Tea Tree Oil Uses: 16 Ways It Can Help

Tea Tree Oil Uses

Tea tree oil is an essential oil that comes from the leaves of a species of tree called Melaleuca alternifolia, which grows in Australia. Since it’s a popular remedy used for decades to treat several conditions for the skin, let’s learn about some tea tree oil uses. 

16 Tea Tree Oil Uses You Didn’t Know

1. Hand Sanitizer

Tea tree oil can be used to make your own natural hand sanitizer at home. All you have to do is mix Aloe Vera, Tea Tree Oil and Lavender into a spritz bottle. The Aloe Vera is useful for nourishing and hydrating the skin, while the essential oil acts as the antimicrobial agents in the sanitizer. For a stronger hand sanitizer that will help with Coronavirus, add some isopropyl alcohol to the mixture above. 

2. Acne

Tea tree oil may help treat acne thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

One study showed that 14 participants with acne supported the use of tea tree oil for treating acne. 

The participants used the oil on their faces two times a day for 12 weeks. The researchers measured the benefits of tea tree oil usage based on any decreases in acne lesions.

There were 23.7 acne lesions in total from the 14 participants at the start of the study. By the end of the 12 weeks, the total number of lesions for the group had dropped to a whopping 10.7! 

The researchers also found that although mild peeling and dryness occurred, most of the  participants tolerated the tea tree oil well. Thus, tea tree oil may help treat mild or moderate acne. For cystic or other types of acne, you should speak to your doctor immediately. 

3. Oily Skin

Tea tree oil can be used to benefit those with oily skin. 

According to one study, the use of sunscreen containing tea tree oil was used to determine whether or not it reduced oily skin in study participants.

For one month, the participants applied sunscreen containing tea tree oil to their skin. By the next month, at least 1 out of 2 areas of the face showed a reduction in oiliness and a reduction in pore size.

4. Dry Skin

Applying tea tree essential oil to the skin can help with dryness. 

5. Razor Burn

Razor burns can be unsightly, uncomfortable and even painful if left untreated. Apply a small amount of tea tree oil to the affected area as a natural astringent after shaving. 

6. Itching

According to a study in The Archives of Dermatological Research, the compared use of zinc oxide and clobetasone butyrate with that of tea tree oil in people with dermatitis revealed that tea tree oil was better at reducing allergic dermatitis than the other topical agents.

7. Eczema

Another one of tea tree oil uses is to bring down itching and irritation. Tea tree oil has shown to be more effective than zinc oxide and clobetasone butyrate creams in treating eczema caused by dry skin.

8. Dandruff

Dandruff is caused by a naturally occurring microbe on the scalp. A by-product of this microbe is created when it feeds on the natural oils on the scalp, this can cause sensitivity and an inflammatory response of itchiness and flaky skin.

9. Wound Healing

The antibacterial properties of tea tree oil make it an effective wound healer, however, studies in this area are lacking.

One small study, with four participants, compared healing times when using tea tree oil for wounds infected with Staphylococcus aureus. 3 of the 4 participants had decreased healing time in the wounds they treated using conventional treatment plus the fumes from tea tree oil.

10. Lighten The Appearance of Scars

Another one of tea tree oil uses is to reduce the appearance of skin blemishes. 

Tea tree oil  contains antioxidants which can promote the regeneration of skin cells; it is also a much cheaper and natural alternative to pricey cosmetic creams.

Use the oil mixed with your moisturizer or a tea tree oil serum daily and massaging this mixture onto the scar until fully absorbed, you will begin to see an improvement in skin appearance.

11. Inflammation 

Inflammation causes pain and irritated skin. The anti-inflammatory effect of tea tree oil helps to soothe you by reducing redness and swelling. 

One research found that tree oil showed signs of reduced inflamed skin due to skin sensitivity to nickel. This study used pure tea tree oil on the skin, however, most people are advised to use a diluted tea tree oil solution. 

To use it, add 1 drop of tea tree oil to a carrier oil or moisturizer and apply it to the affected area a few times per day. 

12. Infections and Cuts

If you have cut yourself or have a minor infection in an exposed wound, you can use tea tree oil in combination with lavender essential oil as a homemade ointment. 

To use, clean the wound thoroughly with water and then dilute two drops of tea tree oil and lavender oil in some jojoba oil, apply on the cut. Then, cover with a dressing to prevent infections.

According to a 2013 study, tea tree oil uses have been so beneficial to heal wounds caused by bacteria, that nine of the 10 people who used tea tree oil in addition to conventional treatment showed a decrease in healing time compared to conventional treatment alone! 

For any infections or wounds, add 1 drop of tea tree oil with a wound ointment cream and apply as directed throughout the day.

13. Treat Insect Bites and Stings

Tea tree oil is highly effective in the treatment of mosquito and insect bites. It helps to reduce skin swelling and minimize the itchiness.

14. Hair and Scalp Treatment

You can use tea tree oil on your hair to help it stay healthy and moisturized, promoting optimal growth.

To use it apply a mixture of tea tree oil and a carrier oil to your hair and scalp. Allow it to stay in your hair for 20 minutes. Then use a 5-percent tea tree oil shampoo or add a couple of drops of tea tree oil to your shampoo while in the shower to prevent the build-up of chemicals, oils and dead skin on the scalp and cleanse your hair thoroughly as you wash it.

Massage it into your scalp and hair for a few minutes before rinsing. Follow with a tea tree oil conditioner.

15. Nail Fungus

Nail fungus appears as yellowing nails, with an increased thickness and change to shape. Leaving the condition untreated can lead to considerable amounts of pain and discomfort and the loss of the nail.

16. Head Lice

Tea tree oil span from skin care to even the treatment of head lice, although you have to take this with a pinch of salt. Previous research suggests that tea tree oil can only kill head lice in the nymph and adult stages of life as well as in reducing the number of lice eggs which hatch. 

But this doesn’t solve the problem- eggs and adults both have to die. Therefore, combing remains the most effective treatment of head lice to date combined with using lice shampoo.

Precautions For Tea Tree Oil Uses: 

Now that you know about these tea tree oil uses, there are a few precautions to keep in mind about using this oil. 

  • Although this essential oil promotes healthy skin by soothing and healing a wide range of skin issues, you should not apply tea tree oil directly to your skin. It’s important to dilute the oil with a carrier oil, such as olive oil, coconut oil, or almond oil. 
  • For every 1 to 2 drops of tea tree oil, add 12 drops of a carrier oil. 
  • Take most care when using tea tree oil around the eye area. Exposure can cause redness and irritation. 
  • Never take tea tree oil orally, as ingesting it can cause serious health issues. 
  • Tea tree oil is available as a pure essential oil in a 5% concentration. Although higher concentrations are also available, applying tea tree oil to the skin after diluting it with a carrier oil or moisturizer decreases the risk of skin irritation.
  • Before you use tea tree oil, do a patch test to make sure your skin doesn’t go through bad reactions. 

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