Tea tree oil, also referred to as melaleuca oil, is an essential oil known for its anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. The oil has many benefits to the skin, hair and health. You can purchase the oil in its pure form or in the form of soap, lotion or a topical medicine.
Tea tree oil, unlike most oils, is never supposed to be used on its own; the best way to ensure you get the best results is to mix it with a carrier oil. You can use olive oil, coconut oil, Rosehip seed oil or almond oil. Here are some of the amazing benefits of tea tree oil.
Soothes Itchy Skin and Inflammation
Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory properties that relieve the discomfort of itchy skin. It soothes the skin and helps to heal any infection that causes your skin to itch. Additionally, it soothes irritated skin and helps reduce redness and swelling caused by skin-related problems like ingrown hairs and folliculitis. How To Deal With Ingrown Hairs
How to use the oil
- Mix one or two drops of tea tree oil into a carrier oil or moisturizer and apply it to the infected area a few times daily.
Evens Skin Tone and Regulates Oily Skin
Tea tree oil is good for the skin. Its antiseptic properties help to combat oily skin, and its healing properties also reduce the appearance of scars that cause dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Skincare: Hyperpigmentation – Causes, Prevention And Treatment
How to use the oil
- Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your daily moisturizer or a carrier oil like Rosehip seed oil.
Suitable for Hair and Scalp
Tea tree oil is also perfect for the hair and scalp. Its antiseptic properties help to remove dandruff, white flakes, lice and dead skin cells from the scalp. The oil is also a good tonic for the hair. It strengthens, moisturizes and promotes hair growth. The Best Oils To Use On 4C Hair
How to use the oil
- You can mix the oil with a carrier oil of your choice and use it as your hair moisturizer, or you can opt to use a shampoo that contains 5% tea tree oil.
Heals Wounds
The antiseptic properties in tea tree oil also come in handy when dealing with cuts and other wounds.
How to use the oil
- Add one drop of tea tree oil to a cotton ball and wound ointment cream and apply to the affected area a few times a day.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an auto-immune skin disease that causes skin cells to multiply up to ten times faster than normal. This causes the skin to develop pink or red bumpy patches covered with white scales. They mostly appear on the elbows, knees, lower back, face, scalp and feet. The condition has no cure; however, tea tree oil is known to reduce the symptoms associated with the disease.
How to use the oil
- Add one or two drops of tea tree oil into a carrier oil of your choice and gently apply it to the affected area a few times a day.
Promotes Oral Health
Tea tree oil helps to fight germs that cause bad breath, tooth decay and other oral diseases. You can use it in the form of mouthwash. The oil can cause health issues, so it is important not to swallow it.
How to use the oil
- Add a drop of tea tree oil to half a cup of water.
- Mix it thoroughly and gargle for 30 minutes.
Helps to Deal with Acne
When it comes to acne, tea tree oil is the best choice due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It reduces swelling and soothes inflammation. It also helps reduce acne scars and restores the natural oil balance of your skin. Beauty: How To Take Care Of Acne Prone Skin
How to use the oil
- You can use a face wash and spot treatment that contains tea tree oil, or you can opt to add two to three drops of pure tea tree oil to your daily moisturizer.
Treats Boils
The antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties in tea tree oil help to treat the bacterial infection that causes boils to appear on the skin. Health: Home Remedies For Boils
Relieves Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot
The anti-fungal properties in tea tree oil can help to relieve the symptoms of athlete’s foot. Health: Home Remedies For Athlete’s Foot
Nail Fungus
Nail fungal infections are common and are not a cause for concern. You can use tea tree oil and carrier oil to eliminate the fungus.
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How to use the oil
- Coconut oil is the ideal carrier oil in this case. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with coconut oil and apply it to the affected area.
- Ensure you wash your hands after applying to prevent the fungal infection from spreading to other areas.
Side Effects
Tea tree oil has a range of benefits. However, it can cause side effects as well. The oil works okay for some people and can cause an allergic reaction in others. It is essential to do a patch test to ensure that your skin doesn’t react to the oil. Allergic reactions to the oil include:
- Itching
- Burning
- Scaling
- Redness
- Dryness
- Skin irritation
- Skin rash
To be safe, always dilute the oil with a carrier oil of your choice. For every 1 to 2 drops of tea tree oil, add 12 drops of carrier oil. Be careful when using tea tree oil around your eyes, as it can cause irritation and redness.
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