Description

Tea tree essential oil comes from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a small tree native to Queensland and New South Wales, Australia.

Tea tree essential oil has been used as a traditional medicine by Aborigines for centuries. These native Australians crush tea tree leaves to extract the oil, which is then inhaled to treat coughs and colds or applied directly to the skin for healing.

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USES & APPLICATIONS

1. Hand Sanitizer

Tea tree essential oil makes an ideal natural hand sanitizer. Studies have shown that it kills several common bacteria and viruses responsible for causing illness, including E. coli, S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae

2. Insect Repellent

Tea tree essential oil has been shown to kill or repel insects. In some cases, it is as effective or more effective than standard insecticides or repellents.

3. Natural Deodorant

Tea tree essential oil contains compounds that fight bacteria responsible for body odor. It can be used to make a safe and effective deodorant.

4. Antiseptic for Minor Cuts and Scrapes

Applying a mixture of Tea tree essential oil and coconut oil can help prevent minor cuts and abrasions from becoming infected.

5. Boost Wound Healing

Tea tree essential oil may help speed wound healing by reducing inflammation and increasing white blood cell activity.

6. Fight Acne

Tea tree essential oil can be a powerful weapon against acne. Several studies have shown that it helps reduce the amount and overall severity of acne.

7. Get Rid of Nail Fungus

Tea tree essential oil appears to be as effective against fungal nail infections as antifungal medications applied to the area.

8. Chemical-Free Mouthwash

Tea tree essential oil can be diluted with water to create a mouthwash that helps fight bad breath and dental plaque.

9. All-Purpose Cleaner

Tea tree essential oil can be mixed with water and vinegar to create a chemical-free, all-purpose cleaner for your home.

10. Soothe Skin Inflammation

Applying a Tea tree essential oil mixture may help combat skin inflammation related to contact dermatitis or insect bites.

11. Control Dandruff

To help reduce dandruff, try adding a few drops of Tea tree essential oil to a dollop of shampoo when washing your hair.

12. Treat Athlete’s Foot

Tea tree essential oil ’s antifungal properties may help alleviate symptoms of athlete’s foot.

13. Banish Mold on Fruits and Vegetables

Tea tree essential oil contains compounds that help fight the growth of mold on fruits and vegetables. Adding tea tree oil to water when rinsing produce may help your produce remain mold-free.

14. Relieve Psoriasis

Applying a mixture of Tea tree essential oil and coconut oil may help relieve the symptoms of psoriasis.

 

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CAUTIONS WHEN USING TEA TREE ESSENTIAL OIL

Research has shown that Tea tree essential oil appears to be safe overall.

However, there are some things to be aware of before using it:

Tea tree essential oil should not be ingested because it may be toxic if swallowed.

It is important to store Tea tree essential oil  out of reach of children.

Prior to using Tea tree essential oil for the first time, test a drop or two on a small area of your skin and wait 24 hours to see if any reaction occurs.

This is important because ironically, some individuals who use Tea tree essential oil develop contact dermatitis, one of the conditions Tea tree essential oil may help treat.

Likewise, people with sensitive skin may experience irritation when using undiluted Tea tree essential oil. If your skin is sensitive, it’s best to mix Tea tree essential oil with an equal or greater amount of olive oil, coconut oil or almond oil.

Additionally, using Tea tree essential oil in pets may not be safe. Researchers reported that more than 400 dogs and cats developed tremors and other nervous system problems after receiving between 0.1 – 85 mL of Tea tree essential oil on the skin or orally.

 

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Source: 

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/tea-tree-oil

 

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* The information contained here are for educational purposes only.

The traditional uses of specific plants as recorded through history, are merely recounted here.

Always seek advice from a medical practitioner.

Klostiki ltd and its representatives will not be held responsible for the improper use of any plants or documentation provided.

By use of the information contained herein you agree to hold harmless Klostiki ltd and its representatives.