Tea tree at a glance
Scientific name- Melaleuca alternifolia
Common name: Tea tree
Native region- Australia
Cultivation- Grow in wide range of soil in subtropical climate
Type- A tall shrub or small tree up to 7 m high with a bushy crown and papery bark.
Popular Use- Medicinal (Tea tree oil from its leaves), Ornamental
What is tea tree oil?
Tea tree oil (melaleuca oil) is made from the leaves of the tea tree plant (Melaleuca alternifolia), which is native to Australia. The crushed leaves of tea tree were used by Australian Aborigines to treat skin infection. Nowadays, tea tree commercially cultivated for tea tree oil, an essential oil which is used as an antiseptic in skin care products, in the perfume industry, and in soaps and mouthwashes.
Benefits of tea tree oil
- Use as an antiseptic in skin care products
- Use in the perfume industry
- Use in soaps and mouthwashes
- Treat bacterial, fungal and viral infections
- Treat acne
- Treat vaginal infections
- Works against respiratory problems (asthma and bronchitis)
Skin benefits
Tea tree oil is most popular and effective oil for its high efficiency against acne. The oil is effective against skin bacterial, fungus and viral infection of skin.
- Tea tree oil highly useful for oily and acne-prone skin. You can use various skin products that contain tea tree extracts.
- Tea tree oil consists of antibacterial and antimicrobial agents that works effectively against acne and kills acne causes bacteria.
- The oil penetrates deep in to the skin to unblock the sebaceous glands which disinfects the pores, dries out whiteheads and blackheads.
- It removes damaged skin cells and balances skin by controlling oil production.
Apply procedure
You can use by diluting with water or by mixing with aloe vera, honey, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, yogurt, coconut oil, jojoba oil, egg white etc.
Direct apply
- Wash your face.
- Apply a few drops of tea tree oil on acne, pimples or spots by using a cotton ball.
- Leave for few hours or overnight.
- Repeat regularly for best results.
Apply by dilution
- Wash your face
- Take half cup of water and 3-4 drops of tea tree oil
- Add drops of the oil to the water and mix well.
- Apply it to the affected area or the whole face.
- Leave it on for 20-25 minutes, and once it dries rinse with cool water and pat dry.
- Apply your moisturizer
Caution
Allergic reactions in skin may cause for some individuals. To avoid skin irritation in sensitive skin dilute the oil with aloe Vera or water.
References
- Erich Keller (1999), Aromatherapy Handbook for Beauty, Hair, and Skin Care. Inner Traditions / Bear & Co
- World Checklist of Selected Plant Families (2016). Published on the Internet http://apps.kew.org/wcsp/
- Medical Journal of Australia January 15, 1990
- Mayo Clinic, November 1, 2013
- Tea Tree Oil for Acne (2016), Home remedies for life.
- Simple Methods Of Using Tea Tree Oil To Cure Acne (2016), Stylecraze.com
