The top 10 benefits of tea tree oil
Exploring the Therapeutic Uses of Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an essential oil distilled from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant, native to Australia. With its fresh, herbaceous scent and natural antiseptic properties, tea tree oil is growing increasingly popular within alternative medicine. Here we’ll examine 10 research-backed ways it may benefit your health when used properly.
Treats Acne
Several studies have found tea tree oil effective against Propionibacterium acnes bacteria that cause inflammatory acne lesions when applied topically. Its antimicrobial components like terpinen-4-ol combat bacteria on skin [1].
For mild to moderate acne, applying diluted tea tree oil can reduce pimples and acne-related redness and swelling.
Soothes Skin Irritations
Tea tree oil displays anti-inflammatory effects that may alleviate common skin irritations associated with rashes, bites, eczema, and dermatitis. A 5% tea tree oil gel was proven as effective as 5% benzoyl peroxide for reducing symptoms of acne but with fewer dryness side effects [2].
Heals Wounds Tea tree oil can accelerate wound healing by stimulating new tissue growth, fighting microbes, and reducing inflammation around wounds. Applying very diluted tea tree oil may help cuts, burns, and scrapes heal faster, especially those prone to bacterial infections [3].
Treats Dandruff Tea tree oil’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects target the fungus Malassezia that causes dandruff flakes and scalp itching. A shampoo with a 5% tea tree oil solution significantly improved dandruff severity and itchiness in one trial [4].
Kills Mold Research shows tea tree oil is effective at killing various household molds like Aspergillus niger through contact inhibition. Tea tree oil vapor or mist can suppress mold growth [5].
Boosts Oral Health Thanks to its antimicrobial properties, tea tree oil has been studied for reducing oral bacteria that cause cavities, gingivitis, and bad breath. One study found tea tree oil was more effective than chlorhexidine at reducing oral microbes [6].
Combats Vaginal Infections The antifungal effects of tea tree oil’s terpinen-4-ol content may help alleviate Candida yeast infections when applied topically or on tampons. Research shows it can restrict candida overgrowth by damaging cell walls [7].
Soothes Cold Sores Applying diluted tea tree oil can help reduce pain and healing time associated with cold sores. It suppresses the herpes simplex virus while providing anti-inflammatory relief [8].
Eliminates Nail Fungus Applied topically to nails, tea tree oil’s antifungal properties may clear up fungal nail infections and onychomycosis. One study saw a cure rate of 18% using 100% tea tree oil [9].
Natural Surface Cleaner Tea tree oil’s antimicrobial activity makes it an effective and environmentally-friendly cleaner and deodorizer for household surfaces. It kills salmonella, E. coli and other nasty pathogens [10].
While promising, many applications require more definitive research. Proper usage guidelines and precautions are crucial with this potent oil. But used judiciously, tea tree oil can be a beneficial addition to natural health regimens.
References:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1360273/
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12451368/
[3] https://journals.lww.com/aswcjournal/fulltext/2022/01000/can_tea_tree_oil_safely_heal_wounds_.7.aspx
[4] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-4632.2004.02186.x
[5] https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/bpb/37/5/37_b13-00967/_article
[6] https://meridian.allenpress.com/joralscience/article/7/2/88/205074/The-Effect-of-Three-Mouthrinses
[7] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S199576462100341X
[8] https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/21/21/8345
[9] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12451368/
[10] https://sfamjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jam.14756