March 28, 2024

Now that Tea Tree Oil prices have dropped and the hype has hopefully worn off. I thought it would be nice to research a little more as to what kind of benefits we can get from the little herb that was such a wonder drug just a few years ago. It seems that there have been a few studies although many of them are inconclusive of the effect that Tea Tree Oil has on the body, although as you will see in this list there are many many claims to what Tea Tree Oil can do for you.

My advise is to get a larger bottle of Tea Tree Oil and test it out yourself for a month or two and see how it works out. From my experience I have found it to work great for my skin and use a Body Shop brand tea tree oil soap every day. Here is a list of the information and uses for you to try out.

tea-tree-oilTea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) is a multi-purpose herb that traces its roots to the Aboriginal people of Australia. For thousands of years, they used the leaves as an antiseptic and antifungal by crushing the leaves and making a mudpack. The Australian government considered tea tree oil a World War II essential for their armed forces’ first aid kits. After the war, increased use of pharmaceutical antibiotics decreased tea tree oil’s appeal everywhere except in Australia. Tea tree oil started to regain its popularity in 1960, with a recharge in its research around the world. Today, Melaleuca alternifolia is also grown in California.

Properties of tea tree oil
Tea tree oil’s properties are contained in the oils of its leaves. The oil is steam distilled from the leaves and then tested for chemical properties, which can number between 50 and 100. This may explain tea tree oil’s many beneficial uses. The main active components are terpinen-4-ol, 1,8-cineole, gamma-terpinene, p-cymene and other turpenes. Its aroma is distinct and very floral although sharp.

General use
Tea tree has a long history of traditional use. Australian aboriginals used tea tree leaves for healing skin cuts and infections, by crushing the leaves and applying them to the affected area. The oil contains constituents called terpenoids, which kill fungus and bacteria.

Acne – Some research in humans suggests that applying tea tree oil to acne lesions on the skin may help acne to clear up faster and may also cause fewer adverse effects (skin dryness, itching, stinging, or redness) than do other commonly prescribed acne drugs..

Infections – Tea tree oil has been studied for treating a variety of infections. Early studies have found that tea tree oil may kill toenail fungus, fungal infections in the mouth and skin, athlete’s foot, some bacterial infections, vaginal infections, and herpes infections. However, there are no clear answers in these areas because studies have been small and low quality. More research is needed before a recommendation can be made.

Gingivitus – Early study suggests that tea tree oil may help gum inflammation and reduce plaque when used in mouthwash. Further research is needed to confirm these results.

Other uses

  • Athlete’s foot
  • Minor injuries
  • Vaginitis
  • Thrush
  • As an antiseptic
  • Boils
  • Lice
  • Psoriasis
  • Yeast infection

Antibacterial
The most promising new function of tea tree oil is to counter methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), also called the hospital super bug. In United States and European hospitals, MRSA grew from under 3% in the 1980s to 40% in the late 1990s. This super bug attacks people who have wounds, such as post-operative infections , and a depressed immune system. MRSA resists conventional antibiotics, except Vancomycin.

A Thursday Plantation in vitro study, at East London University, comparing Vancomycin and tea tree oil, shows the latter as a powerful alternative. This study corroborated the University of Western Australia study by Thomas Riley and Christine Carson. Because the spread of MRSA occurs mainly by hands, one London hospital uses tea tree oil soap for staff and patient hygiene. The first study using real patients with MRSA, is currently in progress at The John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle New South Wales. The undertaking looks at tea tree oil as a topical alternative.

Tea tree oil works as an expectorant when inhaled or taken internally and has a soothing effect; therefore, it can be used for throat and chest infections, and clearing up mucus. It is also effective against earaches, cystitis, and gingivitis. Inhaling steaming hot water with 5 drops of tea tree essential oil added can not only soothe coughing and plugged noses, but doing so at the start of the infection might stop it from spreading. For sore throats, gargle with 6 drops of tea tree oil in a glass of warm water.

Common Doses
Tea tree comes in cream, ointment, lotion, and soap forms It can also be found as a pure oil. Tea tree oil has been used as a spot treatment for acne, for fungal infections of the toenails, and diluted as a mouthwash for oral yeast (thrush). When gargling, the solution is never swallowed after use

Recipes – Steam Inhalations
2 drops of tea tree oil in a bowl of steaming water. Cover head and inhale for
5-10 minutes. To relieve congestion and fight infection.

Recipes – Massage with Tea Tree oil
Add 3-5 drops of Tea Tree oil to 30ml of base oil and massage in for rheumatic
pain. Twice daily.

Recipes – Bathing with Tea Tree oil
As a disinfectant measure add approximately 3-5 drops to the bath water. Helps
with skin infections.

Immune System Treatment
Massage once weekly with a blend of 3-5 drops of Tea Tree oil to 30ml of base
oil. To help strengthen the immune system.

13 thoughts on “Tea Tree Oil uses

  1. Thanks for the brief and clear message on tea tree oil. The one thing I would add is that when shopping for tea tree oil, be sure to check that it is indeed 100% Pure Australian Tea Tree Oil, from the melaleuca alternifolia shrub, and that it has a terpinen-4-ol content of at least 30%. This information should be printed on the label in a formula such as “T30 C7” .

    The “C” stands for Cineole, which is the same compound found predominantly in Eucalyptus oil. It is not a particularly irritating oil, but in tea tree oil is often confused with Cymenes, which can and do cause skin irritation. Tea Tree Oil as it is exposed to light and air breaks down and some of it is converted into cymenes. That’s why you should buy a high quality oil with a specific rating and from Australia only. Many cheap blends of several tea tree oil varieties are coming out of India, China, and Southeast Asia.

    Thanks again!

  2. Tea Tree Oil does work very well on sore throats and chest colds. Good insight for those looking for a more natural cure.

  3. hey this is one of the best remedies that really worked for my friend for having a bacterial vaginosis infection..it took her a long time finding for the right stuff for treating her recurrent vaginosis..it did help a lot..also there are also some alternative ways that stop the infection in 3 days aside from tea tree..

    great work..hope it will also help other women..:)

    to good healthier living…

  4. Great stuff. I personal use the steam inhalation method every morning. Then I use my neti pot. And breathe clear all day

  5. Thanks for the post. What do you all think of the future of blogging? I have been reading a lot about google’s attempt to gain preferential treatment for its site from internet providers. This will result in their sites being faster than sites owned by individuals and/or smaller comapnies. It’s my beleif that if google is able to succeed there will be far less websites out there and therefore far less blogging.

  6. Really an interesting and informative Post,it is a type of post which I was searching since long. thanks for a good article.

  7. This post offers great deal of valuable information about tea tree oil.Since it specifies that it can be used for vaginits, as one of its uses.So i would also like to contribut to it & offer some info on vaginal odor & bacterial vaginosis.Nearly 95% of abnormal vaginal odor is due to a condition called bacterial vaginosis. This infection is caused by the gardnerella bacteria. This condition is not your fault. Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection.Whoever is suffering from such infections should take well care to get rid of these ASAP as they effect your personal health as well as relationship with your partner.Been providing women with magical product for getting rid of vaginal odor through-Destinol, i would just suggest all women that such probles should be cured from the root & with best product.

  8. The post offers valuable information to using uses. This is really new facts to reducing vaginal infections after using tea tree oil. Symptoms of vaginal infections are abnormal vaginal discharge; itching, irritation and fishy or musty odor have been driving you up the wall. It’s the vaginal odor that’s becoming a bit difficult to conceal and making your private life hell. The manufacturers of destinol know that vaginal odor can devastate you. They also know that no amount of readily available douches, sprays, ointments, gels or any other thing will prove successful.

  9. Tea tree oil seems promising with regard to psoriasis. I’ll definitely add that to the list of treatments I would use before resorting to medicine/steroids.

  10. Excellent info in regard to acne. This is a serious topic, and it is so hard to find reliable acne information online. Thanks and keep up the good work!

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