Tea tree oil is mild and gentle enough for even very sensitive skin. Yet it may have powerful healing properties that make it a favorite for aboriginal Australians and modern herbalists. Spot treat skin infections, scars or minor abrasions with tea tree oil for natural healing. Talk to your doctor before using tea tree oil. There is no conclusive evidence for using tea tree oil for skin problems or any other ailments.
Tea Tree
The Tea tree is an evergreen, native to Australia and is distinct from camilia senensis, the plant that drinking tea is made from. Tea tree was a traditional remedy for indigenous Australians and today is popular worldwide. According to "The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants," tea tree may have excellent antiseptic properties and may help relieve acne, warts and fungal skin infections. There is no conclusive clinical evidence to support the use of tea tree for these conditions.
Essential Oil
The essential oil of tea tree is most beneficial for spot treatment. This oil is distilled from the aromatic leaves of the plant and has an astringent medicinal smell. Tea tree essential oil contains terpinen, the compound that may be responsible for its antiseptic properties. Do not take tea tree essential oil internally.
Purchasing
Purchase high quality organic essential tea tree oil to avoid taking in excess toxins. Look for a brand with a low percentage of cineol. This compound occurs naturally in tea tree, but may irritate your skin. Good quality oil should have less than 10 percent cineol.
Application
Apply tea tree essential oil neat, without a carrier oil, directly on the inflamed or infected skin. Pour out a drop or a few drops -- depending on the size of the area you want to treat -- onto a cotton ball or swab. Dab the oil onto the affected skin until it is covered by a very thin layer. Do not rinse or wash your skin for several hours afterward. Repeat daily to help reduce inflammation.
Other Uses
Tea tree oil makes an effective mouthwash for daily use. Add a few drops to your mouthwash to boost its ability to help mouth inflammation. Tea tree cream may also help clear up pimples. "The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants" recommends tea tree suppositories for vaginal yeast infections. There is no conclusive clinical evidence to support these medicinal uses of tea tree.
References
- "The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants"; Andrew Chevallier; 1996
- "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies"; Norman Shealy MD; 1998
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