What Is Tea Tree Essential Oil?
Melaleuca alternifolia aka tea tree is a small, native tree found in Queensland and New South Wales. It has been used traditionally for thousands of years by Australian Indigenous populations for its antibacterial, antiviral, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and fungicidal benefits. The leaves of the tree were crushed to extract the oil, which was then inhaled to help with coughs and colds, or applied topically to the skin for healing.
Fast forward to today, we can find tea tree essential oil products in almost every health food store, supermarket and chemist as the use of essential oils is becoming more and more popular.
Here are 8 easy ways to use tea tree essential oil to reap its amazing benefits in the home, on wounds and acne, to help fight germs, and more!
1. DIY Hand Sanitiser
How often have your hands become way too dry when using hand sanitiser? Try this all-natural, DIY hand sanitiser recipe that is gentle on your hands, but still tough on germs. Thanks to tea tree’s antibacterial and antiseptic properties, it makes the perfect ingredient for a hand sanitiser. Plus, it smells amazing!
Ingredients:
- 20 drops pure tea tree essential oil
- 1 tbsp. witch hazel
- 200ml aloe vera gel
Method:
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl and transfer into a pump bottle or an old, empty hand sanitiser bottle. Enjoy as needed!
2. Tea Tree Oil for Fungal Nails
Fungal nail infections are common and can affect the appearance of the nails. Tea tree oil has been studied for its antifungal activity and is often used in topical nail care preparations.
How to Use Tea Tree Oil for Nails
Dilute 2 drops of tea tree essential oil in a small amount of melted coconut or olive oil. Mix well and apply to the affected nails.
The same mixture may also be applied between the toes after showering as part of a foot care routine.
3. Tea Tree Oil for Bug Bites
Tea tree oil is frequently included in topical preparations used after insect bites due to its soothing and cooling properties.
How to Apply Tea Tree Oil for Bug Bites
Add 1 drop of tea tree essential oil to 20 mL of water. Dip a cotton ball into the mixture and gently apply to the affected area twice daily as required.
4. Natural Tea Tree Deodorant
Tea tree oil's fresh scent makes it a popular ingredient in homemade deodorant recipes.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup corn starch
- 5 tbsp coconut oil
- 16 drops tea tree essential oil
Optional: add lavender or peppermint essential oil for fragrance.
Method
- Combine the baking soda and corn starch in a bowl.
- Melt the coconut oil until liquid.
- Add the tea tree oil and any additional essential oils.
- Mix the oil blend into the dry ingredients until combined.
- Store in an airtight container.
How to Use
Apply a small amount to the underarm area using clean fingertips.
5. Tea Tree Oil for Acne
Tea tree oil contains naturally occurring compounds including terpinen-4-ol, alpha-terpineol and alpha-pinene. These compounds have been the subject of research exploring their role in topical skin care applications.
Tea Tree Oil and Acne
Because essential oils are highly concentrated, tea tree oil should not be applied directly to the skin.
Instead, add a drop of tea tree essential oil to your facial cleanser or exfoliator before use.
6. Tea Tree Oil for Minor Cuts and Scratches
Tea tree oil is commonly used in topical skin preparations and first aid products.
How to Use Tea Tree Oil on Minor Scratches and Abrasions
- Clean the affected area thoroughly with soap and water.
- Dry the skin.
- Mix 1 drop of tea tree essential oil with a small amount of coconut or olive oil.
- Apply gently to the area.
- Cover with a bandage if required.
Repeat once or twice daily until the skin has recovered.
7. Tea Tree All-Purpose Cleaning Spray
Tea tree essential oil is a popular ingredient in homemade cleaning products thanks to its fresh aroma.
DIY Tea Tree Cleaning Spray
Combine:
- 20 drops tea tree essential oil
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
Pour into a spray bottle and shake well before use.
Spray onto surfaces and wipe clean with a dry cloth. Suitable for kitchen benches, bathrooms and other hard surfaces.
8. Tea Tree Oil for Dandruff
Dandruff is commonly associated with scalp irritation and excess oil production. Tea tree oil has been investigated for its use in scalp care products, including shampoos formulated for dandruff.
Tea Tree Oil and Dandruff
A study involving 126 participants found that a shampoo containing tea tree oil improved the appearance of dandruff and reduced scalp itchiness and greasiness.
To incorporate tea tree oil into your hair care routine, add one drop to the shampoo in your palm before massaging into the scalp.
Important Safety Information
Not all essential oils are suitable for everyone – patch test essential oils before use and discontinue if sensitivity occurs. Avoid eye area. If pregnant or have any pre-existing medical conditions, please consult your doctor before use. Do not ingest essential oils. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
REFERENCES
- Hechtman, L. (2012), Clinical Naturopathic Medicine, Chapter: The Dermatological System, pp.631-688, Churchill Livingstone, Elsevier
- Satchell, A.C., Saurajen, A., Barnetson, R.S. (2002), Treatment of dandruff with 5% tea tree oil shampoo, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 47(6): 852-855
- Sinha, P. et.al. (2014), New Perspectives on Anti Acne Plant Drugs: Contribution to Modern Therapeutics, Biomed Research General, DOI: 10.1155/2014/301304
- Spritzler, F. (2017), 14 Everyday Uses for Tea tree Oil, Healthline, <https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/tea-tree-oil#section1>
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