Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is steam distilled from the leaves of the tea tree, Melaleuca alternifolia. This Australian tea tree oil is native to the New South Wales which is located on the East coast of Australia. The benefits of tea tree oil are many as it is considered to be one of nature’s most effective and versatile healers. It can not only help heal many health conditions but also works as an immune system booster and a preventative herb against many infections. Tea tree oil uses include being a natural antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial medicine.

It is used as a first aid remedy against skin ailments, cuts, insect bites, burns and skin spots. It is also effectively used in treating ringworm, athlete’s foot, dandruff and infestations inducing lice, scabies and mosquitoes. Tea tree oil acne is not only soothing and disinfecting; it is also capable of penetrating the lower skin layers with its analgesic and cicatrizant qualities. Other great uses for tea tree oil include its soothing and clearing effects on the respiratory tract because of its expectorant and balsamic characteristics. There are many products containing tea tree oil in the market like tea tree oil foot wash which is effective in treating conditions like athlete’s foot, fungal infection of the toe nails and as an antiseptic.

Tea tree oil soap is also great as an antiseptic while tea tree oil antifungal is used in many shampoos to help control dandruff. Tea tree oil and pet care too has a connection as many dog shampoos have tea tree oil. It helps in treating itchy and dry skin of the pet and is a natural antifungal, antiseptic and antibacterial for the pet. Like all good products, side effects in tea tree oil are quite a few like allergic reactions to the oil in the form of blisters and rashes. It is not at all advised to take tea tree oil internally as it causes impaired immune function, diarrhea and fatal central nervous system depression. However tea tree oil in pastes and mouthwashes are safe as they are not swallowed; but avoid home made tea tree oil mouthwashes.

Is use of tea tree oil safe during pregnancy? Like most products on the market, tea tree oil is not safe for use when pregnant or when breastfeeding. Tea tree oil premature puberty is another side effect noted in children. Boys experience unexplained breast enlargement while girls develop breasts at a young age. So children are not advised excessive use of tea tree oil. Never use cheap tea tree oil as side effects are more pronounced and dangerous in such cases. However don’t confuse tea tree oil and green tea oil seeds as these are two different entities altogether. They are different herbs having different properties.