Tea tree oils come from the leaves of the melaleuaca alternifolia. Tea tree oils have antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-fungal and antiviral properties. It can also be used as herbal medicine.
Tea tree oils are regular ingredients in all kinds of shampoos and face soaps and also in ointments because it has healing capabilities. The boiled leaves of the tree can be made into tea and antiseptic wrappings that can treat wounds, cuts and other skin infections.
Tea tree oils have many anti-viral and anti-fungal benefits for many skin conditions:
- Softens corns on the feet
- Ring worm and athletes foot – it eliminates bad odors of the foot
- Cuts and scrapes
- Dandruff and acne
- Cuts and scrapes
- Reactions of insect bites like itching
- Chicken pox
Tea tree oil can treat minor wounds to promote faster healing and prevention of infection.
Tea tree oil can reduce pain. It is also anti-inflammatory and can be used to reduce sores in the muscle and arthritis pain. It can also reduce the pain in carpal tunnel syndrome, mild sprains and burns as well as for toothaches. Apply the oil in the area where the individual feels the pain. Just be careful with the amount used since it can also irritate the skin when using too much is used.
Using a shampoo that contains tea tree oils can lead to a healthy hair. The oil can also reduce dry skin which means you have less chances of getting dandruff in the head. Tea tree oils also keep your hair free from bacteria and keeping the scalp healthy.
Tea tree oils can also treat colds, flu and fever by boosting the immune system and protecting the respiratory system of the body. Bronchitis or cough can also be treated of tea tree oil just by rubbing the oil in the chest and around the throat. For colds and flu, add tea tree oil to a vaporizer, and then instruct the individual to inhale it. Another way is place a few drops of oil in 1 cup of boiling water, then covering it with paper towel and inhale the steam.
Some harmful side effects of using tea tree oils
When browsing labels at health stores, tea tree oil is included as additive in soaps, gels, shampoos, ointments, acne products, fungal creams, and moisturizers because of its antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal properties. This is why it is a substitute to pharmacological antibiotic creams and antiseptics. Some side effects caused by tea tree oils include the following:
- Overuse of tea tree oils can cause skin irritation, itching, eczema, and allergies. Before using any product of the tea tree oils, put few drops on your skin, and if there is any itchiness, swelling or discomfort, rinse the area thoroughly and stop using the oil.
- Never use tea tree oils orally because it is highly toxic. It affects the nervous system that leads to confusion, difficulty in walking, and also it can lead to coma. If this happens, seek immediate emergency care.