Tea Trea Benefits and Uses
Hand Sanitizer
Tea tree oil makes an ideal natural hand sanitizer. It kills several common bacteria and viruses responsible for causing illness, including E. coli, S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae. Moreover, adding tea tree oil to the cleansers boosts their effectiveness against E. coli.
Helps keep pesky insects away
Tea tree essential oil has a greater ability to repel mosquitoes than DEET, the most common active ingredient in commercial insect repellents.
Natural Deodorant
Tea tree oil's antibacterial effects may help control underarm odor related to perspiration. Sweat itself does not smell. However, when secretions from your sweat glands combine with bacteria on your skin, a moderate to strong odor is produced.
Your underarm area contains a large concentration of these glands and is mainly responsible for what is commonly referred to as "body odor." Tea tree oil's bacteria-fighting properties make it an ideal natural alternative to commercial deodorants and antiperspirants.
Antiseptic for Minor Cuts and Scrapes
Injuries that result in broken skin make it easy for germs to enter your bloodstream, which can lead to infection. Tea tree oil can be used to treat and disinfect minor cuts and abrasions by killing S. aureus and other bacteria that can cause infection in open wounds.
Boost Wound Healing
In addition to preventing infection in cuts and abrasions, tea tree oil may also encourage wound healing.
Research has shown that tea tree oil helps reduce inflammation and triggers the activity of white blood cells that are instrumental in the healing process.
Fight Acne
Tea tree oil can be a powerful weapon against acne. It helps reduce the amount and overall severity of acne. Tea tree oil is found to be as effective against acne as benzoyl peroxide, the most common anti-acne medication.
Get Rid of Nail Fungus
Fungal nail infections are quite common. Although they aren't dangerous, they can be unsightly. There are medications that can treat nail fungus, though some people may prefer a more natural approach. Tea tree oil has been shown to help get rid of nail fungus when used alone or in combination with other natural remedies.
Chemical-Free Mouthwash
Tea tree oil may fight germs that cause tooth decay and bad breath. It is more effective agains t plaque-causing bacteria than chlorhexidine, a common disinfectant and oral rinse. What's more, its taste is found to be less objectionable.
All-Purpose Cleaner
Tea tree oil makes a great all-purpose cleaner that also sanitizes surfaces. Plus, it does so without leaving traces of chemicals you wouldn't want your family members or pets coming in contact with.
Soothe Skin Inflammation
Tea tree oil may help relieve inflamed skin. A common form of skin irritation is contact dermatitis, which occurs when skin comes in contact with an allergen, such as nickel. Exposure to the allergen leads to red, itchy and sometimes painful skin. Applying tea tree oil may help reduce the severity of these symptoms.
Control Dandruff
Dandruff, or white flakes of dead skin that fall from the scalp, isn't dangerous. To help reduce dandruff, try adding a few drops of tea tree oil to a dollop of shampoo when washing your hair.
Treat Athlete's Foot
Athlete's foot can be frustratingly hard to control. Known medically as tinea pedis, athlete's foot is a contagious fungal infection on the feet that can also spread to the toenails and hands. Symptoms include peeling, cracking, blisters and redness. Antifungal medications are considered standard treatment for athlete's foot. Yet tea tree oil may be an effective alternative for relieving symptoms.
Treat Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition characterized by outbreaks of red, itchy, scaly skin. Although there are medications that can improve symptoms, the condition itself is chronic and there is no known cure.
Tea tree oil contains anti-inflammatory compounds, which, according to emerging evidence, may be helpful for easing psoriasis symptoms.