Tea tree oil is widely recognized, and many people keep it at home. While it's commonly used for a few purposes, such as combating infections, tea tree oil actually has a multitude of applications.
Indeed, its versatility may make it an essential addition to your medicine cabinet, and you're about to discover why.
What is Tea Tree Oil?
Tea tree oil is an essential oil with a long history. Primarily derived from the Australian native plant Melaleuca alternifolia, it has been the subject of numerous studies that confirm its ability to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
The key active components in tea tree oil are terpene hydrocarbons, monoterpenes, and sesquiterpenes. These substances are the source of tea tree oil's potency, providing its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.
Top 10 Uses and Benefits of Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil offers several benefits and applications for the body and beyond.
1. Combat Acne & Other Skin Conditions
Tea tree oil's robust antibacterial qualities render it an excellent treatment for various skin issues, including acne. Numerous studies have substantiated tea tree oil's efficacy in addressing mild to moderate acne.
A 2017 study assessed the performance of tea tree oil gel versus a non-tea tree face wash in acne management. Participants in the tea tree group applied the oil to their faces twice daily over a 12-week span. Those utilizing tea tree oil saw a significant reduction in facial acne lesions compared to those who used the face wash.
Additionally, tea tree oil serves as an effective remedy for other inflammatory skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis. Its potent anti-fungal properties also aid in treating Athlete's Foot, eczema, yeast infections, and a variety of other bacterial and fungal skin afflictions.
2. It acts as an all-natural disinfectant.
Tea tree oil has gained popularity as a key component in disinfectant sprays, and rightfully so. Its potent antimicrobial properties enable it to eliminate harmful bacteria throughout your home. It serves as a versatile cleaner suitable for bathtubs, kitchens, living rooms, and other areas requiring thorough cleaning.
To disinfect dishes, you can add a few drops of tea tree oil, or alternatively, incorporate it into your dishwasher's soap dispenser for sanitization.
When ill, diffusing tea tree oil can help halt the spread of germs. However, it is crucial to note that tea tree oil is toxic to cats; therefore, avoid diffusing it when they are present in the house.
3. Functions as an Ant Repellent
Tea tree oil is also an effective ant repellent. Simply apply a few drops at points of entry to deter ants.
For a homemade repellent spray, combine the following:
- 2/3 cup of white vinegar
- 1/3 cup of water
- 20 drops of clove essential oil
- 20 drops of tea tree oil
- 1 tsp. of liquid castile soap (such as Dr. Bronner's)
Mix these ingredients in a spray bottle and shake gently. Apply the spray to areas where you wish to prevent ant access.
4. Soothes Skin Irritations
Tea tree oil possesses anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent remedy for soothing skin irritations and wounds. A pilot study observed that wounds treated with tea tree oil began healing and decreasing in size. Further research indicates tea tree oil's efficacy in managing chronic wounds.
Additionally, tea tree oil provides relief for sunburns, sores, and insect bites, complementing lavender oil well, which offers similar benefits for these conditions.
5. Effectively Remedies Bad Breath
Halitosis, or bad breath, originates from bacteria present in the mouth, particularly those residing on the back of the tongue, throat, and tonsils. Tea tree oil's antimicrobial properties can effectively neutralize these odor-causing bacteria.
A study has demonstrated that tea tree oil serves as a potent antiseptic against oral pathogens, including Candida albicans, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. This property renders tea tree oil particularly beneficial in situations like post-oral surgery (e.g., root canals or wisdom tooth extractions), where there is an elevated risk of bacterial and/or fungal infections.
For oral rinsing with tea tree oil, mix a few drops into a cup of water and swish around the mouth. It is crucial to avoid ingestion as tea tree oil is not intended for internal use.
6. Alleviate Dry Scalp"
If you experience dry areas on your scalp along with dandruff, it's possible you're dealing with seborrheic dermatitis. But there's good news—tea tree oil might be the solution. Recent studies indicate that tea tree oil can alleviate symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis.
Research featured in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology examined the efficacy of a shampoo containing 5 percent tea tree oil on individuals with mild to moderate dandruff. Following a treatment duration of four weeks, the group using tea tree oil exhibited a 41% reduction in dandruff severity. In contrast, the control group, which did not use tea tree oil, only showed an 11% improvement. The study also observed reductions in itchiness and greasiness among patients who used the tea tree oil shampoo.
For those struggling with seborrheic dermatitis or looking to decrease dandruff production, adding a few drops of tea tree oil to your shampoo might be beneficial.
7. Addressing Head Lice
Many people are unaware that natural remedies for head lice exist. One of the key strategies in eradicating lice is the use of essential oils, such as tea tree oil and peppermint oil. Research on the effectiveness of tea tree oil against head lice has yielded encouraging outcomes.
An Italian study assessed the efficacy of tea tree oil against lice and their nits. Over six months, tea tree oil, both alone and combined with nerolidol—a standard lice treatment—was tested in various concentrations on 69 head lice and 187 eggs.
What were the findings? Tea tree oil alone caused a 100 percent mortality rate in head lice after only 30 minutes of exposure. Moreover, a higher concentration of tea tree oil resulted in a 50 percent reduction in egg hatching success.
I recommend combining coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, and tea tree oil to effectively suffocate and eliminate adult lice while dehydrating the eggs. It is also crucial to use a nit comb to ensure all nits are removed.
8. Laundry Freshener:
For musty, moldy, or particularly odorous items (like gym clothes), tea tree oil can provide a refreshing solution. Its antibacterial properties make it an excellent addition to laundry requiring a deeper clean than what standard detergents offer.
To deodorize your laundry, add 5-10 drops of tea tree oil to your detergent. For spot treatment of malodorous areas, use a blend of tea tree oil, vinegar, and water.
9. Mold Killer
Tea tree oil serves as an effective deterrent against mold due to its antifungal and antiseptic qualities. It's crucial to address mold promptly upon detection, as exposure often leads to symptoms that evolve into enigmatic health issues over time. Black mold is especially worrisome. To combat mold spores and other harmful bacteria, consider using a diffuser with tea tree oil. For spot treatment of mold, apply pure tea tree oil directly to the affected area and allow it to air dry. Reapply after a couple of days, followed by weekly applications to prevent mold recurrence.
10. Natural Deodorant
Thanks to its natural antibacterial properties, tea tree oil is effective in neutralizing the bacteria responsible for body odor. Create your own tea tree oil deodorant by blending a few drops with coconut oil and baking soda. Alternatively, incorporate tea tree oil into myBase Deodorant—a customizable natural deodorant that allows you to add your preferred essential oils with each application.
