Tea Tree Oil: An Australian Export

Tea tree oil, often called Melaleuca oil, is known for its many uses. It’s generally regarded as an oil that any newbie to essential oils will want to have in their arsenal. It is considered a unique oil, both for its aroma and for its medicinal qualities.

When we look deeper into this oil, we see there are many uses from skin care to some first aid applications. When looking at the possibility of using this oil, it’s important to know both the positive and potentially negative aspects to using it. As with any oil usage, consult with a qualified physician before embarking on the use of this, or any other essential oil.

Where does Tea Tree Oil come from?

The plant that tea tree oil comes from grows in Australia. It was first noticed in the mid to late 1700’s by a man named Captain James Cook. He noticed the plant when he discovered the land of the aboriginal people.  It has also been used for many years and is regarded for its antiseptic and anti-fungal properties.

What are the Uses of Tea Tree Oil?

Skincare

You can apply tea tree oil to the skin to help with acne breakouts. The oil will help dry out the acne and assist in the healing process. It can also help to make the pimples less irritated. The tea tree oil may dry out your skin at first, but this doesn’t usually last long.

Fungal infections (Athlete’s foot)

One of the big benefits of tea tree oil is its effect on fungal infections. It’s common to get athlete’s foot from time to time. For many people, it’s just a fact of life, especially if you are an athlete or are in tight, closed shoes such as boots all the time.

Tea tree can assist in the cleansing of the infection from the skin by helping to attack the fungus at the source. Simply apply it to the affected area and surrounding skin. Within a few weeks, you should see some improvement in the symptoms. You will want to do this at least 2-3 times a day.

Nail care

You probably wouldn’t think about using tea tree oil for nail care. After all, it is an oil, right?

Well, the nice thing about tea tree oil is that it can be used for nails to help strengthen brittle nails. Just like with athlete’s foot it can help kill fungal infections of the nails. It is as simple as painting it on as you would any nail polish. Again, you will want to do this a few times a day for the best results and it may be a few weeks before the symptoms start to improve.

Other Possible Medicinal Uses of Tea Tree Oil

Bad breath

Mixing therapeutic grade tea tree oil with a mixture of lemon and peppermint oils may help reduce bad breath. Putting the mixture in water and swishing like mouthwash will get you this possible result.

Dandruff

Adding a few drops of tea tree oil to your shampoo or to some cider vinegar as a rinse may help clear the dead skin from the scalp while cleansing it of excess dandruff. If you use the vinegar technique, you can do this a couple times a week for best results.

Lice

This is another condition that may require a combination approach. You can use the tea tree to help repel the lice when mixed with another oil such as lavender. It will have a wonderful smell and help give you some possible protection.

Skin reactions to bug bites or stings

Tea tree oil may help reduce the swelling and pain associated with these types of skin conditions. I would recommend using a carrier oil when applying directly to the skin in these scenarios. It can reduce possible harsh reactions on the skin as tea tree is a strong essential oil right out of the bottle.

There is not enough scientific evidence to support these possible uses, at least not in the widely held beliefs of the medical community at large.

A Recipe to Use Tea Tree Oil

One of the recipes I like to use with tea tree oil is a hair wash. Because it has been shown to have wonderful skin care properties, this recipe seemed like a no brainer to me when I found it.

In a small bottle mix 1 cup of Apple Cider vinegar with about 5 drops of tea tree oil. After washing your hair, squeeze a bit of this onto your scalp, let sit for a few seconds and then rinse. If it becomes too warm, rinse right away.

I do recommend putting this in a glass or metal bottle if you can. Essential oils especially therapeutic grade can make plastic deteriorate over time.

What’s the Science behind the Oil?

While this oil is generally regarded as safe, it is important to point out that some people may suffer adverse reactions if this oil is used in large quantities or by those who are pregnant or nursing.

It may be safe for skin application but not for internal use. The consensus is split on the internal use but I, the author have never used this particular oil internally.

Cautions

This oil is one that I do not recommend taking orally without dilution. This is if you decide to take it orally at all. It has a strong chemical makeup which may be unsuitable for many people when taken this way.

While it is not believed to increase sensitivity to light, I would recommend limiting sun exposure after using it as your skin might be more susceptible to damage from sunlight.

Also, it is considered a “hot oil” so it can be a bit warm to the skin. I recommend being cautious if you try to apply it to the skin without a carrier oil. It may create a small burn or irritation on, particularly sensitive skin types. If you do experience skin irritation from using the oil directly from the bottle, simply put some olive oil on the irritated spot and it should help soothe the irritation.

A Final Note

Tea tree is an oil that has many different uses. While the medical community is split on the benefits of this oil, they do acknowledge some of its cleansing and purifying properties. The aroma is pleasing to most people and it can be blended with other oils such as clove and nutmeg.  It is also regarded as one of the essentials to your beginner kit. Is there any reason why it would not be? I cannot think of one.