One of the many uses for tea tree oil is to maintain the health of your skin, hair, and nails.

In addition to its medically proven advantages, tea tree oil is affordable and secure when used according to instructions.

This article discusses 10 practical applications for tea tree oil and offers advice on how to do so in a secure and efficient manner.

What exactly is tea tree oil, and how does it work effectively?

Melaleuca alternifolia, a small tree that is native to Queensland and New South Wales in Australia, produces tea tree oil in its leaves.

The Australian Aboriginal population has long used tea tree oil as a traditional medicine. These indigenous Australians crush tea tree leaves to extract the oil, which they then either directly apply to the skin for healing or inhale to treat coughs and colds.

Tea tree oil is now widely accessible in its 100% pure, or “neat,” form. Additionally, diluted forms are offered in skin care products, with strengths ranging from 5 to 50%.

Terpinen-4-ol, one of the compounds found in tea tree oil, has been demonstrated to be effective in killing specific bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Additionally, terpinen-4-ol seems to boost the activity of your white blood cells, which aid in warding off pathogens and other foreign invaders.

Tea tree oil is a popular natural remedy for treating bacterial and fungal skin conditions, preventing infection, and fostering healing thanks to its germ-fighting abilities.

Continue reading to discover the many uses of tea tree oil.

1.Fight acne

In the fight against acne, tea tree oil can be a potent tool. Numerous studies have demonstrated that it lessens the prevalence and overall severity of acne.

Some cases of acne are brought on by bacteria that are becoming hard to treat with conventional antibiotics. According to a scientific analysis of tea tree oil, application not only decreased bacterial activity but also killed the organisms in the lab after 4 to 6 hours.

In a different study, tea tree oil was discovered to be just as effective at treating acne as the most widely used acne medication, benzoyl peroxide.

Quick recap

Numerous studies have demonstrated that tea tree oil-based gels can lessen the number of lesions and the severity of acne.

2.Antiseptic for small scrapes and cuts

Broken skin from injuries makes it simple for germs to get into your bloodstream, which can cause an infection.

By eliminating bacteria that can lead to infection in open wounds, tea tree oil can be used to treat and disinfect minor cuts and abrasions.

To disinfect a cut or scrape, take the following actions:

• Applying simple soap and water will thoroughly clean the wound.
• One teaspoon of coconut oil and one drop of tea tree oil should be combined.
• A bandage should be placed over the wound after applying a small amount of the mixture.
• Once or twice daily, carry on with this procedure until a scab has formed.

Quick recap

Applying a mixture of coconut oil and tea tree oil to small cuts and abrasions can help keep them from becoming infected.

3.Increase wound healing

Tea tree oil may promote wound healing in addition to avoiding infection in cuts and abrasions.

According to research, tea tree oil aids in the reduction of inflammation and stimulates the activity of white blood cells, which are crucial to the healing process.

Tea tree oil has been shown to have antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties, which will help to lessen inflammation and promote healing.

In a small study with 10 wound patients, the addition of tea tree oil to standard wound care reduced healing time in all but one patient.

Every time a fresh dressing is put on a wound, a few drops of tea tree oil can be added.

Quick recap

Tea tree oil may improve the healing of wounds by lowering inflammation and boosting the activity of white blood cells.

4.Natural organic deodorant

The antibacterial properties of tea tree oil may aid in reducing sweat-related underarm odor.

Sweat doesn’t smell by itself. However, a moderate to strong odor is produced when bacteria on your skin and secretions from your sweat glands combine.

These glands are highly concentrated in your underarm region, where they are primarily accountable for the odor that is known as body odor. Due to its ability to kill bacteria, tea tree oil is a fantastic all-natural deodorant and antiperspirant substitute.

Quick recap

Compounds in tea tree oil fight the bacteria that cause body odor. It can be used to create a deodorant that is secure and efficient.

5.Hand sanitizer

An excellent all-natural hand sanitizer is tea tree oil.

Numerous common bacteria and viruses that cause illness, including E, have been shown to be killed by it, according to studies. coli, S. H. pneumoniae and influenzae.

In fact, a study comparing several handwashing methods found that including tea tree oil into the cleansers increased their potency against E. coli.

Studies continue to show that tea tree oil-based hand sanitizers are efficient at disinfecting hands and eliminating bacteria without the use of antibiotics.

Quick recap

A number of germs that cause colds, the flu, and other illnesses may be killed by using tree oil as a natural hand sanitizer.

6.Remove nail fungus

Nail fungus infections are rather typical. They are not harmful, but they can be ugly. Nail fungus can be treated with drugs, however some people might choose a more natural method.

When taken alone or in conjunction with other natural therapies, tea tree oil has been demonstrated to help treat nail fungus with fewer adverse effects than prescription drugs.

You can apply a few drops of tea tree oil directly to the affected area or combine it with an equal amount of coconut oil. After using, make sure to immediately wash your hands to prevent the fungus from spreading to other areas.

Quick recap

Tea tree oil seems to be just as effective at treating fungal nail infections as topical antifungal medications.

7.Non-chemical mouthwash

According to research, tea tree oil may be able to combat the bacteria that cause bad breath and tooth decay.

Tea tree oil outperformed the widely used oral rinse and disinfectant chlorhexidine in terms of fighting plaque-causing bacteria. Additionally, it was discovered that its flavor was less offensive.

A 2020 study discovered that using tea tree oil mouthwash was an effective way to lessen gingivitis inflammation.

Simply combine a drop of tea tree oil with a cup of warm water, stir well, and swish around for about 30 seconds to create your own chemical-free mouthwash.

Tea tree oil should not be swallowed, just like other mouthwashes. If consumed, it might be toxic.

Quick recap

Tea tree oil can be combined with water to make a mouthwash that fights dental plaque and bad breath.

8.Rid fruits and vegetables of mold

Undoubtedly, fresh produce is delicious and healthy.

Unquestionably delicious and healthy, fresh produce.

Botrytis cinerea, a type of gray mold, can unfortunately grow on it, especially in warm, humid climates.

According to studies, the antifungal elements terpinen-4-ol and 1,8-cineole in tea tree oil may help slow the spread of this mold on fruits and vegetables.

Before rinsing and thoroughly drying your produce, add 5–10 drops of tea tree oil to water to prevent the growth of mold.

Quick recap

Compounds in tea tree oil work to prevent the development of mold on fruits and vegetables. It can be added to water when rinsing produce to help keep it mold-free.

Adopting tea tree oil with caution

According to research, it seems to be generally safe.

Though the various uses of tea tree oil, before using it, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Tea tree oil should not be consumed because doing so could be toxic. Keep it away from children’s reach.

Test 1 or 2 drops of it on a small patch of skin before using it for the first time. Wait 24 hours to see if there is a reaction.

THE SUMMARY

As you can see, there are many uses of tea tree oil and it has a variety of benefits.

It’s a decent natural substitute for things like chemical-based skin and nail care products, personal care items, and disinfectants.

Tea tree oil is not a miracle cure, though. In fact, some people who use it might develop skin rashes or allergic reactions.

Overall, it is a useful item to have on hand and has a variety of uses.