil you can use tea tree oil as a natural mouthwash.. Add a drop of the essential oil in a cup of warm water, mix and rinse. Do not forget to spit out all the water at the end, as it can be toxic if swallowed.
8. Deodorant
These same antibacterial properties also work to help control underarm odor, which is caused by bacteria. Tea tree oil, combined with other natural products, allows you to create a natural deodorant that works against underarm odor. natural deodorant that works against odor, leaving a herbal scent.It also leaves a herbal scent.
9. Insect bites
In the same way that it relieves irritations, it also helps to soothe the effects of insect bites. soothe the effects of insect bites such as mosquitoes or bees. such as mosquitoes or bees. A few drops of this diluted essential oil will relieve inflammation, itching and redness.
10. Lice
The insecticidal effect of this essential oil is also used to get rid of insects, but it is especially effective against lice and lice bites. effective against lice and nits.. You can create your own natural remedy by adding a few drops of tea tree oil with two tablespoons of olive oil, to use as an anti-lice mask.
11. Against fungus and infections
Another of the most proven properties of tea tree oil is its antifungal effect. Used in its essential form on the affected area, it helps to fight nail fungus or to alleviate the effects of foot fungus, known as athlete’s foot.
It is also very very effective against other types of fungus and infections, such as throat fungus.such as throat infections. In this case you can dilute a drop of this oil in a glass of warm water and gargle without swallowing.
12. Multipurpose cleaner
Beyond home remedies for health conditions, tea tree oil can also be used to create a natural, homemade all-purpose cleaner. natural, homemade all-purpose cleaner. By mixing 25 drops of the oil, with half a cup of apple cider vinegar and ¾ cup of water in a spray bottle, you can have your own disinfectant cleaner for the home.
Contraindications
Before using tea tree oil in your remedies, you should be aware of a few things. It is a pure essential oil that should be used topically and never ingested, as it can be toxic.It can be toxic.
Although it can be used by everyone, apply one or two drops on the skin beforehand to see the effects and to rule out possible allergic reactions. In some people with skin sensitivity it may cause irritations or rashes.
Its use is contraindicated for pregnant womenIt is not recommended for pregnant women, children under 3 years of age and it is not recommended for continuous use in children of other ages.
- Related article: “Castor oil: what it is used for and its 7 benefits.”