Tea Tree Oil

Leaves of the Tea tree ( Melaleuca alternifolia) produce oil that has been used by Australians for centuries for treatment of skin infections. The fragrant oil has an aroma similar to nutmeg, and is a well regarded herbal preparation. The tea tree is native to Australia. Currently, Australia is the main source of tea tree oil and exports around 700 tons per year. Pure tea tree oil is colorless to pale yellow, and is frequently known as ‘melaleuca oil’.

Tea Tree Oil Health Benefits

There are numerous tea tree oil health benefits. High quality tea tree oil contains 40% or more of terpinen-4-ol, that is the significant ingredient for combating injurious bacteria and fungi. It is this that provides tea tree oil health benefits that are a valuable herbal treatment for treating cuts, insect bites and stings , and scrapes. Its other benefits include:

* Treating cuts, scrapes, insect bites, stings, minor skin wounds and irritations. The oil alters the chemical barrier of the skin rendering it less receptive to fungi and other organisms.
* It fights fungal nail infections,. Tea tree oil is helpful in fighting Trichophyton, the fungus that causes a variety of infections such as jock itch and athletes foot.
* It reduces the course of vaginal yeast infections, and is helpful in counteracting the causes which are Candida albicans and Trichomonas vaginalis.
* It is able to control acne. Concoctions of up to 15 per cent tea tree oil can treat severe cases of acne due to its antic-acne content.
* It treats head lice and dandruff. A five per cent mixture of tea tree oil is useful in combating Pityrosporum ovale, a fungus that causes dandruff.
* It prevent warts by dealing with the virus.

Tea Tree Oil Products

Tea tree oil products are available in oil, suppository, cream and gel formulations. To get the most benefit from tea tree oil products, you should find one that is from the Melaleuca alternifolia tree. The other types contain more cineole that may cause skin irritation and reduce the oil’s advantages.

Applying Tea Tree Oil

To treat insect bites, stings and irritations, and minor skin wounds, clean the wound, then try applying tea tree oil, with a drop or two of to the affected area, two or three times daily.

Treat nail infections, by applying tea tree oil twice a day.

Treat athlete’s foot, by applying tea tree oil or cream to the affected areas twice a day, and/or it may be used in a foot bath. For the latter, place 20 drops of tea tree oil in a small bowl of warm water, and soak the feet for fifteen minutes two or three times per day. After drying the feet apply one or two drops of oil to the affected spot.

Treat vaginal yeast infections, by using tea tree oil vaginal suppositories every twelve hours for up to five days.

Treat acne, by applying tea tree oil, using drop or two for each acne lesion thrice daily.

Treat warts, with a few drops on small piece of gauze taped over the wart before retiring then remove it in the morning. Continue until wart heals.

Purchasing Tea Tree Oil Products

* When purchasing tea tree oil products ensure that M. alternifolia is among the first ingredients listed.
* The oil can be found in skin and beauty care products including shampoos and soaps. Prior to purchasing tea tree oil products, make sure they can provide the benefits you seek.
* A few toothpastes contain the oil but in very small quantities. However, amounts are not considered sufficient to deal with bacteria in the mouth, but you will be able to check this out before purchasing tea oil products of this sort..
* Do not swallow tea tree oil as It is strictly for external use. A doctor should be called if it is accidentally ingested.

Possible side effects of tea tree oil include skin irritation for those with sensitive skin. Some people may be allergic to it.