For those who prefer to stray away from using prescription medicine to take care of their health needs, it may be difficult to find the natural ingredient that can help you find relief from your pain. One of the most effective natural ingredients out there is tea tree oil. This essential oil comes from the Melaleuca alternifolia tree in Australia. There, it has been used for over 100 years by the locals to treat skin infections and wounds. This oil has an incredible ability to kill not just bacteria, but also fungi and mold. Because of this, tea tree oil can often be found in cleaning detergents, chemicals to kill mold that is toxic, and can be utilized to heal wounds.
The uses don’t stop there, however. Tea tree oil can also be found in daily items like cosmetics, face washes, disinfectant sprays, laundry detergents, massage oils, and many others. Because it contains anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, tea tree oil is often used by those looking to treat numerous conditions instead of using prescription medications. While tea tree oil, itself, contains hundreds of different chemical compositions, it is the terpinen-4-ol and alpha-terpineol in its chain that is the most potent when performing its antiviral and antiseptic activities. These hydrocarbons are aromatic which means they can travel through the air and into the pores of your skin. They can then travel through your mucous membranes and treat certain areas.
Because of its powerful kick but gentle nature, this oil can be used either aromatically or topically. Although you should use a carrier oil like coconut oil to help diffuse it. It’s gentle enough not to harm the skin despite being a powerful healing ingredient. This article will discuss some of the benefits that using tea tree oil can provide for you.
1. Fight Acne And Other Skin Conditions
One of the worst parts about growing up is dealing with the embarrassing attack of acne. For some people, acne remains stubbornly in place, even after puberty. Finding a remedy can be difficult, especially if you’re not keen on taking pills to fight something that’s on your face or your back. Interestingly enough, tea tree oil has actually been found to be a powerful aid in reducing acne. Some research has shown that it is even more effective than face washes designed to treat acne. This is due, largely, to the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that exist within the essential oil.
It seeps into the skin and into those pores where the bacteria is built up. With its properties of destroying bacteria, it can remove that build up and free the pore of its clog. This allows for fresh skin to emerge. In addition to acne, tea tree oil can also provide relief for those suffering from eczema and psoriasis. Similar to acne, it can offer relief by removing the inflammation often found just beneath the skin. There are numerous recipes you can find to brew a remedy for these conditions.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]2. Improve Dry Scalp
During the winter, especially, a dry scalp is common. The skin just beneath the hair is constantly bombarded with the cool air that dries it. There’s also a condition known as seborrheic dermatitis which simply results in a dry scalp. This condition can cause dandruff and scaly patches to appear on the skin, which can be irritating and embarrassing for some. Tea tree oil can be used to reduce that dry scalp. Its chemical properties can moisturize the scalp and reduce dandruff as well as the scales. It can also improve your hair’s greasiness.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]3. Soothe Irritation
If you’re going to be outside in the summer, the chances are likely that you’re going to either have a few insect bites or a sunburn. Tea tree oil may actually be able to provide relief. Due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial nature, it has been shown to actually help increase the rate at which wounds heal. For insect bites and sunburns, applying the oil has been found to provide relief and reduce the amount of itchiness and irritation. You should always test a small area of the skin first to ensure you’re not sensitive.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]4. Fight Bacterial, Virus, And Fungal Diseases
Although doctors are still performing tests on tea tree oil, the results thus far have been astounding. For one, the oil has been found to actually inhibit the growth of the following bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus pneumoniae. These strains of bacteria are typically to blame for diseases such as pneumonia, strep throat, urinary tract infections, sinus infections, bloodstream infections, and more. It’s also been found effective against recurrent herpes. The powerful antiviral and antibacterial properties of this oil may be able to help you.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]5. May Help Prevent Antibiotic Resistance
Antibiotic resistance is a creeping problem that doctors and researchers are wildly searching for a solution to prevent. When bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, the treatment fails, and the patient’s health continues to deteriorate. However, researchers have recently found that certain essential oils can actually boost antibiotic’s effects and reduce the likelihood of bacteria becoming resistant to them. One of these essential oils is tea tree. In some cases, they are used independently of medication. In other cases, they are used with the antibiotic. Regardless, the treatments show promise in preventing resistance.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]6. Relieve Congestion
Interestingly enough, one of the first uses of tea tree oil was actually used to treat conditions like colds and congestions. Back in those days, the leaves were crushed and then inhaled. Sometimes, the leaves were even soaked in order to make a drink that would soothe sore throats. Colds can be a nasty thing to deal with, especially if you’re a busy person and don’t have time to rest. Due to its antimicrobe properties, tea tree oil can help reduce the bacteria and inflammation that causes colds and congestion. Relief with a natural ingredient.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]7. Helps Treat Head Lice
If you have a child, the likelihood that you’re going to have lice in your room is great. Although, you don’t necessarily need a child to open yourself to the parasite. Lice can be easy to pick up under the right circumstances, but getting rid of them can be difficult. Tea tree oil has actually been discovered to be an incredible pesticide against lice. When mixed with nerolidol, researchers have found that virtually all lice were removed within a matter of minutes. The lice eggs were completely gone in the next few days.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]8. Help Treat Scabies
Another parasitic condition that tea tree oil has been found to be effective against is scabies. These mites can irritate the skin. Because the oil contains terpinen-4-ol, however, it has been found to have a powerful impact on the removal of these mites and the healing of the skin. Not only does it treat the exterior of the skin, but it also seeps through the pores to promote healthy skin from its root. Studies have shown that tea tree oil was effective against removing scabies mites and providing relief for the affected area of skin.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]9. Improves Bad Breath
Something as mundane as bad breath can be treated with tea tree oil. Because bad breath can be an embarrassing thing to have, sometimes even mortifying, utilizing tea tree oil could be your savior. Bad breath arises from the bacteria that is located on the tongue, tonsils, and throat. Because the oil kills this bacteria, so too does the odor. However, you should note that tea tree oil should never be consumed. So, if you intend to use it as a mouthwash, make sure that you spit, and you rinse your mouth thoroughly.
