You must also check if your pet is allergic to tea tree oil. In one study, applying a 5% tea tree gel to acne lesions was shown to be more than three times as effective at reducing the number of lesions than a placebo. This article discusses 14 everyday uses for tea tree oil and provides guidance on using it safely and effectively. This article reviews whether kalonji may aid weight loss, as well as…, Shepherd’s purse is a traditional herbal remedy that’s often used to reduce bleeding. Next, combine 2 cups of apple cider vinegar and 1 cup of water, and apply the mixture with a spray bottle until the hair is completely saturated. (6) And there have been case studies that show tea tree oil’s ability to treat infected chronic wounds. It can be used to cleanse and purify the skin, encourage healthy nail growth, promote a healthy scalp, and beautify the complexion. Researchers found that tea tree oil alone was more effective against head lice, with treatment resulting in 100 percent mortality after 30 minutes of exposure. (19). You can use the essential oil with a carrier oil to moisturize your skin. Tea tree works as a natural treatment for scabies because it has powerful antimicrobial properties, giving it the ability to heal scabies on top of and beneath the skin. Animal and human research suggest that applying tea tree oil may help reduce the severity of these symptoms (20, 21, 22). Tea tree oil is known for its topical antiseptic and anti-fungal treatment or infection-reducing benefits. Tea tree oil should not be ingested because it may be toxic if swallowed. You can also use my homemade bathroom cleaner recipe that’s made with a combination of natural cleaning products, like liquid castile soap, apple cider vinegar and baking soda. Exposure to the allergen leads to red, itchy and sometimes painful skin. Tea tree oil, also known as melaleuca, is well-known for its powerful antiseptic properties and ability to treat wounds, which is why it’s one of the top antibacterial essential oils. Tea tree oil contains a number of compounds, including terpinen-4-ol, that have been shown to kill certain bacteria, viruses and fungi (1, 2). Tea tree oil can also be used to effectively treat comparable maladies in pets. What’s more, its taste was found to be less objectionable (16). With so much information packed onto every product label, it can be tricky to know where to start when looking to add a supplement to your diet. Tea tree oil, also known as melaleuca oil, is an essential oil that comes from steaming the leaves of the Australian tea tree.When used topically, tea tree oil is believed to be antibacterial. To disinfect a cut or scrape, follow these steps: Applying a mixture of tea tree oil and coconut oil can help prevent minor cuts and abrasions from becoming infected. (2), Tea tree’s primary active ingredients include terpene hydrocarbons,  monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. In 1999, tea tree oil was added to the North American Contact Dermatitis Group screening panel and test results showed that about 1.4 percent of patients referred for patch testing had a positive reaction to tea tree oil. Tea tree’s natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory actions make it one of the most beneficial essential oils that should included as part of your natural medicine cabinet. Use this recipe to relieve inflamed skin: Applying a tea tree oil mixture may help combat skin inflammation related to contact dermatitis or insect bites. (17), A common question is “can tea tree oil get rid of scabies?” The answer, according to lab studies, is yes. Tea tree oil has proven very beneficial for the health of your hair and scalp. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. These germ-fighting properties make tea tree oil a valued natural remedy for treating bacterial and fungal skin conditions, preventing infection and promoting healing. You can also try my exfoliating foot scrub recipe that will leave your feet smooth and odor-free. If you’re dealing with stinky feet or you need to get a funky smell out of your shoes, tea tree oil is a great remedy. Continue to comb through hair with a fine tooth comb and using coconut oil as a leave-in conditioner. We include products we think are useful for our readers. Lab studies have showed that tea tree oil can inhibit the growth of bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Alternatively, you can make your own acne treatment by mixing one part tea tree oil with nine parts water and applying the mixture to affected areas with a cotton swab once or twice a day, as needed. To make your own chemical-free mouthwash, simply add a drop of tea tree oil to a cup of warm water, mix thoroughly and swish in your mouth for 30 seconds or so. To get rid of head lice naturally, combine 3 tablespoons of coconut oil with 1 teaspoon each of ylang ylang and tea tree oils. It is these compounds that give tea tree its antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal activity. © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Put 2–5 drops of undiluted tea tree oil on the affected area using a clean cotton swab. (7). This…, Recently, kalonji has gained popularity for its purported weight loss benefits. However, tea tree oil should not be taken orally. Tea tree is generally considered safe when used aromatically and topically and doesn’t cause side effects in most cases. They were instructed to apply the solution twice daily to the affected areas for four weeks. (10), Lab studies show that tea tree oil has the ability to fight recurrent herpes virus (which causes cold sores) and influenza. Tea tree oil can be diluted with water to create a mouthwash that helps fight bad breath and dental plaque. Given the increased rate of antimicrobial resistance in p. acnes, there's been a push to use non-antibiotic products, like tea tree oil, as well as a combination of acne … Many people use it as a natural remedy for such skin conditions like stings and bites from insects, acne, boils, athlete's foot, scabies, dandruff, lice infestation, cuts or burns and for fungal and microbial infections. If swallowed, it can cause serious symptoms. This is important because ironically, some individuals who use tea tree oil develop contact dermatitis, one of the conditions tea tree oil may help treat (32, 33). There are medications that can treat nail fungus, though some people may prefer a more natural approach. Tea tree oil may be effective in reducing inflammation, fighting skin or wound infections and reducing wound size. Consider buying a diffuser and diffusing tea tree oil in the air around your home to kill mold and other bad bacteria. Make sure to shake the bottle before each use in order to mix the tea tree oil with the other ingredients. To help reduce dandruff, try adding a few drops of tea tree oil to a dollop of shampoo when washing your hair. Apply a little of the blend to the injury and cover it with a bandage. Tea tree oil may help relieve many types of skin inflammation, including being used as a natural eczema treatment and for reducing psoriasis. In addition to its scientifically backed benefits, tea tree oil is inexpensive and safe when used as directed. Tea tree oil benefits, as shown in medical studies, include fighting acne, eczema, psoriasis, warts, fungus and skin cancer. Tea tree oil should NOT be taken by mouth for any reason. 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