Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Benefits of tea tree oil

By Liani Widjaja

Tea tree essential oils is most commonly known for their skin applications, research has shown that tea tree oil can be used in many ways too, such as an antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral property.

There are over 100 different components in the native tree from the Northeast coast of Australia. All of these components play an important factor in the healing properties of tea tree oil.

Tea Tree oil is one of the few essential oils that you don't have to dilute before applying to the skin. It is concentrate natural oil safe for most skin types but those with sensitive skin may prefer to dilute it.

Here are the benefits of tea tree oils :

Athletes Foot: Tea tree oil has been shown to treat a wide range of fungal infections and symptoms, including athlete's foot. Athletes foot is commonly known to grow in warm, moist areas between the toes and the sides and soles of feet. It is highly infectious and spreads quickly in locker and shower rooms. To eliminate athlete's foot, you can use tea tree oil as a topical application. Suggestion is three or more times a day applying pure tea tree oil to the infected area. Tea Tree oil uses includes topical treatment of skin infections such as ringworm.

Treat Cold and Flu: Tea tree oil can treated Cold and flu symptoms. For sore throats, it is recommends to add ten drops of tea tree oil to a cup of warm water and gargle. Do this twice a day. This treatment will help clear mucus and kill bacteria.

Sinus: Add 5-10 drops to steaming hot water for an inhalant or put a few drops of tea tree oil in a steam bath. You can rub around sinuses. Using this treatment at the onset of symptoms will aid in killing germs and bacteria.

Gum infections: Using tea tree oil mouthwash diluted in water can help remedy and prevent gum disease and plaque. Be careful not to swallow it. Small amounts are not considered toxic, though the stomach might rebel.

Candida Albicans Infections: As fungidal properties, tea tree can help clear vaginal thrush and is of value with commonly treating genital infections generally.

Acne: Soaked a cotton ball in straight or diluted tea tree oil and gently wipe the skin with it. This can help calm inflammation, diminish infection and prevent new acne sores from developing. It won't irritate troubled skin, while killing bacteria that aggravate skin eruptions. It can be used on the face, neck, chest and back. Mix a few drops with acne cleanser to boost its effectiveness.

Head Lice: Head lice can be treated by adding ten drops of tea tree oil to shampoo. The hair and scalp should be wet and lathered thoroughly. Use a fine toothed- comb before shampoo is rinsed off. Avoid direct contact with eyes when washing hair with tea tree oil. This method should be use several times along with treating the house and all of the infected bedding. Tea tree oil can be added to the wash when washing the sheets and bedding.

Insect Bites: A drop or two of tea tree oil can be applied directly onto an insect bite or sting to help alleviate swelling, itching and redness.

Skin Irritations and Sunburns Treatment: Using several drops of tea tree oil added to bath water can help reduce the swelling and itching from skin irritations. In addition the same method can be used to help the symptoms of minor sunburns.

Bug Repellent: Bugs seem to dislike tea tree oil. The oil can be used to deter ants, roaches and other pests. Put a few drops of the oil where the pests are coming from. You can also wipe pantries and cupboards with a mixture of water and tea tree oil and this will make the bugs leave. Rubbing the mattress with pure tea tree oil will help deter dust mites. A few drops of oil added directly into a vacuum cleaner bag or canister will help kill dust mites often found in carpeting.

As more and more studies are being done, the list of the benefits of tea tree oil grows even longer.

Find out What are Tea Tree Side Effects?

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