Benefits of Tea Tree Oil
What is tea tree oil? What are the benefits of tea tree oil? What are the uses of tea tree oil?
The tea tree goes by the Latin name of Melaleuca alternifolia. Tea tree oil is also referred to as Melaleuca oil or Australian tea tree oil. The leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia, a plant native to Australia, are distilled so that their essential oils can be made into tea tree oil. The uses of tea tree oil and the leaves go back so far that they are quite familiar to the Aborigines.
The Health Benefits of Tea Tree Oil
- Antiseptic and bacteria fighter. Tea tree oil can be used to fend off bacteria in infections and wounds.
- It is beneficial for skin repair. Tea tree oil encourages the skin to form new scar tissue to heal cut or otherwise wounded skin more quickly and thoroughly.
- It is used as a wound cleanser. Tea tree oil breaks up pus and cleanses wounds surfaces with no harm done to the tissue.
- Melaleuca oil has anti-fungal properties. Tea tree oil is used to help get rid of fungal diseases in both animals and people.
- It is also an anti-viral agent and helps fend off an array of common infectious illnesses such as the common cold.
- Its anti inflammatory properties penetrates the skin very effectively to stave off or diminish inflammation.
- Tea tree is also an immune system enhancement. Tea tree oil aids the body in fending off just about any kind of infection, and can be used to strengthen the immune system if you are already ill, leading to faster full recovery.
- Tea tree oil dramatically lowers the possibility of skin over-sensitivity or irritation, and because of this it is used to treat sunburn, acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
Other Uses of Tea Tree Oil
Some of the most common specific uses of tea tree oil besides those mentioned above include treating vaginitis, periodontal disease, dandruff, lice, and athlete's foot. Another one of the benefits of tea tree oil is the fact that it can be used to help get a sun tan safely.
Tea Tree Oil Side Effects
However, along with the benefits of tea tree oil come potential side effects. Some research has shown that extensive use of the oil can cause breast enlargement in males. It is recommended that women who are pregnant or nursing avoid tea tree oil.
People who have cancers that are hormone-sensitive are also advised to avoid its use. Some people, although not common, are allergic to tea tree oil and its use for them can cause anything from a mild rash to severe skin inflammation and boils. Undiluted tea tree oil can have very bad effects on the skin and cause irritation, burning, sores, or severe itching.
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.