Tea Tree Oil Uses and Benefits

Before the rest of the world found out about tea tree oil uses, the Aborigines of Australia have long been using the leaves as a remedy to treat coughs, colds, flu, sore throats, skin problems and wounds.

Tea tree oil or melaleuca oil comes from the leaves of the melaleuca tree. Extensive researches were done to find out the constituents and benefits of tea tree oil. The findings revealed that tea tree oil contain cymones, pinines, terpines, terpinen-4-ol, sesquiterpenes and sesquiterpene alcohols. All these plant compounds plus some others are responsible for tea tree oil's antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseptic, and antiviral effects.

One of tea tree oil uses is in treating skin problems, inflammations and infections. It is gentle, able to penetrate the skin and is used as a skin cleansing agent. A controlled study showed that it is effective in treating mild to moderate acne vulgaris when compared to benzoyl peroxide which is a popular acne medication. It is also helpful in treating eczema and psoriasis.

This is one of the reasons why you can find many skin care products such as creams and skin cleansers using tea tree oil as one of its ingredients. It may also help heal and repair cuts and wounds faster, form new skin and reduce scaring.

It is used as an ear drop to relieve earache and also to maintain ear health. Other tea tree oil uses include dandruff treatment and treating head lice and scabies. It is also one of the best home remedies for treating nail fungus and athlete's foot because of its anti fungal property.

Another one of tea tree uses is in the treatment of yeast infection or candidiasis which is another fungal infection caused by candida albicans.

A pilot study done in 1998 found that tea tree oil was effective in preventing the methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus bacteria from spreading to unaffected skin and it was able to shrink the boils. The staph bacteria is the cause of MRSA infection.

Some research found that tea tree oil with its anti viral activity has the potential to fight against the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores. It may also treat blisters, chicken pox and shingles.

Tea tree oil is not to be taken internally. It is meant to be used topically. If you find it too strong for your skin, you can dilute it with water. For nail fungus infection, you can try tea tree foot soak or the foot balm. If you have scalps and dandruff problems, tea tree oil shampoo may help remove the oiliness and flakes. The best thing to do is get the tea tree oil because you can use it for various applications including in treating poison ivy rash.

Tea tree oil side effects may happen if your skin is allergic to it or if it is too concentrated. You may develop rashes, severe itching and skin inflammation.

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