Tea tree oil is an essential oil that is known for its medical benefits, and has been applied and used for thousands of years. However, within the past two decades, it has emerged as one of the most investigated and popular essential oils, owing to its multifunctional properties. Also known as a ‘cabinet in the bottle’, Below are the applications of tea tree oil and its benefits.
Antimicrobial and Antibacterial Properties
The use of tea tree oil as a antimicrobial and antibacterial agent is possibly the most apparent and documented health benefits of tea tree oil. Many laboratory investigations have identified tea tree oil as a viable substance that can be used against various bacteria, viruses and fungi. Scientific studies prove that tea tree oil can treat the causative organisms of most problems including skin disorders, athlete’s foot, dandruff, oral and respiratory infections, and so on. The antibacterial properties also benefit the oil when used in wound irrigation and promoting rapid healing.
Since it has extensive antimicrobial activity, tea tree oil may be effective against the various infections in which normal antibiotics prove effective. A similar pattern in the case of antibiotics that kill both good and evil germs, tea tree oil appears to be selective in targeting pathogenic germs. They act at the cellular level on bacteria, viruses, and fungi by being capable of passing through cell walls. It is not surprising that due to these antimicrobial properties, tea tree oil has been incorporated into skin cleansers including hand soaps, toothpastes, deodorants, and disinfectants.
Wound Care
Tea tree oil therefore proves useful in this respect as it can prevent new infections and reduce inflammation in wounds and skin diseases. Scientific evidence proves that using watered tea tree oil can help in speeding up the healing process of burn, cuts, insect bites, abrasion as well as other types of wounds. It serves to function as a potent botanical antiseptic thus helping to prevent formation of tetanus and sepsis among other infections in human beings. It also reduces redness, swelling, and irritation as a result of its characteristic anti-inflammatory property. To the people who have sensitive skin especially to the antibiotic ointments, they should be happy that tea tree oil helps in the healing process.
Anti-Viral Activity
Another study shows that the efficacy of tea tree oil for treating various viral conditions such as cold sores, chickenpox, shingles, HPV, the flu, etc. Other components such as terpinen-4-ol have been identified as having antiviral properties by blocking viral receptores on the human cell surface hence limiting viral replication. If one gets a hint of viral symptoms such as cough, fever or fatigue, then incorporating tea tree oil through an aromatherapy diffuser at that initial stage could prevent infections from fully manifesting.
In skin diseases provoked by the herpes virus like cold sores, tea tree oil reduces the severity of viral ulcers if massaged on the affected areas immediately when first signs of tingling are detected. It also reduces the time it takes to recover once sores have developed on the body of a sick person. Of all cold sore remedies, tea tree oil cream is one of the most effective and is present in most pharmaceutical companies’ treatments.
Hormonal Balance
Research has shown that tea tree oil can work effectively on hormones in the body especially pituitary gland, and this makes it essential for diseases such as PCOS, menstrual disorders and fertility problems among both male and female. In women, it helps restore ratios of estrogen to progesterone and decreases high androgen hormone that result in conditions like oily skin, pimples, excess hair on the face and body, and irregular menstruation.
In addition, regular hormonal balance that can be achieved through the use of tea tree oil contributes to the regulation of menstrual cycles, relief from PMS and enhanced fertility. In men, tea tree oil has proved to increase sperm concentration and vitality, information that could be of great help to couples experiencing problems with infertility. In light of the depressing impact that hormones have on the body, tea tree oil can go along way in managing hormonal disorders because of the versatility of its hormonal balancing properties.
Skin and Hair Health
Tea tree oil possesses very potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties which makes it a preferred remedy for almost all skin and hair ailments. It is highly suitable for use in acne and anti-aging cosmetic formulations as a botanical additive. The antimicrobial properties target and eliminate subcutaneous bacteria such as Propionibacterium acnes and at the same time minimize inflammation and skin irritation. This serves to reduce the formation of pimples and inflammation.
It also helps to control the production of the oil which also helps in avoiding blockage of the skin pores and hence improving the health of the skin. Tea tree oil and anti aging: tea tree oil has the ability to decrease the appearance of age spots, fine lines, and wrinkles and also helps to firm and tighten the skin of aging individuals. It is also known to encourage new cell growth, as well as the production of collagen and elastin. For the hair, tea tree oil offers solution such as dandruff, scalp psoriasis, bacteria or fungus infestation and loss of hair, while promoting growth of healthy hair roots.
Respiratory Relief
When applied as aerosol, tea tree oil, particularly in combination with eucalyptus and mint oils, can act as a decongestant to the respiratory system aside from its uses in cold and allergy treatments. Inhalation of antiviral, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents help to reduce the thickness of the throat and chest mucus leading to ease of chest congestion and coughs in addition to combating infection. It has been suggested that the oils may suppress the histamine production, something which can be of help for individuals with allergy by lowering their reactions.
Bathing in a steamy room using a vaporizer, humidifier, or bowl of hot water with a few drops of the tea tree oil blend may help clear up respiratory issues. This can be done severally in a day when sick, and is done by only a few people. Other users have also reported that they are able to apply it on affected regions such as the throat, sinuses, and chest but this is after dilution with a carrier oil. Made from essential oils, effectively cleans and kills germs and bacteria on surfaces in the household.
Using tea tree oil in all-purpose cleaning materials by introducing a few drops of it to cleaning solutions gives natural barrier against germs, bacteria and mold growth on all surfaces. People find it very suitable to use for cleaning purposes because it is natural disinfectant and minimizes the chances of contamination. This enables you to cope with such chemical based cleaning solutions which are widely used and which compromise the quality of air indoors and cause allergic reactions and breathing complications.
It is also possible that the tea tree oil additives for laundry detergents may have an effect in reducing bacterial and fungal activity on the fabrics and this will help in preventing fabric stench. Soaking reusable water bottles in hot water containing a few drops of tea tree oil will be quite effective in cleaning out the interiors of the bottles during the night so as to eliminate mold, mildew and bacterial formations that are likely to build up over time. These are just but a few practical ways in which tea tree oil can be used as an antiseptic around the household.
This is due to the fact that music has a way of soothing the mind and the body hence enabling the body relax and get healed. The smell of tea tree oil is among the middle notes scent, and such smell tends to impart the qualities of stabilizing as well as balancing to the mind as well as the body. Being a natural relaxant, diffused tea tree oil can significantly benefit the nervous system, as it helps to calm the nerves. It is balsamic, medicinal, and woody which can calm anxiety and stress when inhaled. That is why a tea tree oil diffuser blend is one of the best natural moods and stress relievers.
To use, diluted tea tree oil from a blend of hair or body care products makes an enjoyable sensory experience for use while showering or taking a bath. A stimulating effect of the scent can enhance mood and raise energy levels. Applying tea tree oil aromatherapy massage provides better point penetration especially to alleviate muscle and joint pains during massage therapy . From healing mental disorders and physical ailments to treatments to skincare and hair care, incorporating tea tree oil into the one’s health and beauty arsenal creates a powerful, all-natural weapon.