Tea tree oil is a widely used essential oil, known for its strong antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antioxidant properties. It comes from the leaves of the tree Melaleuca alternifolia, native to Australia. Its aroma is spicy, herbal, strong and fresh. It fits perfectly with lavender, sandalwood, palmarosa, thyme and rose and is possible remedy for skin problems and for all kinds of infections.
In this article you will learn the uses of tea tree essential oil for skin, hair and nail care.
Uses of tea tree essential oil for skin, hair and nail care
Skin
Against acne
Tea tree essential oil has strong anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties and is widely used as a natural remedy against facial acne. It can be used on active acne, but also to prevent the appearance of new pimples and blackheads.
Use: Apply on affected areas using a cotton swap as often as needed.
In your deodorant
Tea tree essential oil is a very common ingredient in natural deodorants. Regular deodorants that contain aluminum, block sweat and this often causes inflammations. Natural deodorants, on the other hand, do not prevent this physical function or do not prevent it entirely. A natural deodorant with tea tree essential oil allows you to sweat and deals with your body odor, reducing bacteria, and covering smells.
If you wish to learn more about natural deodorants, read this article from our blog:
The benefits of natural deodorants
Use: There are several natural deodorants with tea tree essential oil out there, which you could try out. We love these.
If you enjoy making your own homemade cosmetics, follow this simple diy recipe:
You will need
50 gr baking soda
25 gr arrowroot powder
2 tbsp organic coconut oil
5 drops tee trea essential oil
How to
Mix the baking soda with the arrowroot powder. Add the coconut oil in liquid form (coconut oil is solid under 18°C and liquefies over 25°C. (If it is in solid form, use a bain-marie to liquefy it). Then add the essential oil and mix well. Put the mixture in a glass jar and keep it in a dry place.
As a hand sanitizer
Thanks to its strong antibacterial and anti-septic properties, tea tree essential oil is makes an ideal natural hand sanitizer.
Use: You can add few drops of the essential oil in your hand sanitizer or alternatively make your own mixing 5-6 drops with distilled water and putting it in a spray bottle.
To protect and sanitize small wounds and cuts
Tea tree essential oil is an ideal option if you want to treat minor injuries. It kills bacteria that cause infections and disinfects small wounds and cuts.
Use: First clean the wound thoroughly. Mix 3-4 drops tea tree essential oil with one tbsp. of a carrier oil (almond oil, coconut oil) and apply on the injured area twice a day.
Insect repellent
Tea tree essential oil can effectively repel mosquitos and since it is natural, it is gentler to the skin in comparison to other insect repellents that contain chemicals.
Use: Mix 5 drops of tea tree essential oil with distilled water and put it in a spray bottle. Alternatively mix 3-4 drops tea tree essential oil with one tbsp. of a carrier oil (almond oil, coconut oil) and apply on to the exposed area as often as needed.
Nails
Nail fungus
Thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal properties, tea tree essential oil can treat skin infections and fight toenail fungus.
Use: Apply 1 drop of tea tree essential oil directly to each nail, twice a day.
Hair
Hair and scalp care
Thanks to its antiseptic properties, tea tree essential oil has the ability to deeply cleanse your hair and scalp. It fights dry skin and dandruff and helps reduce itching. It is also beneficial in treating lice and can be used for prevention and treatment.
Use: Add a few drops of tea tree essential oil to a dollop of shampoo everytime you wash your hair. Alternatively mix 3-4 drops tea tree essential oil with one tbsp. of a carrier oil and apply on the scalp and hair. Massage your scalp for 5 minutes and then wash your hair as usual. Ideal carrier oils for hair and scalp care are the avocado oil and the laurel oil.
If you want to learn more about hair care with oils, read this article from our blog:
How to Use Hair Oil and Benefits
Cautions
Essential oils are highly concentrated natural substances and should be treated with caution.
Keep tea tree essential oil away from your eyes. In case of contact, immediately rinse your eyes with water.
Keep it in a dry place and avoid the exposure to heat, as it is highly flammable.
Keep essential oils out of the reach of children.
If you have sensitive skin, carry out a patch test on a small area of skin before use.
If you are pregnant or suffer from any medical condition, please seek advice before use.
