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 and tea tree oil is sometimes 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 plant's leaves go back so far that they are quite familiar to the Aborigines.

What are the benefits of tea tree oil?

1. Antiseptic and bacteria fighter. Tea tree oil can be used to fend off bacteria in all manner of infections and wounds.
   
   
   
2. Skin repair. Tea tree oil encourages the skin to form new scar tissue to heal cut or otherwise wounded skin more quickly and thoroughly.
   
   
   
3. Wound cleanser. Tea tree oil breaks up pus and cleanses wounds' surfaces with no harm done to the tissue.
   
   
   
4. Anti-fungal. Tea tree oil is used to help get rid of fungal diseases in both animals and people.
   
   
   
5. Anti-viral agent that fends off an array of common infectious illnesses such as the common cold.
   
   
   
6. Anti-inflammatory. Tea tree oil penetrates the skin very effectively to stave off or diminish inflammation.
   
   
   
7. 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.
   
   
   
8. Antimicrobial. 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.

What are the other usage 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.

What are 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.

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