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[T84]Tea Tree Oil Uses

by Liani Widjaja, Lia

There are over 100 different components that play an important factor in the healing properties of the native tree from the Northeast coast of Australia.

Tea Tree Oil can be applied undiluted directly to the skin. It is concentrate natural oil safe for most skin types but those with sensitive skin may prefer to dilute it.

Here are the benefits of tea tree oils :

Athletes Foot: Athletes foot is commonly known to grow in warm, moist areas between the toes and the sides and soles of feet. It is highly infectious and spreads quickly in locker and shower rooms. Tea tree oil has been shown to treat a wide range of fungal infections and symptoms, including athlete's foot. To eliminate athlete's foot, you can use tea tree oil as a topical application. Suggestion is three or more times a day applying pure tea tree oil to the infected area. Tea Tree oil uses includes topical treatment of skin infections such as ringworm.

Treat Cold and Flu: Cold and flu symptoms can be treated by using tea tree oil. If you have sore throats, it is recommends to add ten drops of tea tree oil to a cup of warm water and gargle. Do this twice a day. This treatment will help clear mucus and kill bacteria.

Sinus: Put a few drops of tea tree oil in a steam bath or add 5-10 drops to steaming hot water for an inhalant. You can rub around sinuses. Using this treatment at the onset of symptoms will aid in killing germs and bacteria.

Gum infections: Using a mouthwash of tea tree oil diluted in water can help remedy and prevent gum disease and plaque. Be careful not to swallow it. Small amounts are not considered toxic, though the stomach might rebel.

Candida Albicans Infections: tea tree oil uses as fungidal properties can help clear vaginal thrush and is of value with treating genital infections

Acne: Soaked a cotton ball in straight or diluted tea tree oil and gently wipe the skin with it. This can help calm inflammation, diminish infection and prevent new acne sores from developing. It won't irritate troubled skin, while killing bacteria that aggravate skin eruptions. It can be used on the face, neck, chest and back. Mix a few drops with acne cleanser to boost its effectiveness.

Head Lice: Head lice can be treated by adding ten drops of tea tree oil to shampoo. The hair and scalp should be wet and lathered thoroughly. Use a fine toothed- comb before shampoo is rinsed off. Avoid direct contact with eyes when washing hair with tea tree oil. This method should be use several times along with treating the house and all of the infected bedding. Tea tree oil can be added to the wash when washing the sheets and bedding.

Insect Bites: A drop or two of tea tree oil can be applied directly onto an insect bite or sting to help alleviate swelling, itching and redness.

Skin Irritations and

Tea tree oil is an essential oil known for its medicinal properties. Native to the New South Wales, Australia steam distillation of the leaves of the tree Melaleuca alternifolia helps obtain tea tree oil. Among the 100 compounds contained in the oil terpinen-4-ol mainly accounts for most of the antimicrobial actions.

Tea tree oil is a clear to very yellow or green-tinged essential oil with a fresh camphoraceous odor. These leaves were earlier used as a substitute for tea, which is how the oil got its name.

One should not confuse Tea tree oil and Tea Oil (the seasoning and cooking oil obtained from pressed seeds of the plant Camellia oleifera).

Tea Tree oil was used in Australia as a potent antiseptic much before any scientific research. Tea Tree crushed leaves were used as traditional medicine by inhaling the oils treating cold and cough and also sprinkling them on wounds.

It was only after 1920's use of oil itself become popular. A series of research papers evaluating antimicrobial properties published by Arthur Penfold led to the popularity. The oil was extracted using mobile, makeshift, wood-fired bush still and plant material was hand cut on the spot. The demand was very high till World War II and ebbed after the war mainly due to development of effective antibiotics and interest in natural products. However, the interest in natural essential oils was rekindled in 1970s and 1980s and its demand has surged for uses in medicinal and cosmetic uses. Further studies in the recent time support the use of tea tree oil in skin care and various aliments.

Here are glimpses of the uses of this wondrous oil:

•Tea Tree Oil Acne: A study done in Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Department of Dermatology proved Tea Tree oil as very effective in treatment of moderate acne.

•Inhaled tea tree oil helps breathing easier by “breaking up congestion”. It can also minimize the symptoms of flu, cold, sore throat and systemic fungal infection.

•Dandruff: Tea tree shampoo helped significantly reduce dandruff symptoms after 4 weeks of use. This was reveled in a study done on 126 people with mild to moderate dandruff. This is due to its ability to treat Malassezia furfur, the general common cause of the dandruff.

•Athlete's Foot: A study to cure athlete's foot was done and 50% tea tree oil solution and placebo was used. After two daily applications for 4 weeks, tea tree oil was found to be significantly more effective than placebo.

•Toenails and Fungal Infection: Another study found that 100% tea tree oil was as effective on toenail fungus infection as was the standard antifungal medication of 1% clotrimazole solution.

•Tea tree oil is also effective against candidiasis and other vaginal infections.

•It can also be used as a bath additive and also may control bacteria in spas and pools.

• Tea Tree oil is also used in cosmetic products to make tea tree soap and shampoo.

•It has also been used in treatments for eye aliment and blepharitis.

•It is also used in toothpastes, mouth washes for curing bad breath and gum diseases.

•It is also effective in treating minor wounds, insect bites soothe sunburn and ear infection.

•Tea Tree oil diluted solution is also sold as to cure fungal and bacterial infection for pet fish.

These are just the few of its uses and the list surely goes on. Tea tree oil is a amazing gift from mother nature which we can put to a plethora of uses.

Article Source : 5 health tips

About Author

Both Liani Widjaja & Matt Johnson are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Liani Widjaja has sinced written about articles on various topics from Healthy Diet, Aromatherapy and Essential Oils. Liani Widjaja is the writer and publisher of ">AromaLiving Newslette. Liani Widjaja's top article generates over 18100 views. to your Favourites.

Matt Johnson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Health, Disease & illness and Home Management. . Matt Johnson's top article generates over 18100 views. to your Favourites.