Tea Tree oil
Benefits Of Tea Tree oil
History of Tea Tree oil
Tea Tree Oil is one of the most commonly used and versatile essential oils in the land of all essential oils. It is truly a gem of an essential oil.
It also has a wide variety of uses and if you have never experienced tea tree oil and are curious as to what it smells like, it has a slightly astringent and eucalyptus-like aroma.
This essential oil has a rich history dating back to aboriginal times in Australia. The tea tree Melaleuca alternifolia, is found in and native to Queensland and New South Wales, Australia. The name was coined by the British explorer Captain James Cook. He noticed the indigenous people used the leaves to make a tea that smelled like nutmeg.
Captain Cook saw this traditional practice and coined the name “Tea Tree”.
Tea tree oil comes from the leaves of the tea tree. In addition to making tea, the aborigines used to crush the leaves and extract the oil which was then inhaled to treat colds and coughs. They also used it topically for healing the skin. Sailors also used to brew beer with the leaves.
More recently, during WWII, Australian soldiers would carry tea tree oil in their first aid kits because of its effectiveness in treating wounds. It was so popular during that time that anyone who was in the business of producing tea tree oil was exempt from the drafts so they were free to keep producing tea tree and ensure a large enough supply for hospitals and first aid kits.
Today tea tree oil has a variety of benefits that go beyond cold and wound treatments. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties so it is great for skin conditions such as psoriasis, athlete ’s foot, and even dandruff. Tea tree oil can also be used to make homemade mouthwash and natural deodorant as the antibacterial properties help fight the bacteria that live in your mouth and underarm area
Benefits
There is some evidence to show that tea tree oil may have several uses.
1. Antibacterial
Pinterest Tea tree oils have been used in Australia as an ointment for close to 100 years. The oil has been used for almost 100 years as a healing treatment in Australia, particularly for skin conditions. Today it is used for a number of conditions. Tea tree oil is probably best known for its antibacterial activity. Some research Trusted Source suggests that the broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity associated with the oil comes from its ability to damage the cell walls of bacteria. More research is needed to understand how it might work.
2: Helps to get rid of acne
Tea tree oil is very effective against acne due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. Research suggests that it is as effective as benzoyl peroxide. It is said to soothe redness, swelling, and inflammation. It penetrates the pores to remove toxins and prevent clogging. It also reduces and lightens the scars. Tea tree oil restores the natural oil balance of the skin. Though tea tree oil works slowly but using it straight for 45 days can be so magical for your skin. You can use tea tree oil-based gel for good results. It penetrates the pores to remove toxins and prevent clogging. It also reduces and lightens the scars. Tea tree oil restores the natural oil balance of the skin. Though tea tree oil works slowly but using it straight for 45 days can be so magical for your skin. You can use tea tree oil-based gel for good results.
3)Treatment for nail fungal infection
Nail fungal infections are common but difficult to treat. Tea tree oil helps to get rid of nail fungus when used alone or in combination with other natural remedies. Use a few drops of tea tree oil alone or mix it with an equal amount of coconut oil and apply it to the affected area.
4) Anti-inflammatory
Tea tree oil may help quell inflammationTrusted Source, possibly due to its high concentration of terpinen-4-ol, a compound with anti-inflammatory properties. In animal tests, terpinen-4-ol was found to suppress inflammatory activity in cases of mouth infection. In humans, topically applied tea tree oil reducedTrusted Source swelling in histamine-induced skin inflammation more effectively than paraffin oil.
5) Antifungal
A review Trusted Source of the effectiveness of tea tree oil highlights its ability to kill a range of yeasts and fungi. The majority of the studies reviewed focus on Candida albicans , a type of yeast which commonly affects the skin, genitals, throat, and mouth. Other research suggests suggests that terpinen-4-ol enhances the activity of fluconazole, a common antifungal drug, in cases of resistant strains of Candida albicans.
6. Athletes foot
Symptoms of athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, were reduced through topical application of a tea tree oil cream, according to one study Trusted Source . A 10 percent tea tree oil cream appeared to reduce the symptoms Trusted Source as effectively as 1 percent tolnaftate, an antifungal medication. However, the tea tree oil was no more effective than a placebo in achieving a total cure . More recent research compared higher concentrations of tea tree oil on athlete’s foot with a placebo. A marked improvement in symptoms was seen in 68 percent Trusted Source of people who used a 50 percent tea tree oil application, with 64 percent achieving total cure. This was over double the improvement seen in the placebo group.
7) Great treatment for an itchy scalp
Dandruff is not the only reason why your scalp gets itchy. Skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis and even allergies can cause itchy skin conditions. These lead to rashes, hives, or inflammation.
Tea tree oil might just be able to help you with this due to its anti-fungal and antimicrobial properties. It hydrates and replenishes the skin surface and clears the clogged pores on the scalp. And once these pores are cleared, the scalp can easily soak up nutrients.
Bye-bye head lice
Tea tree oil contains terpinen-4-ol and 1,8-cineole, both of which are known to possess insecticidal properties. They have the ability to kill lice in the nymph and adult life stage. They can also prevent lice eggs from hatching. The two components dissolve the gummy texture and loosen up the existing eggs from your hair shaft. Once loosened up, you can comb the lice out of your hair.
9) It encourages hair growth
Tea tree oil heals damaged or clogged hair follicles and encourages lusher hair growth. Dandruff can also play a factor in clogged hair follicles. And tea tree oil already takes care of itchy scalp and dandruff with its antiseptic and moisturizing contents. The compounds in the oil restore hair follicles to a healthy state, and naturally encourage hair to grow in longer and fuller.
10. Promotes oral health
Research suggests that tea tree oil fights against germs, which causes tooth decay, bad breath, and other inflammatory oral diseases. You can use it as a chemical-free mouthwash by just adding a drop of tea tree oil in half a cup of water, mix it, and swish in your mouth for 30 seconds.
11) Acts as a natural deodorant
Anti-bacterial properties of tea tree oil can help to control odor related to perspiration. It can be a safe and effective deodorant alternative.
12. Beneficial for respiratory complaints
With a lot of anti-inflammatory properties, tea tree oil helps wonderfully on respiratory complaints. It is a potent expectorant, helps to clear the blocked mucus in the throat and nose. It is also a potent remedy for asthma, tuberculosis, bronchitis, etc.
13) Prevents skin cancer
According to some research, tea tree oil can help to fight against skin cancer. It is beneficial in reducing cancerous tumours.
14. Nail fungus
Fungal infections are a common cause of nail abnormalities. They can be difficult to cure. One study compared the effects of a cream comprising both 5 percent tea tree oil and 2 percent butenafine hydrochloride (a synthetic antifungal) with a placebo.After 16 weeks, the nail fungus was cured in 80 percent Trusted Source of people. None of the cases in the placebo group was cured . Another study showed tea tree oil effective in eliminating nail fungus in the laboratory. However, this research does not definitely show that the tea tree oil component of the cream is responsible for the improvements experienced, so further research is needed.