Tea tree oil: what it is for and 11 properties

Tea tree oil is one of the essential oils most beneficial to our health and care, and for that reason it has been gaining popularity in recent years.

We tell you what is tea tree oil for and what are its main properties and benefits, so that you are encouraged to add it to your essential oil kit.

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What is tea tree oil and what is it for?

Tea tree oil is distilled from the leaves and barks of the Malaleuca alternifolia or tea, a native Australian bush traditionally used as a medicinal remedy by the aborigines. Not to be confused with the tea plant from which they are extracted the different types of tea.

The chemicals in tea tree oil have an antibacterial, fungicidal and healing effect, being perfect for treating cuts, wounds, insect bites, fungi, infections, acne, dandruff and even colds.

This essential oil used mostly topically, applying a few drops on the skin. But you can also use it by adding a few drops during a hot water bath, or in a container with boiling water to steam or inhale. In any case, it should not be ingested, as it can be harmful.

Tea tree oil can be purchased in essential oil form at health food stores, stores with natural products or even in supermarkets like Mercadona. But you can also find it as part of other products, such as lotions or creams.

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12 properties and benefits of tea tree oil

Here you have one list of properties of tea tree oil, with all the benefits it has for your health and the uses you can give it.

1. Relieves acne

One of the tea tree oil benefits Most proven is that of its action against acne, as it reduces its appearance and the scarring of the wounds they cause.

You can use anti acne creams that contain this essential oil or dilute a few drops of the product in a glass of water, to apply the solution with a cotton ball on the affected areas once or twice a day.

2. To heal wounds

Another of the properties of tea tree oil is its antiseptic effect, which together with its healing effect makes it an ideal product to treat cuts, wounds or burns. This essential oil not only prevents infection, it helps reduce inflammation and stimulates healing, speeding up the healing process.

3. Irritations and rashes

It also helps reduce symptoms of irritations and rashes, such as inflammations, redness and itching. Tea tree oil works by calming skin areas irritated by contact or allergic dermatitis.

4. Antiseptic

Its antibacterial and antiviral effect acts against all types of bacteria and makes it an ideal product to use as hand sanitizer or antiseptic.

5. Dandruff

Another of the most proven benefits of tea tree oil is to fight dandruff. To do this, just add a few drops to your usual shampoo and use it normally, but leaving it on for a few minutes before rinsing. This remedy relieve inflammation and dryness of the scalp, responsible for flaking.

6. Colds and congestions

The antiviral properties of this essential oil help fight colds and flu. Plus, it acts great as treatment to relieve nasal congestion. In this case, it is best to do steam or steam baths, adding a few drops of tea tree oil to a container of boiling water and inhaling the steam.

7. Bad breath

The antibacterial properties of tea tree also help fight germs that settle in the mouth, causing cavities or bad breath.

In this case you can use tea tree oil as a natural mouthwash. Add a drop of the essential oil to a cup of warm water, mix and rinse. Do not forget to spit out all the water at the end, as ingested it can be toxic.

8. Deodorant

These same antibacterial properties also work by helping to control underarm odor, as it is produced by bacteria. Tea tree oil combined with other natural products allows you to create a natural deodorant that acts against bad odor, also leaving a herbal aroma.

9. Insect bites

In the same way that it relieves irritations, it also helps soothe the effects of insect bites like mosquitoes or bees. A few drops of this essential oil diluted will relieve inflammation, itching and redness.

10. Lice

The insecticidal effect of this essential oil is also used to get rid of insects, but it is especially effective against lice and nits. You can create your own natural remedy by adding a few drops of tea tree oil with two tablespoons of olive oil, to use as an anti-lice mask.

11. Against fungi and infections

Another of the most proven properties of tea tree oil is its antifungal effect. Used in its essential form on the affected area, it helps fight nail fungus or alleviate the effects of foot fungus, known as athlete's foot.

It is also very effective against other types of fungi and infections, as can be the throat. In that case you can dilute a drop of this oil in a glass of warm water and gargle without swallowing.

12. Multi-use cleaner

Beyond home remedies for health conditions, tea tree oil can also be used to create a All-Purpose Natural Homemade Cleaner. By mixing 25 drops of the oil, with half a cup of apple cider vinegar and agua of water in a spray bottle, you can have your own disinfectant household cleaner.

Contraindications

Before using tea tree oil in your remedies, you must take into account some aspects. It is a pure essential oil that should be used topically and never ingested, as it can be toxic.

Although everyone can use it, apply one or two drops to the skin beforehand to see the effects and rule out possible allergic reactions. In some people with skin sensitivity it can cause irritations or rashes.

Its use is contraindicated for pregnant women, children under 3 years of age and it is not recommended to use it continuously in children of other ages.

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