Make tea tree oil your drug cabinet’s multi-use secret weapon. It has been revered over the years because of its antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. They have shown the potential to treat everything from acne to easing those pesky hangnails. This article will help you be aware of utilizing this potent oil to the maximum extent of its potential.
What exactly is the tea tree oil?
Tea tree oil is derived from the leaves that are evergreen of the Australian Melaleuca alternifolia plant, also known as the tea tree. It is not related to the green or black tea that you drink in the morning. (In fact, the tea tree is poisonous when consumed internally, and it is not recommended to drink it.) It is interesting to note that this tea plant, which can be up to 25 feet tall and is native to Australia, doesn’t grow out of Australia.
The first documented use of Aussie oil dates back to the 20th century when it was considered to be an anti-bacterial. Australian soldiers were supposedly advised to keep it in their kits for military use in World War II as an anti-bacterial. The spread quickly to the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, and other European countries. These times, massive plantations are being established all over Western Australia, Queensland, and New South Wales growing the product on a massive scale. The oil has a mildly woody and astringent scent and is sold in a variety of forms, both as an essential oil and also as an active ingredient in many topical salves as well as creams.
How are you able to make use of it?
1. It is a scent-therapeutic treatment for aches and colds.
One of the best antibiotics found in nature Tea tree oil is frequently celebrated for its antibacterial properties. When it comes to essential oils are concerned they are also inexpensive. Put a drop from the oil onto a cloth and inhale to ease mild coughs, colds, and toothaches when they arise.
2. For dandruff-fighting shampoos.
It is extremely efficient against hair dandruff. A study showed that shampoos that contained tea tree oil were a great way to reduce moderate to mild dandruff. The participants who utilized the oil for four weeks experienced an increase of 41 percent in the symptoms (less itching, scaliness, etc.) in comparison to the placebo group, which only showed improvement by 11 percent. Nowadays the majority of shampoo brands utilize the oil of tea trees as an ingredient however, you can create your own using 1 teaspoon of baking soda with one cup of water before adding the tea tree oils of 5 to 6 drops.
Taz Bhatia M.D., an integrative doctor and member of the mbg Collective suggests adding peppermint oil too to get the maximum relief “Melaleuca oil, better known as tea tree oil, functions as an antifungal and antibacterial. It can help kill candida and, with the help of peppermint, soothe an itchy scalp.”
3. For acne treatment.
It is possible to help control acne with Tea tree oil. Because of its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, it is a popular natural acne cure. A double-blind placebo-controlled study revealed that a 5 percent tea tree oil gel was a highly effective treatment for moderate to mild acne.
When using, be sure that you blend your tea tree oil using a carrier oil such as argan or jojoba. Both are non-comedogenic and acne-friendly. You should not use essential oils directly on the skin. After mixing, dab both carrier oils and tea tree on a moist cotton ball or Q-tip, and apply to trouble spots. Because tea tree oil can irritate certain individuals, it is best to always test your mixture on a tiny area of skin before applying it to larger areas.
It is also possible to incorporate the tea tree oil in a DIY facial makeup mask. Mix 2 tablespoons green clay with 3 or four drops of oil from tea trees and sufficient water to create the paste. Allow it to sit for 20 minutes before washing.
4. For treatment of foot and nail infections, and athlete’s foot.
Do you have a hangnail or irritation to your nails? Applying a small amount of oil on your nail will be antibacterial, but without irritating your skin. (Again make sure to mix it with an oil carrier!) One study revealed in just 16 weeks, after using a cream containing the tea tree’s 5 percent oil 80 percent of patients suffering from onychomycosis, which is a nail fungus, had relief. This was a tiny study, and further research needs to be conducted regarding the effects of tea tree oil on nail health, however, it’s certainly worth taking a shot.
The oil of tea tree has been proven to help improve tinea pedis, also known as athlete’s foot, in up to 65 percent of instances. To prevent athlete’s foot, clean your shoes with the combination of eucalyptus as well as tea tree oil combined with baking soda. Put it directly in your shoes, shake them around, and then allow them to sit for the night.
5. A general cleaner spray.
With its antimicrobial properties, it’s logical that it could work for home cleaning also. Anything that requires a basic cleaning could benefit from a simple tea tree oil mixture. Mix 4 to five drops of oil and 2 cups of water inside the spray bottle. Spray bottles to clean surfaces such as countertops and floors.
Yogi Camila Matos has discovered that mixing tea tree oil with water can be an excellent mat cleanser following an intense workout, writing “Tea tree oil can also be used to clean your yoga mat. Whip up a quick and simple batch of the best yoga mat cleaner ever. It’s organic, smells amazing, leaves no residue, and won’t hurt your skin or the environment.”
6. It is a potent antiseptic spray.
The spray is the same as the one above, however, you add twice the amount of drops (10 drops of oil) into 2 cups of water inside a bottle to treat hard-to-reach areas like the sink and bathroom. This spray can be used to wash the bottoms of your shoes to prevent bacterial growth too.