Health Benefits Of Tea Tree Oil

These days, everyone seems to be talking about essential oils.

And for good reason.

Essential oils can be excellent natural alternatives for a variety of chemically produced products, such as household cleaners and antiseptics.

Tea tree oil is one such essential oil that has been rapidly raising in prominence.

If you’ve been ever seen a naturopathic doctor for acne and skin conditions, you may already be aware of the various health benefits of tea tree oil.

But if not, you’ve come to the right place.

I’m Dr. Sheila Dyer, a naturopathic doctor in Toronto, and today I’d like to highlight some of the most common health benefits of tea tree oil.

Let’s get started.

What Is Tea Tree Oil?

Tea tree oil is a type of essential oil originally used as traditional medicine amongst Australia’s Indigenous communities.

Today, tea tree oil is widely used for a variety of purposes, including acne treatments, hair and skin cleanser, and even insect repellent.

Tea tree oil is a natural substance that is harvested from Melaleuca alternifolia trees, which are native to Australia.

Since it naturally has germ fighting properties, tea tree oil may be useful in the treatment of bacterial and fungal skin infections.

Tea tree oil may be purchased 100% pure or various diluted strengths.

Health Benefits Of Tea Tree Oil

As previously mentioned, tea tree oil is often used to help treat bacterial and fungal infections on your skin.

This is because of a compound known as terpinene-4-ol, which is useful for fighting certain bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

However, the benefits of tea tree oil don’t stop there.

Below are some of the numerous health benefits that tea tree oil may provide you.

1. It’s A Natural Antiseptic

When you sustain an injury that breaks your skin, bacteria are more easily able to enter your bloodstream and cause infection.

Tea tree oil can kill these bacteria and help prevent infection.

To disinfect a wound using tea tree oil, begin by mixing one drop of tea tree oil with one teaspoon of coconut oil (or another carrier oil).

After cleaning your wound, apply the mixture and cover the injury with a bandage.

2. It May Help Manage Acne

Since acne is caused by bacteria, tea tree oil can also be an effective solution for your pesky breakouts.

Studies show that tea tree oil can kill acne causing bacteria to help to reduce the overall severity of breakouts.

Research suggests that tea tree oil is just as effective at treating acne as traditional acne medications, such as benzoyl peroxide.

To use tea tree oil as an acne treatment, mix one part tea tree oil with nine parts water and apply to effected areas.

Alternatively, you can buy pre mixed tea tree oil based acne treatments at your local drug store.

3. It’s A Useful All Purpose Cleaner

Tea tree oil can even help kill the bacteria around your home.

It’s effective at sanitizing surfaces without the harsh chemicals typically found in common household cleaners.

Thus, tea tree oil is especially useful as a cleaner if you have small children or pets.

To use tea tree oil as an all purpose cleaner, mix together twenty drops of tea tree oil, 3/4 cup of water, and 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar.

Spray this mixture onto dirty surfaces before wiping clean with a dry cloth.

4. It Can Reduce Skin Inflammation

Research suggests that tea tree oil can help sooth skin inflammation associated with a number of conditions.

For example, dermatitis is a skin condition caused by allergens and resulting in red, itchy, and painful skin.

Tea tree oil has been found to be effective at soothing the symptoms associated with dermatitis.

Additionally, tea tree oil may also help sooth skin inflammation caused by bug bites.

To use tea tree oil as a remedy for skin inflammation, mix ten drops of tea tree oil with one tablespoon of olive oil and one tablespoon of melted coconut oil.

Apply the mixture to effected areas.

5. It May Help Manage Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes your skin to become itchy and scaly.

Although a cure for psoriasis has yet to be discovered, tea tree oil may help relieve its associated symptoms.

Tea tree oil’s anti inflammatory compounds have been shown to help treat itchy, scaly skin caused by psoriasis, making it an effective naturopathic treatment for psoriasis.

To use tea tree oil as a treatment for psoriasis, mix ten to fifteen drops of tea tree oil with two tablespoons of melted coconut oil.

Apply the mixture to the affected areas.

Are There Any Risks With Using Tea Tree Oil?

When used as directed, tea tree oil generally safe.

Since it may be toxic if swallowed, tea tree oil should not be consumed under any circumstances.

Additionally, some individuals may have an allergic reaction to tea tree oil.

Therefore, it’s important to test tea tree oil on a small portion of your skin before fully applying it.

Book An Appointment With Dr. Sheila Dyer, ND

If you’re unsure whether tea tree oil is right for you, a naturopathic doctor can help.

My name is Dr. Sheila Dyer, a naturopathic doctor located in Toronto, and I have a passion for finding solution for your health problems using natural remedies.

Book an appointment with me today to find out more.