{"id":6278,"date":"2019-05-02T03:26:39","date_gmt":"2019-05-02T03:26:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=6278"},"modified":"2021-04-01T19:44:37","modified_gmt":"2021-04-01T19:44:37","slug":"20-proven-benefits-of-tea-tree-oil","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/20-proven-benefits-of-tea-tree-oil\/","title":{"rendered":"20 Proven Benefits of Tea Tree Oil"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Extracted from the leaves of a small tree native to New South Wales in Australia, tea tree oil is a handy little substance with many proven benefits. Aborigines have used tea tree oil as a natural remedy and traditional medicine for centuries, often crushing fresh tea tree leaves in order to extract the oil in its purest form. Traditionally, tea tree essential oil has been used to treat respiratory problems through inhalation, as well as cuts and scrapes with topical application.
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Tea tree oil can be widely purchased as undiluted oil, meaning that it contains 100% strength. The range that is available to buy can also go as low as 50%, but if the Aborigines went for the fullest variety, it might be worth sticking to the know-how that has been passed down from generation to generation.
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The following list explores and expands on some of the best known proven benefits of using tea tree oil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.     Hand Sanitizer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

An ideal natural alternative to chemical-based sanitizers, tea tree oil<\/a>-based sanitizers can be just as effective when it comes to killing several strains of illness-causing bacteria and even more effective with others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

E Coli, for instance, was found in some studies to be more effectively broken up and wiped out by tea tree-based agents than when attacked with commercially produced chemical products. Another tick in the tea tree oil box when choosing a hand sanitizer has to come with the fact that it is eminently more environmentally friendly from leaf to litter than the many branded varieties of hand soap. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a start off, any hand sanitizing gel that is naturally founded will not contain the dreaded microbeads of plastic, which are waging war and wreaking havoc in our oceans. Any move away from this type of product has to be a couple of steps in the right direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2.     Insect Repellent<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not just for human insect repellent<\/a>, tea tree oil could be an effective way of keeping pests and parasites away on the farm. One particular study, which looked at flies on dairy cows, found that cows treated with tea tree oil had 61% fewer flies than they had done only 24 hours previously when compared with untreated cows. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This huge reduction is just as revealing as it is shocking, but then again, if tea tree oil can be so effective for cows, what can it do for humans? Well, it can keep mosquitoes at bay even better than some of the leading repellent brands, which must be causing a little panic in the pest control business. Insect repellent using tea tree essential oil is cheap, long-lasting and easy to make. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t given it a try yet, what are you waiting for? Slap it on exposed arms and legs at barbeques and wake up the next day without feeling as though you\u2019ve just returned from the Amazon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3.     Natural Deodorant<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With antibacterial <\/a>properties and a refreshing fragrance, it should come as no surprise to learn that tea tree oil can naturally keep underarm odor under control, where it belongs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we know, it isn’t the sweat itself that smells, and sweating is actually healthy, but the combination of sweat secretions and bacteria on the surface of the skin can lead to the development and emergence of some pretty pungent odors. Under our arms has got to be one of the most affected areas for these bad smells, but tea tree essential oil could be the perfect natural replacement for aerosols and roll-ons. The oil can be added to a base liquid before application or infused with other oils that may have preferable fragrances. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Either way, fighting body odor and looking after the environment at the same time is something that must be applauded. Give it a try for a month and if you get complaints of B.O. just switchback. No harm was done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4.     Antiseptic for Minor Cuts and Scrapes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Any injury <\/a>which results in damaged or broken skin can allow germs to enter the bloodstream, causing infection to take hold in a matter of seconds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tea tree oil can be deployed as a natural agent in the disinfection of small cuts, burns, and abrasions as it kills bacteria that may lead to the infection of an open wound. There are a few easy steps to follow when using tea tree oil as a disinfectant. They are as follows. Firstly, the wound must be cleaned thoroughly. Secondly, a single drop of tea tree oil can be mixed with one teaspoon of coconut oil and applied directly to the injury or cut. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This process should be repeated up to two times a day until the safeguarding scab has fully formed to shield against infection or at least the threat of it. Yet another proven benefit for this popular essential oil for people to try.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5.     Boost Wound Healing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As well as preventing infections, tea tree oil is also effective in encouraging a wound to heal more quickly. There has been some research conducted which showed how tea tree oil can be instrumental in reducing inflammation <\/a>and in triggering the boosted activity of white blood cells. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

White blood cells are of course vital in the healing process and so this stimulation of production by the tea tree oil is a vital part of wound healing acceleration. It is not the only thing that will help a wound heal, but it is a natural assistant in the process that research has proven to be beneficial. In one study, 10 people with similar wounds added tea tree oil to their affected sites. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

All but one of the ten participants saw a dramatic reduction in healing time, and whilst this is far from a full and proper investigation, it does nothing but strengthen suspicions in favor of this essential oil\u2019s proven benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6.     Fight Acne<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A blight on the faces and lives of many teenagers and young adults, acne is a problem that for many, just doesn’t seem to go away. Tea tree oil has been proven to be effective against acne<\/a>, reducing the inflammation, swelling and the overall ferociousness of an acne breakout. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Applying a low percentage of tea tree oil to acne lesions could be up to three times more effective in bringing about quicker healing and limiting the spread of infection, than some of the leading acne-fighting brands. When you consider the success of a low percentage form of tea tree oil solution, imagine what a far more concentrated variety could achieve. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most common of all the acne treatments, the chemically based benzoyl peroxide, has also fallen short in some studies when placed into competition with tea tree oil application. In the world of acne, there is always room for diversification and innovation, just ask any acne sufferer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7.     Get Rid of Nail Fungus<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Although they are a source of embarrassment for many people, fungal infections are really quite common. They are rarely particularly dangerous, but they are almost always very unpleasant to look at, for the sufferer and anyone else besides for that matter. Some medications are effective in treating nail fungus<\/a>, but a lot of people are moving toward the application of more natural remedies, tea tree oil being of the options available. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Either used in isolation, or as a combination ingredient with other essential oils, tea tree oil has been proven to be a highly effective deterrent of fungal nail infections when applied regularly. It can also get rid of them when they\u2019re already there. When treating nail fungus, whether, with chemical medicines or natural remedies like tea tree oil, it is vitally important for someone to wash their hands thoroughly, in order to prevent the fungal infection from spreading to other areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8.     Chemical Free Mouthwash<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There really is no feeling like that clean mouth feeling, and people all over the world embark on daily dental missions to achieve cleanliness and freshness within their mouths. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tea tree oil possesses properties which help it fight against the germs which cause tooth decay and leave a person with breath smelling like a dog\u2019s dinner, or even worse. Studies have shown that tea tree oil can actually be even more effective when It comes to removing plaque-causing bacteria from the mouth than a leading oral mouthwash, which contains powerful chemicals<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If it’s a toss-up between two products which both work well, but one is natural and one is chemically founded, it really is down to the user to decide which version is the right one for them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The growing trend of looking after the environment with all of our lifestyle choices though could mean that the natural option soon starts to overtake the chemicals we\u2019ve all become accustomed to using.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. All-Purpose Cleaner<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tea tree oil works well as an ingredient in household cleaners. The natural anti-microbial action of the oil helps to kill bacteria and fungi in your home. \u00a0Tea tree oil has a sterile and antiseptic <\/a>fragrance to it that leaves your home looking and smelling clean. You can make an all-purpose cleaner for the bathrooms and kitchens using tea tree oil that saves you money on purchasing industrial store-bought cleaners for your home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This all-purpose cleaner uses natural ingredients. However, you more than likely have all the ingredients in your home. It takes a few minutes to make and is effective as any other cleaner. The vinegar smell dissipates as it dries. Adding tea tree oil to the mix will improve the overall scent, but it helps kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

100-percent pure tea tree oil is toxic, especially to pets. However, when appropriately diluted with a carrier oil, it is considered safe for topical use.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Soothe Skin Inflammation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tea tree oil can relieve the symptoms of inflamed skin. A form of skin irritation is contact dermatitis, which occurs when the surface meets an allergen. Exposure to the allergen <\/a>leads to the development of a rash and irritated, red, itchy skin. Research suggests that when applying diluted tea tree oil to the area, it reduces the severity of these symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A study compared the effects of different treatments for contact dermatitis. Tea tree oil was found to reduce symptoms significantly more than standard medications applied to the skin. The anti-inflammatory of tea tree oil helps to soothe and relieve inflammation and irritation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try this recipe to relieve inflamed skin, Combine ten drops of tea tree oil with one tablespoon of melted coconut oil and one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Mix well, store in a sealed container. Apply to the affected area every day until symptoms resolve. Applying a tea tree oil mixture helps combat skin inflammation related to insect bites as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Control Dandruff<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dandruff<\/a>, or white flakes, are dead skin cells falling from the scalp, and it’s a problematic and annoying condition to have to deal with for anyone \u2013especially women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is little published research on tea tree oil’s effectiveness in treating dandruff. However, it does work to relieve the symptoms of flaking skin associated with the condition. To help reduce dandruff, add a few drops of tea tree oil to a dollop of shampoo when washing your hair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tea tree oil reduces yeast overgrowth on the scalp, caused by a fungus called, “Malassezia,” that lives on the scalp in manageable quantities. In some people, Malassezia can grow out of control. The cause could be due to poor hygiene such as not shampooing often, or it may be the result of an underlying medical condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tea tree oil helps reduce the itchiness, greasiness, and lesions sometimes associated with dandruff. A study found that a shampoo with 5 percent tea tree oil had positive results and produced a 78-percent reduction in the symptoms of the condition.  As a result, many medicated shampoo brands include tea tree oil in the ingredients list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Treating Athlete’s Foot<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Athlete’s foot<\/a> can be hard to control and a frustrating infection that’s highly contagious. Tea tree oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties, which is part of the reason it’s commonly used to treat many fungal infections. However, tea tree oil can be just as effective at treating athlete’s foot like any other widely used treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The athlete’s foot has the medical term,” tinea pedis.” It’s a contagious fungal infection on the feet that can spread to the hands and toenails. Symptoms of the condition include cracking, peeling, redness, and blisters on the toes and feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Antifungal medications are the standard treatment for athlete’s foot. Studies have suggested that tea tree oil may be a useful alternative for relieving symptoms. Research shows that tea tree oil helps reduce the inflammation, scaling, burning, and itching associated with an athlete’s foot infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a natural treatment to relieve the symptoms of an athlete’s foot try the following, mix a quarter cup arrowroot powder, a quarter cup baking soda and 20\u201325 drops of tea tree oil. Stir and place in a covered container. Apply twice a day to feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Relieve Psoriasis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Psoriasis <\/a>is a condition characterized by outbreaks of itchy, red, and scaly skin. Some medications can improve symptoms of the disease, which is chronic and has no known cure to date. Tea tree oil is full of anti-inflammatory compounds, which, according to new evidence, can help ease psoriasis symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some people find using shampoos with tea tree oil helps relieve their scalp psoriasis. However, new evidence suggests that tea tree oil can manage the itchiness and pain of the skin disorder, especially on the scalp. Psoriasis, and specifically plaque psoriasis, is an inflammatory skin condition that causes thick, red, and scaly plaque on the skin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are a few suggestions for using tea tree oil for Psoriasis, mix the oil with water, apply it to the skin using a cotton ball, leave on overnight, and wash off in the morning.  Dilute the tea tree oil with coconut oil, apply to the affected area, allow it to dry and wash off. Combine one-part tea tree oil with ten parts of shampoo<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Banish Mold on Fruits and Vegetables<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We all know that fresh fruit and vegetables are healthy and delicious. Unfortunately, they are also susceptible to the growth of gray mold known as, especially in warm and moist climates. Living in an area with high humidity will affect fresh produce. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Usually, farmers pick fruit early in the morning before the sun is at its peak.  Sometimes this can leave a little dew on the fruit, which causes the development of mold on the surface of the fruit and vegetables. Tea tree oil’s antifungal compounds; terpinene-4 and 1,8-cineole – help to stop the growth of this mold on your fresh fruits and vegetables. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To protect against mold on your fruit and vegetables, add 5 to 10 drops of tea tree oil to warm water, add a teaspoon of crushed Himalayan pink salt<\/a>, rinse and dry the fresh fruit and vegetables thoroughly. Wipe them off and then store them appropriately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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15. Tea Tree Oil for Your Garden<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There is nothing like sitting relaxing in your garden, savoring all your hard work, only to notice that mold is starting to appear on your prize flowers. Tea Tree oil makes a fantastic natural anti-mold spray for your garden. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The polyphenol <\/a>antioxidants found in tea tree oil are useful in the fight against fungi, with terpinene-4-ol being the most active agent in the oil. A study in 2007 showed that tea tree oil was effective at fighting the fungi that cause Fusarium head blight in wheat, barley, and oats, as well as barley leaf stripe and powdery mildew. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A few studies found tea tree oil beneficial in controlling fruit rots, anthracnose and leather rot in strawberries; early blight disease in tomato plants; Alternaria solani on the potato; and Cercospora beticola on sugarbeets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tea tree oil also repels whiteflies that excrete a sticky honeydew causing sooty mold fungi to grow on foliage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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16 Tea Tree Oil as an Expectorant<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are suffering from a cold, cough, congestion<\/a>, bronchitis, and other associated respiratory troubles, you can gain relief by using tea tree essential oil. The potent benefits of the polyphenol antioxidants found in the oil assist with managing the symptoms of colds, coughs, bronchitis, and congestion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blend a few drops of tea tree oil into a carrier oil like coconut, and rub it into your temples and chest before retiring to bed, allowing you to inhale the fumes while sleeping.  Another excellent strategy is to place a drop on the pillow so it can do its magic at night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tea tree oil has antiviral properties that help to rupture cysts in a few viruses while protecting against developing new cysts. The oil can help cure viral infections such as the common cold, influenza, mumps, measles, and pox. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Breathing in tea tree oil-infused steam will help break up mucus and phlegm, allowing the patient to cough it up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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17. Tea Tree Oil for Muscular Pain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sore muscles happen after a workout, but they don’t have to derail the rest of your day. From eucalyptus to yarrow, there are several different oils that you can use to ease muscle pain, tension<\/a>, and swelling quickly. Some of these oils can tackle all three symptoms, while others used for more targeted relief.
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Not only do the oils penetrate below the skin to relieve swelling, pain, and tension. Massage can help to work out knots and quickly release tension. Tea tree essential oil provides relief from muscular pain, aches, sprains, and muscular pain due to the pain-relieving properties of the oil.  
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Using tea tree oil helps to increase circulation, enhancing the recovery from injury by reducing healing time. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your evening bath, along with a cup of Epsom salts. The fragrance of the tea tree oil soothes your nervous system while the magnesium in the Epsom salts absorbs through your skin, entering the muscular system where it halts inflammation and pain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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18.  Tea Tree Oil to Treat Head Lice<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Head lice <\/a>are now resistant to treatments with antibiotics. As a result, medical experts are increasingly considering the use of essential oils as alternatives to medicated shampoos for eliminating the parasites.
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Some research compares the use of tea tree oil regarding the treatment of head lice. The results show that tea tree oil was effective at killing the lice and mites, eradicating 100-percent of the parasites in under 30-minutes.
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Other research shows that a combination of tea tree oil and lavender oil was effective at suffocating the head lice, with tea tree oil being the most effective for treatment. Mixing Tea tree oil and peppermint oil appears to be useful in repelling lice as well, while the combination of lavender oil and tea tree oil, prevents feeding.
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In addition to preventing and killing lice, some believe that tea tree oil is useful for removing lice from clothes in the laundry. However, there’s no scientific evidence that this strategy works. More research is needed to learn how tea tree oil may be used to prevent and combat lice outbreaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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19. Prevent Staph Infection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tea tree oil is a favorite ingredient found in many sports soaps. People who train in sports that involve physical contact, such as,  wrestling or Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, are at risk of contracting Staph infection from the sweat of infected training partners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Staphylococcus Aureus bacteria responsible for the infection produces sores on the surface of the skin, and the infected individual may start to experience flu symptoms<\/a>, such as fever, chills, and fatigue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Treatment for Staph infection requires the use of antibiotics, and many strains of Staph are now medically resistant to antibiotics. As a result, paying better attention to your hygiene if you compete or train in these types of contact sports, will ensure that you don’t experience a staph infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Washing with tea tree oil-infused soap will help to kill the bacteria that cause Staph. Add tea tree oil to your floor cleaner and use it to clean the mats after training sessions. The antiviral and antibacterial properties of the oil ensure that your gym is clean after practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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20. Precautions for Using Tea Tree Oil<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tea tree oil extract is a potent natural remedy. When removing the cap from the bottle, you’ll notice an intense clinical smell that’s similar to what you can expect when opening a bottle of antiseptic. Due to its potency, tea tree oil is toxic when ingested. This fact means that tea tree oil is only suitable for use in diffusing and topical applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When using tea tree oil in topical administration, it’s best to combine it with a carrier oil, before rubbing it into your skin. The intense concentration of polyphenols found in the essential oil may induce an allergic <\/a>reaction if applied directly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mix three or four drops of tea tree oil with a teaspoon of extra-virgin coconut oil. Rub the salve onto your temples and chest for relief from congestion and inflammation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep tea tree oil away from the reach of children and pets, as it has a toxic effect that may lead to severe gastrointestinal distress and damage to the digestive system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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