Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is an essential oil that can be used for several purposes, including keeping skin, hair and nails healthy.

In addition to its scientifically backed benefits, tea tree oil is inexpensive and safe when used as directed.

This article discusses 14 everyday uses for tea tree oil and provides guidance on using it safely and effectively.

Tea tree oil has been used as a traditional medicine by Aborigines for centuries. These native Australians crush tea tree leaves to extract the oil, which is then inhaled to treat coughs and colds or applied directly to the skin for healing.

Today, tea tree oil is widely available as a 100% undiluted or “neat” oil. Diluted forms are also available, ranging from 5–50% strength in products designed for the skin.

Tea tree oil contains a number of compounds, including terpinen-4-ol, that have been shown to kill certain bacteria, viruses and fungi

Terpinen-4-ol also appears to increase the activity of your white blood cells, which help fight germs and other foreign invaders

These germ-fighting properties make tea tree oil a valued natural remedy for treating bacterial and fungal skin conditions, preventing infection and promoting healing.

Benefits

1. Hand Sanitizer

Tea tree oil makes an ideal natural hand sanitizer.
Studies have shown that it kills several common bacteria and viruses responsible for causing illness, including E. coli, S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae
Using tree oil as a natural hand sanitizer may help kill a number of germs responsible for colds, flu and other illness.


2. Insect Repellent

Tea tree oil helps keep pesky insects away.

3. Natural Deodorant
Tea tree oil’s antibacterial effects helps control underarm odor related to perspiration.

4. Fight Acne
Gels containing tea tree oil have been shown to reduce the number of lesions and severity of acne in a number of studies.

5. Get Rid of Nail Fungus
Tea tree oil appears to be as effective against fungal nail infections as anti fungal medications applied to the area.

6. Chemical-Free Mouthwash
Tea tree oil can be diluted with water to create a mouthwash that helps fight bad breath and dental plaque.

To make your own chemical-free mouthwash, simply add a drop of tea tree oil to a cup of warm water, mix thoroughly and swish in your mouth for 30 seconds or so.

7. All-Purpose Cleaner
Tea tree oil can be mixed with water and vinegar to create a chemical-free, all-purpose cleaner for your home.

8. Control Dandruff
Dandruff, or white flakes of dead skin that fall from the scalp, isn’t dangerous.
However, it can be annoying and embarrassing. One study suggests that tea tree oil  helps to reduce the severity of dandruff and improve other symptoms.