Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is a derivative of the leaves of this tree, which contain a huge amount of essential oils with a smell somewhat reminiscent of camphor. The tea tree can be found exclusively in Australia.

The tree is an evergreen, medium-height tree, and the bark is soft, slightly flaky and light in color. The blossom of the tea tree is represented by long flowers with a fluffy surface of white or yellowish color, and the foliage is dry and almost does not form a shadow.

The first healing benefits were discovered in the early 19th century, and the tree itself received its name thanks to James Cook, who prepared a drink with a wonderful aroma and refreshing taste from the then unknown leaves. This event occurred at the end of the 18th century, which gave impetus to further research of the tea tree.

The discovery of medicinal properties was made by Australian settlers during the rapid settlement of new lands. Since then, the study of the tree, which grew in swampy areas near the coast, began.

Benefits of Tea Tree Oil

In Australia, after research, important properties of this oil were registered. The benefits of tea tree oil are in its resistance to fungi and pathogenic bacteria. This remedy is a powerful antiseptic, and also leads to the death of viruses and relieves inflammation.

In case of respiratory diseases, essential oil is used as a medicinal preparation for inhalation and massage. Tea tree oil is especially beneficial for flu with a strong cough with difficult to separate sputum, sinusitis with the presence of purulent masses in the paranasal sinuses, as well as catarrhal or follicular tonsillitis.

In addition, the essential oil effectively combats hyperthermia, smoothly reducing temperature readings in feverish conditions. In case of damage to the skin in the form of a wound surface or burns, the oil activates the regeneration process and accelerates healing.

In Australia, essential oil was valued for its ability to neutralize snake venom. Skin diseases with viral lesions - herpes, chickenpox or eczema - also respond well to treatment with tea tree oil. In addition to all the therapeutic properties, essential oil can stimulate the immune system to prevent new or repeated infection of the body.

Properties of Tea Tree Oil

The properties of tea tree oil were gradually discovered through targeted research at the beginning of the 20th century. In the 1930s, an Australian chemist claimed that the essential oil had a strong disinfectant effect, destructive to bacterial agents. This property was so strong that it was more than 10 times stronger than the traditional antiseptic used at that time – carbolic acid.

Thanks to this discovery, the oil was added to the first aid kits for Australian soldiers during World War II. Later, the positive properties of tea tree oil were studied, which were useful for preventive and therapeutic purposes in some pathological conditions.

Thus, the new healing agent found its application in pathology of the oral and nasal cavities, nasopharynx, in gynecological practice, as well as in infectious contamination of the skin with parasitic and fungal agents. The results of the research and therapeutic achievements were covered in medical journals to inform the residents of Australia.

Tea Tree Oil Instructions

The instructions for tea tree oil indicate that this product belongs to the group of dermatological antiseptic and disinfectant substances. The oil is available in bottles of various sizes in the form of a transparent liquid with a yellowish tint and a specific aroma.

Contraindications to the use of oil include a reduced threshold of sensitivity to the main component of the product. It is also not recommended to use the oil in children under 10 years of age.

Side effects include reddening of the skin, pain at the site of application of low intensity and swelling. These effects are possible when the product is applied externally to the skin.

In case of using oil for inhalation, it is necessary to note the possible development of bronchospasm, especially in people prone to broncho-obstructive processes.

The instructions for tea tree oil emphasize the prohibition of internal use of the oil, as this threatens the development of bradycardia, pain syndrome in the form of spasms in the abdominal area, disruption of the intestines with the development of diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

How to use tea tree oil?

The oil has a strong disinfectant effect, has an anti-inflammatory effect and stimulates the immune system. In addition, the product perfectly soothes and relaxes the body.

There are quite a few areas where tea tree is used. This is medical and cosmetic practice and for the purpose of disinfecting premises. In general, the oil is almost universal.

Taking into account the healing properties of the oil, one can go on listing pathological conditions of the skin and other organs for which its use is recommended.

As for the skin, these can be sunburns or burns resulting from exposure to high temperatures on a certain part of the body - thermal. It is also worth highlighting various cuts, abrasions and other wound processes on the skin.

Among the diseases of internal organs - oil is used for inflammation of the bronchi, trachea as inhalations. In addition, diseases of the ENT organs, stomatitis, gingivitis and other inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity respond well to treatment with oil.

Recipes with Tea Tree Oil

Recipes with tea tree oil include the use of diluted and concentrated oil solutions. However, it is important to remember that 100% oil can cause burns and allergic reactions on the skin. In this form, tea tree can only be used in the presence of acne by spot lubrication of each element. In this case, you need to ensure that the oil does not get on healthy tissue.

In all other cases, tea tree oil recipes should contain only diluted oil. Among such treatment methods, it is necessary to highlight the use of oil in the form of rinses for diseases of the oral cavity and upper respiratory tract. Oil-based face masks are also widely used.

In case of bronchitis and tracheitis, it is rational to use oil for inhalation in order to reduce bronchial spasm and reduce the viscosity of sputum. As a result, bronchial secretions will be released more easily, without causing pain in the chest area.

As for skin pathologies, here you can use creams with the addition of a few drops of oil, and in case of impact on hair, you should add a drop of oil to the volume of shampoo required for one wash.

Tea tree can be used in urology and gynecology.

Tea tree oil gel

The oil is widely used both in combination with other essential oils for DIY or in its finished form. Gynocomfort tea tree oil gel is a daily personal hygiene product.

Indications for use of the product include conditions characterized by dryness of the vaginal mucosa and destructive processes in the mucosa during the postmenopausal period. The gel can also be used as an additional means for therapeutic effects on gynecological diseases with inflammatory genesis of development.

Tea tree oil gel can be used in the recovery period after therapy with antibacterial or antifungal agents and for preventive and therapeutic purposes in case of vaginal mucosal injuries. This includes the condition after laser surgery on the cervix and vagina. In addition, when swimming in pools, you can use the gel to prevent infection.

Tea Tree Oil Candles

Tea tree oil suppositories can be used in two directions: for gynecological diseases (Vagifloron) or pathology of rectal structures. Some suppositories are allowed for use in both cases.

Tea tree oil suppositories have antifungal, bactericidal and anti-inflammatory properties. They restore tissue integrity, promote wound healing, reduce skin and mucous irritation, and activate regenerative processes.

Colds, flu, bacterial and fungal vaginitis, colpitis, thrombophlebitis, herpetic skin lesions and neurodermatitis also respond well to treatment with suppositories.

The therapeutic course lasts up to 2 weeks, during which the suppository is used 2 times a day, placing it in the rectum or vagina. To improve the effect, it is recommended to use a combination of tea tree and propolis suppositories.

In case of atrophic rhinitis or chronic catarrhal type, it is permissible to use suppositories, placing half of each in the nasal passages, while tilting the head back.

Cream with tea tree oil

The oil has a wide range of effects on many pathogenic microorganisms, while simultaneously stimulating immune defense, reducing inflammation and promoting general calm.

Due to the listed possibilities, the oil is used as a component in various creams, shampoos and other cosmetics. Thus, there are a large number of creams that can be purchased at the pharmacy or prepared independently.

Cream with tea tree oil does not require large expenditures of either money or time. It is enough to drop 4 drops into the cream, and it is ready for use on the skin. The most important thing is to observe the proportion, because with an excessive amount of oil in the cream, side effects from the body may develop.

Cream with tea tree oil will perfectly cope with acne, rashes, stretch marks, scars and even fungus on the toes. Using this product regularly, you can get rid of clinical manifestations and prevent their recurrence for a long period of time.

[ 5 ], [ 6 ], [ 7 ]

Inhalation with tea tree oil

Inhalations with tea tree oil are recommended for colds accompanied by tracheitis or bronchitis with difficult to secrete sputum. Due to the antiseptic properties of the oil, inhalations ensure the death of pathogenic microorganisms.

Inhalation reduces bronchial spasm and makes sputum less viscous. As a result, bronchial tree secretions are easier to remove, thereby reducing the intensity of pain in the chest area.

Inhalations with tea tree oil can be done in several ways. To begin with, the simplest ones. You need to apply 5 drops of concentrated oil to a handkerchief, with which you will have to walk around during the day and periodically inhale the aromas of the oil.

In addition, you should put a couple of drops on your pillow, which will provide the aroma throughout the night. A more complex therapeutic method is to inhale the water vapor. To do this, bring the water to a boil and add 5 drops of oil, then cover your head with a towel and inhale the oil vapor for 3 minutes.

Tea Tree Oil Rinsing

Gargling with tea tree oil involves a procedure in which the prepared solution is taken into the oral cavity and, with the head thrown back, air is exhaled through the oropharynx. Thus, no water gets into the upper respiratory tract, and only a gurgling sound is heard.

The oil is recommended for use in the presence of an inflammatory process in the oral cavity. This may be gingivitis, stomatitis with ulcerative defects of the mucous membrane, inflammation after tooth extraction or diseases of the ENT organs: pharyngitis or laryngitis. In addition, rinsing twice a day will prevent the appearance of an unpleasant odor from the oral cavity.

Rinsing with tea tree oil should be done several times a day for 3-5 days. Only in this case, provided that it is used regularly, will the inflammatory process decrease its activity along with clinical manifestations. To prepare a solution for the procedure, drop 4-5 drops into a glass of water and start rinsing.

Contraindications to the use of tea tree oil

Contraindications to the use of tea tree oil include a list of conditions in which the use of the oil is prohibited or limited. If these recommendations are not followed, allergic reactions or skin burns may develop depending on the concentration, amount of oil and area of application.

Like all other drugs, essential oil also has contraindications in case of individual intolerance to the main component of the product, when a person has a low sensitivity threshold.

Contraindications to the use of tea tree oil contain a warning about using the product on the skin of the face, as the product may get into the eyes. To avoid this, you should close them during the procedure. If the oil does get into the eye, you should thoroughly rinse it with running water.

It is not recommended to use the oil in children under 10 years of age and during pregnancy, since studies have not been conducted on this category. In addition, it is prohibited to use the essential oil internally, but only for external use.

[ 1 ], [ 2 ]

Allergy to tea tree oil

Allergy to tea tree oil is very rare, but it is advisable to test for allergy before use. If you intend to use the essential oil as an ointment on the skin, then the test should be carried out as follows.

It is not advisable to use a concentrated solution, so one drop of oil should be diluted with vitamin E oil and the resulting mixture should be applied to the middle third of the inner surface of the forearm.

If after an hour the area turns red, rashes and swelling appear, then the oil is not suitable for the skin. If everything is normal, then tea tree is allowed to be used to treat acne with creams based on it and masks, as well as to improve hair health and combat dandruff.

Allergy to tea tree oil is checked before inhalation. Thus, it is necessary to drop a few drops of oil on a handkerchief and periodically inhale its aromas throughout the day. If the oil is suitable, then there will be no dizziness or suffocation symptoms. After the test, you can use the oil for inhalation.

[ 3 ], [ 4 ]

Best before date

The shelf life of tea tree oil is 5 years from the date of manufacture. Usually the production date and the last use date are printed on the outer packaging for easier identification, as well as on the bottle itself.

The shelf life implies the preservation of the specified therapeutic properties for the specified period of time. However, it is necessary to observe the storage conditions. Thus, the oil should be kept in a closed bottle in a place without direct sunlight, with a temperature of no more than 25 degrees and a certain humidity.

After the expiration date, the product must not be used to avoid the development of an allergic reaction or other side effects.

Tea tree oil has been used for almost a century and helps to cope with serious pathology. It is used in combination with other medications to achieve maximum results, but if there is a small inflammatory process, the oil can cope with it on its own.

Price

The price of tea tree oil is insignificant compared to other preparations that have almost the same effect. So, depending on the volume of the bottle with oil, the prices vary. So, 5 ml of tea tree can be found in the region of 10-13 UAH. The more the bottle contains, the higher the price, but not much.

Oil of 10 ml in pharmacies is sold at a price of about 15-17 UAH, but 20 ml can reach 20-24 UAH per bottle. The price is in the same price category with other essential oils that have similar therapeutic properties.

The oil finds its application in many areas of medicine: in gynecology, dentistry, urology and ENT practice. Compared to the prices of drugs for the treatment of diseases of the listed groups, tea tree is considered a cheap remedy, but its effect when used correctly is priceless.

The oil is released in a solution form, so it can be added to various creams, shampoos or diluted with water for rinsing or preparing solutions for lotions. In addition, using a pipette, you can accurately dose the oil and avoid overdosing.

Tea Tree Oil Reviews

Reviews of tea tree oil are mostly positive, and only a few percent are negative. Some people are not happy with the smell of the oil, but it can only cause discomfort during use, and after use there is no smell left.

Another negative review is related to the appearance of redness, rashes and swelling when applied to the skin. However, as it turned out later, people either did not check their skin for allergies beforehand, or did not observe the concentration of the solutions and used 100% oil.

The rest of the reviews about tea tree oil are exclusively positive, because many people got rid of problems with the help of ordinary essential oil, which they could not cope with for a long period of time, using expensive drugs and cosmetics.

Among them, it is necessary to highlight help with rashes in adolescence, gynecological diseases, inflammatory processes of the oral cavity and the presence of dandruff in the hair.