Tea tree essential oil is, along with lavender essential oil, undoubtedly one of the best-selling essential oils in the world, especially the variety Malaleuca alternifoliafor his extraordinary therapeutic properties.
It is used for numerous purposes, but especially to combat infections, acne, mouth or nail fungus.
What is tea tree and what is it for?
The tea tree belongs to the Myrtaceae family and is originally from Australiawhere we find different melaleucas, such as the Melaleuca cajeputi (also known as cajeput) or the Melaleuca quinquenervia (which is called niauli).
Today the tea tree is still mainly grown in Australia, but it can also be found in other countries such as New Zealand and Zimbabwe.
It owes its name to Anglo-Saxon navigator James Cook during their trip around the world in 1770. They say that, when there was no tea on board, they began to replace it with an infusion of leaves. Melaleuca alternifoliajust as they saw the aborigines doing. These, apparently, already knew the properties of the tea tree, and used it to treat colds, congestions, fever and wounds.
During the Second World War there was not a single Australian soldier who did not carry with him a bottle of tea tree essential oil, then already well known for its valuable health benefits. These are the main properties and uses of tea tree:
- To fight infections: On a therapeutic level, it is worth highlighting the numerous anti-infective properties of this essential essential oil. The use of tea tree is recommended in case of viral infections, such as colds, flu, herpes or Epstein-Barr virus infection.
- For the mushrooms: Tea tree is also excellent for eliminating fungi, which is why it is probably considered the best natural remedy to treat candidiasis.
- For the face, in order to eliminate acne: Of course, tea tree essential oil is a great classic for treating youthful acne.
- For hair, against lice: It is also useful for eliminating parasites, especially lice.
- To protect the skin from the sun and radiation: Tea tree is also a valuable skin protector when it is subjected to radiation. People with cancer who are going to undergo radiotherapy will greatly benefit from using tea tree before the sessions.
How to use tea tree
Its characteristic and unmistakable smell is not very attractive for diffusion use. For that reason, It is usually applied mainly topically.
Tea tree essential oil oxidizes easily. Try to keep it in a cool place or better yet in the refrigerator.
If a rash appears or if it irritates your skin it is probably because it has oxidized. Don’t use it in this case.
Tea tree essential oil will be very useful for its properties in a multitude of situations. Below are some of the most common ones and how to use tea tree in each case.
Tea tree for face: acne and cold sores
Due to its antibacterial and antiviral properties, tea tree essential oil is useful for treating both juvenile acne and curing cold sores. These two formulas will be useful to you:
Essential oil formula to eliminate acne
After carefully cleaning your face, we will apply a pure drop directly on the grains.
As a complement, we can prepare a aloe vera-based emulsion to apply in the morning and at night. We will need:
- A bottle with a dispenser (30 ml)
- 15 ml jojoba vegetable oil
- 15 drops of tea tree essential oil
- 15 drops of lavender essential oil
- Aloe vera gel to fill the rest of the bottle
We fill the jar halfway with the jojoba vegetable oil and add the two essential oils. Then we complete with aloe vera gel until the bottle is full and shake to emulsify.
It is likely that between each use the emulsion will separate; it doesn’t matter, just We shake again before using so that it emulsifies again.
How to use it for cold sores
We dilute 1 drop of essential oil with 1 drop of calendula or coconut vegetable oil and we apply to the affected area. The application should be repeated with some frequency and at least five times a day.
Tea tree for hair: eliminate dandruff
Using tea tree for dandruff is as simple as adding 1 drop essential oil to your shampoo dose and, once applied, wait a couple of minutes before rinsing.
If you want a more complete formula to treat dandruff and itching, you can get this specific aromatherapy synergy for dandruff.
Tea tree is also effective in eliminating licebut the smell of the essential oil is not pleasant to apply to children’s hair. Therefore, it is much more advisable to use lavender essential oil preventively. In this article about lavender essential oil we explain how.
Tea tree in cancer
One of the known applications of tea tree in cancer is to protect the skin before radiotherapy sessions.
To prevent the skin from burning as a result of radiotherapy (radiodermitis), we will apply three or four drops of pure tea tree essential oil in the area to be treated half an hour before the session.
It is very important do not dilute the essential oil with anythingespecially with vegetable oil.
After the session, We apply a little aloe vera gel with a drop of lavender essential oil to calm the skin. It is also advisable to use some vegetable oil, for example, argan or calendula oil.
Tea Tree Mouthwash
Tea tree essential oil is suitable for general oral hygiene, as well as relieving gingivitis and canker sores.
For oral hygiene and gingivitis
We prepare a mouthwash by diluting 1 drop of essential oil with a little coconut oil. Once we have the mixture, the we keep it in the mouth for about ten minutes. After that time, we spit the oil onto a tissue and brush our teeth. Avoid spitting it into the sink so the oil doesn’t go down the drain.
You can also add 1 drop of essential oil to your toothpaste when you go to brush your teeth. This will also help whiten your teeth.
For canker sores
In case you have thrush, You can apply 1 drop of pure essential oil on the pupa, two to three times a day.
Other formulas and uses of tea tree
Here are other situations in which the properties of tea tree are useful and how to use it in each case:
For nail fungus
Apply 1 drop of pure essential oil on the nail or affected nails, in the morning and at night for 1 month.
For scabies
By applying tea tree mixed with mint and coconut oil we obtain a useful mixture to treat scabies. We mix:
- 90 drops of tea tree essential oil.
- 10 drops of peppermint essential oil.
- 50 ml of coconut oil, previously melted and cooled.
We apply this mixture to the affected areas. two to three times per day.
For hemorrhoids
A mixture is prepared that we apply to improve hemorrhoids. For this we dilute 1 drop of essential oil in 4 drops of St. John’s Wort oleate and we apply morning and night.
In scratches or superficial wounds
To disinfect a superficial wound, use 1 or 2 drops of pure essential oil. Repeat the application if necessary.
In pimples and boils
On pimples and boils we will apply a mixture of tea tree essential oil and carrot essential oil. You need:
- 1 drop of pure tea tree essential oil.
- 1 drop of carrot essential oil.
Simply apply the mixture to the pimple and repeat three times a day.
For colds (adults only)
We will apply a mixture of essential oils to the forearms and sides. Needed:
- 2 drops of tea tree essential oil.
- 2 drops of ravintsara essential oil.
- If you have very sensitive skin, add 4 drops of a vegetable oil to dilute the essential oils.
Apply the mixture 6 times a day for 2 or 3 days.
Toxicity and contraindications
Tea tree essential oil has no contraindications or toxicity in the usually recommended doses in aromatherapy.
It can be used during pregnancy, breastfeeding and in children from 6 years of age. respecting the indications and precautions for use.
Contrary to what we can read in some poorly documented sources, tea tree is not a hormone disruptor nor does it promote breast enlargement.
Text by Antonia Jover, aromatologist
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References
Robert Tisserand: Estrogens in plastic Labware.