Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) is a natural disinfectant with strong antibacterial activity that has been used by aborigines as an antiseptic for thousands of years. In our time, scientists have confirmed that Tea Tree Oil has many medicinal benefits.

Health benefits and uses of Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil has many healing properties that make it a popular natural agent for curing different infections, caused by funghi, bacteria, and viruses. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory Tea Tree Oil even fights organisms that are resistant to antibiotics. Because of that, Tea Tree Oil shows to be an excellent home remedy for  bacterial and fungal skin ailments or issues such as acne, abscess, boils, oily skin, blisters, sun burns, cold sores, rashes (such as nappy rash), athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), warts, herpes, insect bites, rashes, dandruff, irritations and minor wounds. It helps prevent unpleasant body odors and shows to be very effective in relieving muscle and joint pains. Tea Tree Oil is also widely used in aromatherapy.

Tea Tree Oil is effective in treating respiratory problems such as common sore throats, coughs and runny nose but also severe conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, whooping cough, catarrh, and tuberculosis. Studies suggest that the anti-viral properties of the oil fight even common infectious diseases such as chicken pox, measles and shingles, flu, cold sores and verrucae. It also strengthens the body’s immune system, which is mostly weakened by stress, illness, or because of the use of antibiotics and other drugs. Tea Tree Oil is an effective home remedy for thrush, vaginitis, cystitis, and pruitis. It can also be used as a mouth wash, since it is highly effective in healing oral candidiasis, a fungal infection of mouth and throat.

Tea Tree Oil is a disinfectant
In case of skin infections, Tea Tree Oil in water works as a great disinfectant for skin. Simply add 10 to 12 drops of Tea Tree Oil into your bath water and soak in it for about half an hour twice a week. This oil bath is also helpful in relaxing the muscles after sport or workout.

Tea Tree Oil treats Acne
Tea Tree Oil is very successful in treating acne vulgaris, spots and blackheads. It is used in its pure oil form, but also in soaps and skincare foams and creams. Tea Tree Oil provenly reduces the number of inflamed and non-inflamed lesions.

Tea Tree Oil treats genital warts and herpes
Tea Tree Oil is a very effective treatment for genital warts and herpes simplex as genital herpes.

Tea Tree Oil as mouthwash for Oral care
Tea Tree Oil can be used for mouth wash and acts as a natural cure for bad breath, oral candidiasis, plaque, gingivitis, and inflamed gums. It kills the bacteria present in the mouth prior to surgery and reduces mouth irritation that can sometimes be caused by dental procedures. This is how to make your own Tea Tree mouthwash: add 3 drops of Tea Tree Oil to a glass of warm water and use this solution as a mouthwash 2-3 times daily. Just remember not to swallow the solution but always spit it out. Another possibility is to add a drop of Tea Tree Oil to your toothpaste before brushing your teeth.

Tea Tree Oil as inhalation for sore throat, chest infections and clearing up mucus
For inhalation purposes, fill a large cooking pot or bowl with boiled hot water and add 2-3 drops of Tea Tree Oil into it. Then cover your head with a towel and lean over the top of the bowl. Inhale the vapors for 5-10 minutes. It is advised to repeat this every night before bed untill the symptoms subside. If the symptoms persist for more than 5 days, you should consult your doctor.

Tea Tree Oil heals canker sores and laryngitis
When diluted in water, Tea Tree Oil makes a very effective treatment for canker sores and laryngitis. All you need to do is add 3-4 drops of Tea Tree Oil to a glass of warm water and gargle the solution twice a day.

Tea Tree Oil is effective in dandruff treatment and Lice removal
Shampoos with Tea Tree Oil are very effective in getting rid of dandruff and lice removal and even prevention. When using Tea Tree Oil keep in mind that it is natural, but can cause skin rashes in those prone to allergies, and it can be toxic if ingested. However, if you or your children are facing lice and can not use pesticide shampoos, Tea Tree shampoo will prove to be a great natural remedy for the whole family. Use of 5% Tea Tree Oil shampoo shows to be effective in eliminating dandruff and also well tolerated.

Tea Tree Oil treats yeast infections and vaginal infections
Tea Tree Oil is a very effective home remedy for yeast infection Treatment. In laboratory studies, Tea Tree Oil has shown to kill fungus and yeast such as Candida albicans. But please bear in mind that Tea Tree Oil can be toxic when taken by mouth and should not be swallowed.

Tea Tree Oil fights MRSA
Laboratory studies report Tea Tree Oil to have activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). But because there is currently not enough information from studies in humans, there are no firm recommendations for or against this kind of use of Tea Tree Oil.

Tea Tree Oil eases rheumatic pain
To make massage oil, add 3-5 drops of Tea Tree Oil to 30 ml of base oil (could be Olive oil) and massage in for rheumatic pain and to help strengthen the immune system. Repeat twice daily.

Where and How to Buy Tea Tree Oil
To purchase Tea Tree Oil and products that contain this essential oil, look in a natural health or nutrition store, or buy Tea Tree Oil online. Tea Tree Oil is employed in soaps, toothpastes, deodorants, disinfectants, gargles, germicides, in aftershaves and spicy colognes.

Warnings and possible side effects of Tea Tree Oil

1. Pregnant and breast-feeding women should avoid using Tea Tree Oil.
2. When using Tea Tree Oil, keep in mind that it is a natural remedy, but that does not mean that it is entirely safe. Undiluted Tea Tree Oil is irritating and can cause itching skin and itching scalp, skin irritations, contact dermatitis and redness on sensitive skin. It is a good idea to dilute Tea Tree Oil in another base oil such as Olive oil.
3. Please be extra cautious when taking Tea Tree Oil internally. Overdosing can cause  diarrhea, vomiting, impaired immune function, excessive drowsiness, sleepiness, confusion, poor coordination, and even coma. If you notice any of these, seek medical attention immediately.