16 Amazing Health Benefits Of Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil, steeped in centuries of traditional use by Aboriginal communities, stands as a versatile essential oil renowned for its therapeutic properties. Originating from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant in southeastern Australia, this natural elixir has transcended boundaries, finding its place in global skincare, cleansers, and medicinal solutions.

Beyond its trendy appeal, tea tree oil boasts a rich history, revered by indigenous Australian groups for targeted healing. Its extensive health benefits have propelled its popularity worldwide. Available in varied forms like tinctures, creams, handwash, and soaps, this potent oil offers a spectrum of applications.

From skincare regimens to holistic remedies, tea tree oil unveils a treasure trove of possibilities. Embracing this herbal marvel can address specific wellness concerns and amplify your natural beauty toolkit. Discover the brilliance of tea tree oil with these 16 ingenious everyday applications, unlocking its diverse uses for a healthier, more radiant lifestyle.

# Reduce Acne

Applying gels with around a 5% tea tree oil content can be as effective as other more chemical-based gels when it comes to treating acne. It’s also far less harsh on the skin than these chemical gels or creams and can soothe your skin more. Try using a tea tree-based gel twice a day for up to 45 days and you should start to see an improvement in your acne.

# Treat Nail Fungus

Applying tea tree oil to nails that have been subject to a fungal infection can really help to reduce the infection. Apply the oil twice a day for six months and you should see the infection improve. In fact, 56% of people using this method also found that the appearance of their nail improved after using the oil. It also helped to reduce their symptoms of fungal infection.

# Athlete’s Foot

Applying creams containing tea tree oil is known to help relieve the symptoms of other fungal infections, like Athlete’s foot. The oil can help reduce the intensity of a number of symptoms including scaling, itching, and burning. It also has anti-inflammatory qualities which mean it’s great at taking down any swelling or inflammation. To completely cure the infection, you’ll need a cream that has at least a 25% concentration of tea tree oil. Anything less will reduce symptoms but won’t be strong enough to completely kill the infection.

# Reduced Risk of Dandruff

Because of its soothing qualities, tea tree oil is great for soothing dry and flaky skin. As a result, using a tea tree oil shampoo can help nourish the scalp and reduce your dandruff. It can also help to decrease other dandruff related issues such as overly greasy hair and itchiness.

# Hand Sanitizer

One of the great health benefits of tea tree oil is that it makes a brilliant hand sanitizer. It’s been shown to kill several forms of common bacteria and viruses which get onto the skin and would otherwise cause you to become ill. One study found that adding tea tree oil to regular cleansers actually made them more effective at defending against E. coli.

# Insect Repellent

Tea tree oil can play a part in keeping insects at bay. It seems that some of the natural elements and scents of tea tree oil act as a natural repellent to a number of pesky insects.

# Reduce Body Odor

Tea tree oil has potent antibacterial effects which can help to keep a lid on pongy underarm smells caused by excess perspiration. Whilst sweat itself is not smelly, the secretions can mix with bacteria on your skin which then. By getting rid of much of these bacteria, deodorants containing tea tree oil can actually help combat the smell. This makes tea tree oil a natural alternative to many commercial deodorants.

# Antiseptic for Minor Cuts and Scrapes

Injuries that result in breakage of the skin can be open to infection. This is because they make it easier for germs and bacteria to get into the bloodstream. One of the many health benefits of tea tree oil antibacterial properties is that it can help reduce this risk.

Make sure you clean your cut thoroughly with plain (with no fragrance) soap and water before adding a little tea tree oil mixed with coconut oil to the damaged skin. This will help to disinfect the wound. You should keep doing this until the wound has scabbed over.

# Boost Wound Healing

Not only can tea tree oil prevent wounds from becoming infected, but it can also speed up healing. Tea tree oil is an anti-inflammatory meaning it triggers your white blood cells. White blood cells are crucial for the healing process as they help your blood to clot and fight off infections.

# Chemical-Free Mouthwash

Some studies suggest that tea tree oil can help fight the germs that cause bad breath and tooth decay. This shouldn’t be surprising as we already know the oil has antibacterial properties. You can make a tea tree oil mouthwash by mixing a drop of tea tree oil with a cup of warm water and swirling it around your mouth for thirty seconds. Make sure to spit out all the mouthwash though as, like more commercial mouthwashes, it shouldn’t be ingested and could make you ill if you do swallow it.

# Soothe Skin Inflammation

One of the many health benefits of tea tree oil is that it’s great for soothing skin. It can be really useful in calming irritations caused by allergic reactions by reducing redness and itchiness. Combine a few drops of tea tree oil with a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and another tablespoon of coconut oil. You can then apply this mixture to the affected skin and your symptoms should start to reduce. Keep applying the mixture twice a day until your skin is back to normal.

# Relieve Psoriasis Symptoms

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease which causes outbreaks of red, itching and scaly skin. It’s usually concentrated on the scalp but it can flare up anywhere on the body. While there are medications that can help to manage symptoms, there isn’t a complete cure as of yet. However, the anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil can help.

Mix around ten drops of tea tree oil with two tablespoons of coconut oil and apply this to the affected area two to three times a day. This should soothe the skin and bring your symptoms down. characterized by outbreaks of red, itchy, scaly skin.

# Prevent Antibiotic Resistance

Tea tree oil are becoming used more and more often in replacement of more conventional medications. This is because they are often as effective and don’t cause adverse side effects like antibiotic resistance. If bacteria become resistant to antibiotics it can prevent the medication from working. Many scientists are optimistic that using essential oils, like tea tree oil, can significantly reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance. If it does, this would be a huge breakthrough in medicine as the more bacteria that become resistant, the more medications will begin to fail.

# Relieve Congestion and Respiratory Tract Infections

Tea tree oil is known to have antibacterial properties, which means it can naturally fight off bacteria that would otherwise cause infections. It also improves antiviral activity. Both these qualities make tea tree oil great at reducing congestion and fighting off pathogens that cause coughs, colds, and the flu. This is why tea tree oil is a common ingredient in many cough syrups.

# Treat Head Lice

In our home remedies for lice article, we discussed how tea tree oil can be used to tackle head lice. If you missed that article, here’s what you need to know. Tea tree oil has strong insecticidal effects, which means it can suffocate lice, killing both live lice and their eggs. It’s texture also prevents eggs and lice from sticking to your hairs, making them easier to remove.

Apply the tea tree oil to your hair and leave to soak before combing through with a special lice comb to remove the dead lice and their eggs.

# Improve Bad Breath

Bad breath is usually caused by a build-up of bacteria in the mouth. Because tea tree oil is antibacterial it can help combat these bad breath-causing bacteria, providing a natural remedy for smelly breath. Remember that tea tree oil shouldn’t be swallowed though. If you do use it to clean your mouth make sure you spit it out and rinse your mouth thoroughly with water afterward.