Benefits and Uses of Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Essential Oil (Melaleuca)

Tea Tree earned its common name when eighteenth century sailors aboard the Endeavour used the leaves of a melaleuca plant as a substitute for their tea during their voyage to Australia alongside captain James Cook.  

Tea tree essential oil is derived from Melaleuca alternifolia, a native Australian plant. The leaves of this plant are extracted from the tree and steam distilled. This oil can be commonly found in shampoos, lotions, mouthwashes, and several household products because of its healing properties.

Due to the recognition of tea tree's multitudinal uses, popularity of this prized oil has grown immensely. Some of the benefits offered by tea tree oil include the following.

Tea tree for infections and inflammation

• Tea tree oil has long been used as traditional medicine by native Australians, the Aborigines. The tree leaves were crushed, and the oil was extracted to treat cough and cold. The crushed leaves were directly applied to the skin for healing. 

• Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties; hence, an effective wound healer. A study has shown that the oil is useful in treating wounds caused by bacteria when used in addition to conventional treatment.
• Using tea tree oil mixed with coconut oil helps to prevent infection caused by small cuts and abrasions. It acts as a disinfectant and helps kill S. aureus and other bacteria.
• Tea tree oil is believed to be useful in treating psoriasis, inflammation, infection, and for boosting immunity. Though there is no scientific research that backs this, anecdotal evidence is strong enough to support it.
• Fungal infections in the nail can be treated using tea tree essential oil. 
• Tea tree oil is useful in treating athlete’s foot, medically known as tinea pedis. The oil helps relieve the inflammation, scaling, burning, and itching associated with the condition.

 
Benefit for the skin and hair

• Tea tree oil is extremely helpful in reducing the severity of acne.
• Skin inflammation and skin irritation can be treated by applying tea tree oil to the area as a neat application or combined with a carrier oil for sensitive skin. 
• Tea tree oil also provides relief from bug bites and reactions caused by the bite, such as swelling, itching, and redness.
• Dandruff can be improved by using tea tree oil and can reduce itchiness, and greasiness of the scalp.
• The antibacterial properties make the tea tree oil a great natural deodorizer as it helps to control odor related to perspiration.

Tea tree for the household

• Tea tree oil has antifungal properties that reduce the growth of fungus in fruits and vegetables.
• The essential oil is a natural hand sanitizer as it is known to kill several bacteria, including S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, and E. coli.
• Tea tree oil can also be used as an insect and pest repellent.

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The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Neither Sixth Scents nor its products are intended for the purpose of diagnosing, treating, curing, or preventing any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using these products.