The tea tree, and specifically tea tree oil, became all the rage at the beginning of the 20th century. For generations, the natives Aborigines of Australia have used the tea tree primarily for medicine. After its landmark discovery re-discovery in the 18th century, it gained some recognition and fame due to the noted health benefits of tea tree oil, but then faded out of memory as the years went by.
In 1923, an Australian chemist studied the antiseptic properties of tea tree oil, and was amazed to find that it is one of the strongest natural antiseptics known in the world. Later on, more medical research was done in areas of Australia and England. This research solidified the tea tree’s place in the pantheon of antiseptics. Later still, in WWII, Australian soldiers were issues tea tree oil as part of their first aid kit, and it was used with great success.
Tea Tree Oil
After WWII, the popularity of tea tree oil waned, but it has made a big comeback in recent years. Although not as popular as some other essential oils, such as Sunflower Oil, tea tree oil certainly has come a long way. Why? Because people are looking for more natural remedies, in spite of all of the marvelous medical advancements which are being made. Sometimes, you want to go back to nature a bit, and take it easy with all of those antibiotics.
So, what can tea tree oil be used for? Below, we have compiled a list of its top benefits. Remember that tea tree is considered an alternative kind of medicine, and that studies are still being conducted on it. Try tea tree oil and see for yourself what it can or can’t do for you.
Tea Tree Oil For Acne
Apply Tea Tree Oil For Acne With A Q-Tip
Finding the right acne treatment can be a harrowing and frustrating process. This is true whether you go the natural route or the modern medical route. We all have different concentrations of sebum (natural oil) in various locations on our body, and many times the acne can be the result of changes in that bodily department.
If you have acne, by all means get its severity and causes diagnosed by a physician first. This should always be step one, and that is true of any kind of medical condition. Treating it, however, doesn’t have to be a done through the modern medical methods. Those can be costly and frustrating, as we know, since some doctors think they know everything…
If you want to take care of your acne with tea tree oil, first off – purchase 100% natural oil, and not oil which contains tea tree. Big difference there, and this also goes for the rest of these remedies. They should all be done with 100% essential tea tree oil – otherwise, you’re simply not going to be getting optimal results. Worse, artificial additives could actually cause harm to your body.
Dilute a few tea tree oil drops with honey/witch hazel/water/other substance (not any substance, of course. Do your research and take your pick), and apply it to your skin with a q-tip once or twice a day. Tea tree is very potent, so do not overuse it, or you could make your problems worse. This is another cast iron law of tea tree, and to some extent of all essential oils. Do not overuse, since you can end up with unwanted results. Apricot Oil can also serve as an effective acne treatment.
Tea Tree Oil For Lice
Tea Tree Oil Has Many Benefits
Lice is one of the most common conditions there are, even in healthy families. Anyone who has ever had kids – and that includes a lot of the population – knows that lice can be a recurring and incredibly annoying experience. Normally, kids and essential oils are not to be mixed. In the case of head lice, however, it is a different story.
In order to treat a head which is infected with lice, add tea tree oil to a shampoo or gel before applying. It should be about 1 to 10 ratio of oil to shampoo, given that tea tree is very strong. Adding lavender oil can also help, and it can even give the treatment a nice scent. It should be noted that after the lice and eggs have been eliminated, you can continue to use tea tree oil as a preventive measure against future bouts of lice. Use a bit of it in your shampoo or make your own spray bottle with tea tree and other essential oils. This is perfect for when you want to give your head some extra protection, but do not have the time to step into the shower.
Tea Tree Oil For Hair
Tea Tree Oil Promotes Hair Health
Don’t have lice in your hair? That is some good news! You can still, however, use tea tree oil to prevent and treat scalp itchiness, dandruff, baldness, and even cases of psoriasis. As I mentioned, studies are still being conducted on tea tree and its many claims and attributes, but you don’t necessarily need studies in order to see what works.
Using tea tree in moderation can do your hair a world of good. It is a great alternative to chemical-laden hair care products, and it can make your dry scalp come alive. The oil can help stimulate the body’s sebaceous glands, which will in turn produce more natural oil, and help to solve any condition. A lot of head and hair conditions are in some way connected with the scalp’s natural oil, or lack thereof, which is why tea tree is a great way to get things moving in a positive direction. Overall, the oil simply promotes scalp and hair health.
Different kinds of fungus have many different suggested treatments, but they almost always include some kind of harmful steroids or other elements which are a lot less than ideal to use, even in healing. This is especially true in regards to fungus found in nails. Your nails are a very sensitive area, and they require a special kind of treatment, which we will describe as follows:
Trim the infected nail, file it down as best you can, wash it thoroughly, and only then apply tea tree oil using a q-tip. This is a procedure which should be done daily, until the fungus has fully receded. If you have the option of soaking your feet in a bath or bucket in order to treat infected feet, it can not only be a treatment, but also a great way to relax. It could take some time, but eventually your toes will clear up with consistent application, and new nail growth will take its place on the affected toe.
Tea Tree Oil For Yeast Infection
Fungal infections are caused in a number of different ways, one of them being via yeast. Women all around the world are discovering that tea tree can be an effective remedy for this wholly uncomfortable state. As with other medical conditions, many women will opt to try something more natural before turning to harsher medical solutions. In order to treat a yeast infection with tea tree oil:
Coat the top half of a tampon with any lube (such as KY), then apply a few drops of tea tree oil on top of that. The layer of lube prevents the oil from getting immediately absorbed, and it gives it a chance to work. Tea tree can sting if it comes into direct contact with such an intimate and sensitive area of the body, so some choose to use an applicator-type tampon.
Some choose to not use a tampon at all, and simply apply some aloe mixed with tea tree. Repeat this process – with or without a tampon – once to twice a day, but not more. It can relieve the itching and help it heal. Since this is a sensitive area, be very cautious. Tea tree can also be used as a douche, but it needs to be seriously diluted in order to be used as such. A tea tree douche can be used once a day, and in most cases it will help to eliminate symptoms and heal the body.
Tea Tree Oil For Cold Sores
Tea tree essential oil isn’t normally applied topically. It is not really meant to be used that way, but in this case – an exception is made. In order to treat a cold sore, apply essential oil of tea tree directly to the sore, several times a day. Make sure to keep the oil out of your mouth, since it does not taste good, and it is not meant to be ingested internally – use small doses with each treatment! Some may disagree in regards to ingesting the oil, but better safe than sorry. Lips, nose, mouth, chin – anywhere where a cold sore may be present, tea tree oil can help to ease the pain and clear up the sore. Use a q-tip, use a little each time, and most importantly – monitor your situation. If you see that the results are not good, cease using it, and find another kind of remedy. Alternatively, if you want to continue using tea tree oil, dilute it.
Where To Buy Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree Oil Is Widely Available
Essential oils are available in many shops and health food stores, online and offline. However, just because a bottle says “tea tree oil” on it, does not make it pure and natural. Some companies mix different oils into one vial. Some only add a bit tea tree oil to a different kind of substance, and market it as a tea tree oil remedy. Make sure to purchase 100% pure essential oil from a reputed retailer, and avoid any kind of unpleasantness.
There are companies who market tea tree oil as “aromatherapy grade” or another kind of “grade”. This is hogwash. Tea tree oil is either %100 or is not. There is no other way to measure it, and there are no kinds of medical grades to it. There are different solutions and treatments which incorporate tea tree into their formula, but 100% tea tree is always 100% tea tree. Avoid bottles which have any other ingredient on their list. The only one which you should be looking at is oil of tea tree, also known as melaleuca alternifolia.
Conclusion
Essential oils (like Jojoba Oil or Rosemary Oil) seem to be making a comeback, but the fact of the matter is that they never left. Every generation sort of rediscovers their amazing potential, and tea tree is also among these “trending” kinds of medical solutions. It is a highly-effective antiseptic, antibiotic, anti-inflmmatory agent, and all-around general cleaner. It can help keep bugs and other pests at bay, and it is used every single day by countless individuals all over the world for so many purposes. Whether it is for skin, scalp, hair, nails, or any other part of the body – tea tree is a remedy which can be used on a regular basis with little to no side effects. It sure beats the heck out of all kinds of medical salves and ointments out there, which may be filled to the brim with potentially-harmful ingredients. They treat you, but give you all kinds of discomfort in the process. Also, remember that everything you put on your body – specifically your skin – has the potential of ending up in your bloodstream.
As always, use caution. Tea tree is very potent, and if misused it can become a liability. Generally speaking, it should be treated as a dangerous medicine. Keep it away from kids, and consult a health care professional if needed.
Tea tree oil should be stored in a glass vial, and never in plastic, since it can cause it to go bad a lot quicker. Tea tree oil prefers cooler and darker places, and when stored in the proper conditions it can stay potent for several months. When it doubt – buy new oil. You do not want to end up with rancid tea tree oil on or in your body. Trust me.
Essential oils are one of the most popular alternative choices of medicine out there, and the number of people who are using these oils is growing every day. Tea tree may have been in use for hundreds of years, but now we all get to take advantage of its hygienic benefits and medicinal properties.
