Tea Tree Oil is an essential oil that has long been used to treat symptoms and problems that affect the skin, the nails and the hair. Tea Tree Essential Oil is extracted and distilled from the tea tree plant; Melaleuca alternifolia. This plant is native to Australia and has been used by Aborigines for hundreds of years.

Benefits of Tea Tree Oil

Antiviral

Containing both antiviral and antibacterial properties, tea tree oil is welcome relief by cold sore sufferers to dramatically reduce both the duration and symptoms of a cold sore. It can be directly applied to the cold sore several times a day.

Antiseptic

Broken and cut skin, and/or injured skin makes it easy for bacteria and germs to enter our bodies and our blood streams which can lead to infections. Tea Tree Oil is a natural disinfectant and antiseptic to kill the bacteria that cause skin infections. In addition to preventing infection, Tea Tree Oil helps to speed wound healing by triggering the release of white blood cells that are critical to the healing process. Without a doubt, our favourite Tea Tree Oil containing product is Necessity Fixaderm. Dab 3-4 drops of Fixaderm on a cotton wool pad and apply directly to the injury and follow with a skin plaster or bandage. Repeat this process 2-4 times daily, or until a scab or barrier has formed over the skin.

Tea Tree Oil for Acne

Skin care products containing Tea Tree Oil have been shown to reduce the size and severity of acne breakouts. As a powerful anti-inflammatory and antiseptic; Tea Tree Oil stands ‘toe to toe’ with the most common acne medications, including benzoyl peroxide.

Athlete’s foot

Athlete’s foot is a contagious, and common skin infection caused by fungus that causes symptoms such as peeling, cracking, redness and blisters. It usually affects the skin on the feet, however, can also spread to the toenails and hands. Tea tree Oil is an effective alternative to relieve symptoms.

Eczema

Having a daughter who is a chronic eczema sufferer since birth, this one is close to my heart. As a naturopath and a mother, you can imagine I’ve used anything and everything to stop my daughter feeling so irritated, inflamed and painful with her eczema. Tea Tree Oil is a superstar to relieve itchy skin and to prevent further infection from the skin barrier become weakened and exposed from continual scratching.

Dandruff

Whilst dandruff isn’t dangerous, ask anyone that has it and they’ll tell you it’s 100% annoying and unattractive. Try adding a few drops of Tea Tree Oil to your shampoo when washing your hair.

Head Lice

Why use toxic products on the littlest people in your family when there is an equally, if not better natural solution? Tea Tree Oil is effective at preventing an infection of head lice and can be used as a stand-alone treatment in killing head lice!

Oral Health

Tea Tree Oil works to fight the germs and bacteria that cause bad breath and plaque and tooth decay. Note; like other mouthwashes, don’t swallow tea tree oil as it can cause stomach upset and be toxic if ingested.

Natural cleaning

Common cleaning products are often filled with chemicals that can disrupt our hormones and increase our risk of developing allergies. Mixing 20 drops of Tea Tree Oil with ½ cup apple cider vinegar and ½ cup of water can be mixed and used a powerful antibacterial, all-purpose cleaner perfect for kitchens and bathrooms everywhere. Always shake bottle before use. Note: apple cider vinegar has a very ‘distinct’ smell. If this isn’t for you, consider using other essential oils in addition to tea tree.

Insect Repellent

Living in Australia, you generally love the outdoors where bugs and insects can spoil your summer evening like nothing else. Common insect repellents contain DEET (diethyltoluamide). Whilst DEET is effective at repelling insects and bugs, it is also linked to skin irritation, redness, rashes, and swelling. Tea Tree Oil contains NO DEET, is completely natural and works as effectively as standard insect repellants as a powerful agent to kill and/or repel insects.

Deodorant

Much controversy surrounds common store-bought antiperspirants. This is mainly due to these products containing aluminium, or aluminium particles and their possible link to breast cancer and Alzheimers. Whilst there is no evidence to suggest that using deodorant and anti-perspirants that contain aluminium particles causes these two diseases – why take the risk? In addition, deodorants that contain aluminium particles stop your body’s natural perspiration function. Our skin is our bodies’ largest organ of detoxification and we have a great capacity to excrete toxins through it. Sweat itself doesn’t cause odour. It’s when sweat mixes with bacteria on your skin that can make you pong. As a powerful antibacterial, Tea Tree Oil may help to kill the bacteria that cause underarm odour. It is a common ingredient used in deodorants, is 100% natural and 100% aluminium free.