The benefits and harms of tea tree oil — 10 proven facts

Tea tree leaf oil has a number of beneficial properties and is widely used in folk and evidence-based medicine.

It is used for the prevention and treatment of many diseases of the skin, nails and hair, as well as to combat respiratory infections. It is characterized by a low price and safety when applied topically.

Top 10 useful properties

Below are the 10 main facts about the benefits of tea tree essential oil (based on scientific sources of information).

1. Relieves acne

Studies demonstrate the ability of tea tree oil to inhibit the activity of inflammatory processes in the skin, in particular – eliminate acne (pimples).

Experts from the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (Iran) have found that the remedy reduces the severity of inflammatory changes in the area of acne localization and accelerates recovery.

Scientists from Wales indicate on the superiority of the oil over the most common acne remedy – benzoyl peroxide.

The product can also be used to treat pustular diseases in the area of hair follicles.

It is permissible to apply oil to problem areas of the skin (without rubbing) or use gels based on it (available in pharmacies).

2. Fights nail fungus

Fungal nail diseases are a common phenomenon. They are not life-threatening, but they cause a lot of inconvenience and make it difficult to care.

Tea Tree Leaf Oil helps quickly get rid of fungi in nail tissues when used alone or in combination with other medicinal or natural remedies.

Results of scientific works show that the use of oil or medicines based on it for 6 months leads to getting rid of the fungus in 60% of cases.

For treatment, you can use the product in its pure form or mix it with coconut oil in equal proportions (1:1). Apply 1-2 times a day and be sure to wash your hands after the procedure.

3. Improves oral health

Scientific community of Brazil claims that tea tree oil destroys pathogenic bacteria in the oral cavity that cause carious tooth damage.

The medicinal properties of the product are comparable to, and in some cases superior to, the disinfectant chlorhexidine.

The oil inhibits the growth and reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms, prevents caries and the development of infectious and inflammatory diseases in the oral cavity, eliminates plaque.

It should be used daily (1 time per day) after brushing your teeth. Necessary:

1. Dilute 1 tsp of oil in 200 ml of warm water.
2. Rinse the mouth 3-4 times. The total duration is 30-40 seconds.
3. Spit out the composition.

The remedy should never be swallowed. If ingested, it can be toxic.

4. Eliminates itching and inflammation

The remedy is able to suppress inflammation and related clinical manifestations.

The positive effect of tea tree on contact dermatitis caused by the hyperergic reaction of the body to local exposure to allergens has been well studied.

Animal experiments show the ability of the oil to reduce the severity of the course of contact dermatitis.

Experts from Sweden identified that the use of the composition reduces the severity of clinical manifestations by about 40%, which is significantly higher than when using recommended pharmaceuticals.

Oil also blocks histamine production and can be used to reduce the severity of the reaction to insect bites – itching, swelling, hyperemia and pain.

Consider a simple recipe for relieving inflammation and swelling:

1. Mix 10 drops of tea tree oil and 1 tbsp olive oil. Stir thoroughly.
2. Add 1 tbsp coconut oil, mix again. Place in any dark glass container.
3. Apply to the affected areas of the skin 1-2 times a day.

5. Fights dandruff

Dandruff is a harmless, but extremely unpleasant manifestation of seborrheic dermatitis. The problem usually affects men and women of young age (from 15 to 25 years old) and is associated with a violation of the ratio of male and female sex hormones in the body.

Works of scientists from Australia demonstrate the ability of the oil to eliminate dandruff symptoms after a few days from the start of treatment. The severity of skin irritation, itching and redness also decreased.

To quickly and effectively eliminate dandruff, add 1-2 drops of oil to the shampoo and wash your hair thoroughly, rubbing the mixture into the hairline.

6. It helps in the treatment of psoriasis

Psoriasis is a severe autoimmune disease with periodic hyperemia (redness), peeling and itching of the skin. There are many symptomatic medications, but they do not completely eliminate the problem.

One of the methods of therapy may be the use of tea tree oil. It contains anti-inflammatory substances that can weaken the course of the disease.

Recommended:

1. Mix 15-20 drops of tea tree oil and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil.
2. Apply to the affected areas of the skin 2-3 times a day. Do not rinse.

7. A tool for treating wounds and cuts

The oil can be used to treat wound surfaces to prevent the introduction of harmful bacteria and the development of the inflammatory process.

How claim Australian experts, it inhibits the growth and reproduction of Staphylococcus aureus, one of the main pathogenic agents of wounds.

To treat the skin of the face or body, it is necessary to:

1. Wash the damaged area of the skin with soap and water.
2. Mix 1 tsp coconut oil and 1-2 drops of tea tree oil.
3. Apply the mixture to the wound. Cover with a bandage.

It is recommended to change the bandage 1-2 times a day before the formation of a scab ("crust").

8. Can be used as a deodorant

As already mentioned, the remedy possesses antibacterial and antiviral activity. An additional advantage is a persistent pleasant aroma.

Sweat doesn't smell by itself. The smell occurs when the secretion of sweat glands interacts with bacteria, which are destroyed.

Tea tree leaf oil is an excellent and environmentally friendly alternative to modern deodorants filled with chemicals.

For cooking, you will need:

• 3 tablespoons of coconut and shea butter;
• 50 grams of corn starch;
• 50 grams of baking soda;
• 1.5 ml of tea tree leaf essential oil.

Recipe:

1. Melt coconut and shea butter in a glass container (in a water bath).
2. Remove from heat, add the remaining ingredients. Mix thoroughly.
3. Pour the composition into any mold. It is better to use silicone-based. Let cool for 3-4 hours.
4. Deodorant is ready. Apply 1-2 times a day to problem areas of the skin.

9. It is a hand sanitizer

Oil possesses with pronounced antibacterial activity.

Special efficacy is emphasized in relation to Escherichia, streptococcus, staphylococcus and Hemophilus bacillus. The effectiveness of the product in relation to viruses is also described.

Consider a simple recipe for hand sanitizer.

Required (everything can be purchased at pharmacies):

• 1-1.5 ml of tea tree oil;
• About 0.5 ml of lavender essential oil;
• 250 ml of aloe vera gel;
• 1 tbsp vodka;
• 1 tsp vitamin E oil.

Recipe:

1. Mix all essential oils.
2. Add vodka. Mix thoroughly.
3. Pour in the aloe vera gel.
4. Mix again, pour into a convenient container and let stand for about 1-2 hours.
5. The tool is ready. It is recommended to shake the container before each use.

10. Fights insects

Brazilian experts revealed that treating cows with tea tree oil reduces the number of flies in their environment by 61%. The action lasts for 24 hours.

The product is also capable scare away mosquitoes and other insects that can spoil your outdoor activities.

To protect yourself from pests, it is enough to apply 1-5 drops of oil on clothes, exposed skin or surrounding objects (pillow, towel).

Safety and harm

The use of tea tree oil (both topically and orally) has contraindications and can cause harm to health.

Ingestion of oil is the most dangerous.

If swallowed, allergic reactions may develop, signs of irritation of the mucous membranes may appear, as well as toxic damage to blood cells, liver and kidneys.

Signs of oil poisoning are:

• Skin rashes of any kind;
• Abdominal pain of a spastic nature;
• Diarrhea (sometimes with an admixture of blood);
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Belching;
• Depression of consciousness and drowsiness or arousal with hallucinations;
• Coma.

Contact allergic dermatitis (itching, redness, papular or vesicular rash) often develops with topical use. The phenomena disappear quickly after rinsing the skin.

In no case is it recommended to take baths with tea tree oil or use an aroma lamp for aromatherapy. The effect of the product on the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract or large areas of the skin is extremely dangerous!

Conclusion

1. Tea tree oil is a natural and beneficial remedy, but only with local topical application. All other uses are contraindicated!
2. The composition is able to accelerate the healing of wounds and burns, destroy harmful bacteria and viruses on the skin, eliminate inflammatory processes.
3. The product is highly effective in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, fungal nail damage and caries prevention.