10 Benefits and Properties of Tea Tree Oil 3

Tea tree oil is extracted from the leaves and bark of the tea tree by distillation. The resulting liquid is colorless or of a yellowish, even greenish, hue which has a very characteristic odor.

This tree (also known as Melaleuca Alternifolia ), which can reach up to 5 meters in height, was named for sailors in the 18th century, who noticed that their tea leaves smelled like the nut tree that grows in The swampy southeastern coast of Australia. Do not confuse the tea tree with the common tea plant, which is used to make black and green tea.

Tea tree oil is an essential vegetable oil that has existed for a long time in nature itself. Until about 10 years ago, the healing benefits and benefits of this oil were not discovered , although Australian Aborigines have known their properties for millennia . Its use is exclusive to the skin and should never be ingested .

What is the use of tea tree oil?

There are many benefits related to tea tree oil:

• As an antiseptic treatment.
• Healing treatment.
• Anti-fungi.
• Treatment against infections.
• Anti-inflammatory.
• antibiotic.
• fungicide.
• insect repellent.
• Anti-viral
• expectorant.
• Deodorant in commercial soaps and shampoos.

Help against diseases such as skin infections, rashes, burns, dandruff, etc. The way tea tree oil works is simple: the chemicals contained in the oil, kills bacteria and fungi and reduces skin allergies.

It should be noted that tea tree oil should not be used in infants under 6 months.

Is tea tree oil safe?

Experts believe that it is safe if used as a topical treatment and can be applied directly on the skin.

If 100% pure oil is applied, it rarely causes skin irritation, although some people may develop a mild allergy from contact. To avoid small rashes it is advisable to apply a small amount of oil in a small area of ​​the skin. You can also dilute tea tree oil with olive oil, vegetable oil or almond oil.

The oil must never be ingested and it is not recommended for use in the ears as this can cause damage to the inner ear .

Tea tree: Benefits and properties

1. Light-moderate acne

Applying tea tree oil diluted to 5% is as effective as benzoyl peroxide, but less irritating to facial skin. It has to be applied twice a day for 45 days. With tea tree oil, acne symptoms and their severity will be reduced. Know natural remedies for acne .

2. Fungal infection of the nails (onychomycosis)

Pure oil must be applied 100% on the area to be treated, twice a day for 6 months. 18% of people who use tea tree oil, get to completely cure the nail infection. After 3 months of application, the appearance of the nail improves and symptoms in 56% of patients forwards. Discover remedies for fungi .

Athlete's foot

Applying tea tree oil to 10% cream will relieve the symptoms of inflammation, itching and burning. However, this cream will not be enough to cure the infection itself, for it is necessary to use a stronger oil, such as 25% or 50%.

4. Vaginal infection

Tea tree oil can be used to relieve the symptoms of bacterial vaginion and vaginal yeast .

5. Dandruff

Using a 5% tea tree oil shampoo, used four times a week and leaving it on for 3 minutes, reduces lesions, itching and excess scalp fat. Know remedies for dandruff .

6. Dental plaque

Although studies of the effects of tea tree oil on plaque, are not very consistent, but it has been proven that the daily brushing of the teeth with a gel of this oil to 2.5%, reduces in 8 weeks the Bleeding gums. It is also beneficial to use a tea tree oil rinse. He knows remedies for gingivitis .

7. Hemorrhoids

Applying a gel containing tea tree oil, reduces the most annoying symptoms of hemorrhoids , such as pain, itching or inflammation.

8. Lice

As a preventative in the little ones, you can apply it in the hair of combing before going to the school.

9. Fungal infections of the mouth and throat (also known as oropharyngeal candidiasis)

Tea tree oil is beneficial for AIDS sufferers because their immune system is weak and sometimes infections such as candidiasis occur . Applying the oil for 2 or 4 weeks, the symptoms improve.

10. The infestation of the eyelashes with a type of mite (ocular demodicosis)

Tea tree oil, cures the most common infections of the eyelid and associated symptoms, reducing them. It even reduces inflammation of the eyes.

Other Home Oil Uses

• Home cleaning : tea tree oil can be used to create a multi-purpose cleaning product that in addition to cleaning disinfect. The formula is as follows:
  - 1 cup apple cider vinegar.
  - 10 drops of tea tree oil.
  - 750 cc of water.
• For laundry : just add a few drops of tea tree oil to the washing machine wash and remove the bad smell from the towels.
• Prevention of mold : dissolving two tablespoons of oil with two cups of water, we put it in a sprayer. This solution will help prevent the appearance of mold and its elimination.
• Bad smells : in the places of house where they produce bad smells like the bucket of diapers or the place where your pet is, try to place cotton impregnated with a few drops of oil from the tea tree.
• Toothbrushes : to clean and disinfect, take two or three drops of oil directly to the bristles and rinse thoroughly with water. They will be disinfected.
• Insect Repellent : In a spray mix about 15 drops of tea tree oil with 1 liter of water.
• Fleas and ticks : To prevent your pets from being filled with annoying insects, fill a spray of 1 liter of water with about 15 drops of oil from the tea tree and apply it and then proceed to bathe it. In the case of ticks, you have to apply the oil directly on the insect and let it rest for about 10 minutes and then the tick can be detached, which will make it much easier. For two to three days, apply oil on the resulting wound to prevent infection. If your pet has a wound, you can also apply oil to accelerate healing. Remember that the oil should not be ingested by your pet, so it is advisable to thoroughly rinse the area afterwards to prevent it from mudding.