Tea tree oil

The tea tree has an impressive history. Centuries before tea was made from the leaves of the tea tree, Australian aborigines knew of its healing properties. The leaves were crushed and mixed with clay to treat skin conditions and inflammations, and it was a panacea for an incredible number of other ailments.

Explorer Captain James Cook noted that the locals boiled the leaves in water, which gave off a smell similar to nutmeg. He suspected that they were making tea and coined the name “tea tree,” although it is a different tree and not the plant from which black tea is usually made.

Origin and Characteristics of the Tea Tree Trees

Tea trees were originally found only on the Australian continent. The tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), also called the paperbark tree, is a member of the Myrtaceae family, which includes over 150 different species of trees and shrubs with papery bark and lance-shaped leaves. They produce small white flower spikes that release woody seed pods. In addition to producing essential oil, the trees are also grown for their beautiful flowers.

This tree has natural healing powers, with its antiseptic properties coming straight from the leaves. In addition to the scientific backing of these powerful properties, tea tree oil has been shown to be even more powerful than aloe vera. It can be used to treat coughs, colds, skin conditions, and a host of other ailments. Applying tea tree oil to sore muscles has a pain-relieving effect, and recent studies support the use of tea tree oil to treat yeast and fungal infections.

These days, more and more people rely on natural products to care for their bodies – and luckily, nature provides countless products that actually have a positive effect on the body, while also providing a pleasant or soothing aroma. Tea tree oil is one of those health-supporting products. The oil is extracted from the leaves and twigs of the tea tree through steam distillation. The use of this highly accessible oil has spread throughout the world and has gained popularity as a natural antimicrobial agent.

Tea Tree Oil and Its Benefits

Considered a “cure-all in one bottle,” tea tree oil is one of the most used and versatile oils, a true gem among all essential oils. It is found in a wide variety of products, from soaps and shampoos to facial cleansers. The scent of this oil is somewhat reminiscent of eucalyptus.

One of the many properties of tea tree is its broad-spectrum antibacterial action, including MRSA bacteria, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, fungicidal, expectorant, antipruritic, skin healing, antiparasitic (eg, for head lice), immune-boosting, insecticidal, analgesic, antitumor, antipsoriatic.

Anti-inflammatory – Tea tree has anti-inflammatory action and, to a lesser extent, can also relieve pain. For a sore throat, a few drops of tea tree oil in a glass of water can be used to gargle (remember, do not swallow!). A bath with a few drops of tea tree essential oil is very effective for a bladder infection. Since the oil is not water soluble and to get the best distribution of the oil in your bath, it should be diluted with another bath product. Acne can be easily treated by dabbing tea tree oil on a cotton ball.

Cleansing – Tea tree essential oil is known as a natural remedy for acne, abscesses, skin infections, athlete’s foot, and warts. This is due to the presence of powerful antibacterial compounds that deeply cleanse the skin and pores. Tea tree oil is a pain reliever and a good wound healer, and can be used undiluted on a wound.

Skin Soothing – With anti-inflammatory properties, tea tree oil is an excellent natural remedy for soothing the skin, reducing irritation, and healing wounds.

Freshness – The antibacterial properties of tea tree oil work very well as a natural freshener for linens, even when they are musty or even moldy. It can be applied to shoes or feet to eliminate any unpleasant odors.

Oral Care – This oil can be used in toothpaste or mouthwash as it has a deodorizing effect.

Note: Do not swallow the mixture!

Insect Repellent – Live and Let Live! Staying outside a little longer on warm summer evenings usually means you are surrounded by flies and mosquitoes. Tea tree oil contains terpenes that repel insects from your skin. The smell of tea tree oil is unpleasant to them, so they stay away without the use of polluting chemicals. An oil burner with a few drops of tea tree oil works well for this purpose. Lice Prevention: Add 2 drops of tea tree oil to your shampoo to repel insects.

In case of insect bites, immediately apply a drop of tea tree oil to the affected area.

As a powerful antiseptic, tea tree essential oil stimulates the immune system, destroying bacteria, viruses and fungi. This oil can be used in both cosmetics and aromatherapy. It can heal wounds, relieve pain, help with congestion, and promote a sense of calm. In household cleaners, it can disinfect surfaces.

Tea Tree Oil and Aromatherapy

Like most essential oils, tea tree oil also provides a wonderful scent to your home when used as an air freshener. Another great way to avoid harmful chemicals! There is nothing better than a fresh natural scent in your home and disinfecting the air at the same time. Just a few drops of tea tree oil in a cool mist works wonders. Since this oil has a rather specific aroma, you can try combining it with another aroma, such as geranium or lemon essential oil.

Tea tree oil is one of the most popular ingredients in aromatherapy today. For example, this aroma is very pleasant and calming in a sauna.

Aroma vaporizer – tea tree gives a fresh and spicy aroma that mixes well with lavender, rosemary, clove and citrus aromas. When evaporated, tea tree oil is excellent for bronchitis, sinusitis, nasal and throat infections. The use of this oil increases resistance to flu and colds. Tea tree fights mold and fungal spores in the atmosphere. In addition, tea tree oil has a revitalizing effect on fatigue and depression. Inhalations with steam baths are even more effective: they can be used for colds, flu, fatigue, itching and to stimulate blood circulation in varicose veins.

Tea tree essential oil is for external use only!

There are a few things to keep in mind:

• Do not apply to sensitive areas of skin, such as around the eyes or nose.
• Avoid sun exposure after application, tea tree oil can make the skin more sensitive to ultraviolet rays.
• Use during pregnancy and in children under 3 years of age is strictly not recommended.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Test a small area of ​​skin, wait 24 hours to avoid an allergic reaction.

Like any essential oil, tea tree oil should only be used diluted. Essential oils are very concentrated and may cause permanent sensitization when used neat on the skin. As a general rule, maintain a dilution ratio of 2 drops per 5 ml of a suitable carrier oil such as coconut, almond or jojoba oil.