Tea Tree oil is a versatile essential oil used for several purpose such as keeping skin, hair and nails ultra healthy and shiny, As an inexpensive oil, it has been medically proven to be safe for children and adults alike. Extensive Research has shown how Tea tree oil helps manage several inflammatory conditions. Derived from a shrub called the Melaleuca in Australia, natives have known to use it for thousands of years as a balm to treat skin problems. Tea Tree Oil was brought to the attention of the medical fraternity by chemist Arthur Penfold in 1920 who researched the anti inflammatory and antiseptic properties of the oil. Here are 15 benefits of tea tree oil.
When our skin is subject to an external cut or ruptures, it becomes an open door for all sorts of infections caused by bacteria. Tea tree oil can be effectively used as a disinfectant for minor cuts and abrasions, as it easily kills Staphylococcus bacteria and other germs which usually invades open wounds.
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How to apply it
To use the oil clean the wound first with soap and plain water. Mix one drop of tea tree oil with a teaspoon of coconut oil, and carefully apply on the cut and cover it with a bandage. Repeat the same process once or twice daily depending upon the nastiness of the gash till scabs form. This prevents fungus and bacteria from taking over. You can also mix a few drops of tea tree oil with lavender oil which would make the solution even more effective.
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One study has interestingly discovered that Tea tree oil can keep the creepy crawlies or insects away. Yes it’s an effective insect repellent. When experimented over pasture cows, it was realized that 24 hrs after the oil had been applied to their skin they were blissfully free of the pesky insects. In fact, 61% less flies were found hovering over the farm animals.
In another test tube experiment, it was categorically proven that tea tree oil has more ability to repel or kill mosquitoes then DEET, which is the most common ingredient used in commercial repellent these days .
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If you ask a bunch of teenagers what their biggest nightmare is, it won’t be grades or accidents not even an alien attack, it’s breaking in to nasty acne just before their prom nights or a birthday party! Scientists have tried to come out with a fool proof way to get rid of this teenage angst but for no avail. Tea tree oil can be a powerful weapon against those slimy spots on your face; The essential oil has Benzoyl Peroxide which is the most common anti acne medication. Though this oil can be bought from stores, it is better you prepare your own anti-acne concoction at home!
Just mix one part tea tree gel with nine parts water and apply on the zits with a cotton swabs twice a day regularly till you get that gorgeous pimple free skin.
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Hate that burning sensation of Listerine and the after taste it leaves? Well fear not tea tree essential oil can be your guide to a great chemical free mouthwash. medical studies have found that this oil not only fights germs and tooth decay but is way more effective then chlorhexidine, a common disinfectant usually used in the oral rinse, In its fight against plaque-causing bacteria. What’s best is the taste is less appalling than our usual brands we use.
To make your own mouth wash, simply add a drop of tea tree oil to a cup of warm water and mix it. You can even add peppermint and then rinse along your mouth for 30 seconds or so, just make sure not to swallow it as it might have toxic effects like any other oral disinfectant.
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Though many of us would not like to admit it but fungal nail infection is quite common, even if it’s not dangerous, they are ugly and disgusting. Although medical options are always available for this malady but some people prefer a more natural approach where tea tree oil would be the best option.
A study has proven that people who used this essential oil alone or with an antifungal medication for 6 months, 60% of them saw a partial or FULL resolution of the fungus. Take few drops of the tea tree oil and mix it with an equal amount of coconut oil and apply it to the affected area. Make sure you wash your hands immediately after applying the potion or better still dab it with cotton swabs to avoid spreading the fungal infection in other areas of the body.
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Make up removers always make a poor job of removing dark makeup like mascara which is why people need to use a lot of commercial products for doing so. Tea tree oil is a natural makeup remover which won’t leave chemical residues harsh t the skin.
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How to make it
1 quarter cup extra virgin olive oil
10 drops tea tree oil
Mix well in a glass jar shut the lid and store in a cool dry place. Whenever you need to use it, take a cotton ball and dip in the mixture and use accordingly. Rinse your face with warm water soon after.
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Tea tree oil is excellent for boils as it is medically proven to treat staph infections that can be resistant to antibiotics. Just dab a cotton ball in diluted tea tree oil and almond oil or coconut oil and apply to the boil. Do this several times a day.
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Vaccinations have eradicated chicken pox no doubt but it does occasionally rear its head and the condition isn’t pleasant being very very itchy. Scratching aggravates the condition further and will make it scar. Tea Tree oil soothes and reduces the itching and will also prevent scarring. Put five drops of tea tree oil in a bucket of lukewarm water and bathe with it. Dilute the oil in carrier oil before hand and allow soak in it for 20 minutes or longer.
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Warts is another irritating and embarrassing skin condition where taking a flame to it is not the answer unless it involves cauterization on recommendation of a doctor. Tea tree oil can arrest the development of a wart and prevent further infection by drying up the fungi causing it. It is a painless method and they won’t come back. Here’s how to use it
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Psoriasis is a huge problem with almost 7.5 million people in the US alone. Like eczema, it causes itchy skin and a rash. It can get quite traumatic and is also triggered by stress and anxiety. The anti inflammatory properties in Tea tree oil has been proven by research as an effective natural remedy to treat psoriasis. It reduces the itching, discomfort and fights the condition by reversing it to some extent. Tea tree oil is anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral which is why it is a strong weapon against psoriasis to reduce the itching, burning and redness.
Mix 10 drops of tea tree oil with coconut oil and apply it over the affected area. Do this thrice a day till patches are gone.
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The biggest modern day malady which dents the pride and vanity of all our beautiful young people is the embarrassing dandruff flakes falling from our scalps. These are basically dead skin which might not be dangerous but may end your reputation of being cool.
A group of people who washed their hair with regular shampoos were asked to add few drops of tea tree oil in their regular ablutions and lo and behold! There was a whopping 40% improvement in the dandruff issues. Also it reduced the tell tale symptoms of dandruff that is itchiness and greasiness too.
Just add a few drops of this magical essential oil to your shampoo and wash your hair. Do this till your dandruff is gone.
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Contrary to popular belief, athlete’s foot is a painful fungal infection which can happen to anyone and not just athletes. Medically termed as tineapedis, it is a contagious fungal infection which is annoyingly painful. It can even spread to toe nails and hands. The symptoms can be equally painful such as peeling, cracking, blisters and redness of the skin.
Although anti-fungal treatments are the standard mode of treatment for athlete’s foot, studies have suggested that tea tree oil reduces fungal infection reduce the annoying symptoms of it
Combine 1/4th cup of arrowroot powder, 1/4th cup of baking soda and 20-25 drops of tea tree oil to make a paste. Place it in a covered container. Clean and dry the affected area and apply the paste to it every day.
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The benefits of tea tree oil extend to eczema as well. It is a sad plight for those who suffer from this chronic skin ailment called eczema which is not just ugly and annoying but painful too. Tea tree oil has anti-septic properties which soothes the inflammation and swelling. In order to get an instant relief, mix 20 drops of tea tree essential oil with half cup of coconut oil and rub the infected area gently twice a day and see the change by your own eyes. If it’s a problem infecting your whole body then add 15 drops of this oil in your warm bathwater with 2 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and soak your body for at least 20 minutes.
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