Tea tree oil: the benefits and harm, subtleties of choice and application

Modern manufacturers of medicinal and cosmetic preparations are increasingly incorporating natural ingredients into their products. This is due to the concern of the consumer about their health and the desire to preserve beauty with the help of eco-friendly components. One of the popular and useful tools of traditional medicine is tea tree oil. This is a natural component that has unique properties and is successfully used in modern medicine, cosmetology, homeopathy, aromatherapy, and the food industry.

The first mention of the tea tree is rooted in the second half of the eighteenth century. During a trip to Australia, the legendary James Cook drew attention to the Aborigines, who brewed a decoction of the leaves of the shrub, resembling leaves of ordinary tea. Broth from Melaleuki treated abrasions, wounds, scars and treated various ailments. That healing properties of this plant attracted the attention of a famous traveler.

Melleuca (tea tree) belongs to the family of Myrtle, the genus Melaleuca alternifolia (Melaleuca alternifolia) and has about 236 species. But tea tree ethers are produced only from a certain sort of plant, the so-called honey myrtle, and other types of shrubs do not have the necessary properties.

In Europe, the Australian Melaleuca alternifolia has spread as a tea tree, although it has nothing to do with the classic drink. The extract did not deserve the attention of the medicine of that time. Only in the nineteenth century, with the advent of homeopathy and aromatherapy, was it possible to evaluate the unique properties of Melaleuki. The test results surprised: thanks to a wide range of antiseptic elements, the oil proved to be an effective anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent, capable of replacing synthetic analogues.

In World War II, the first-aid kit of Allied soldiers was equipped with a bottle of Melaleuca alternifolia oil. With it, in the field, healed wounds, got rid of catarrhal phenomena and used to treat infections of the oral cavity. In Australia, until today, the oil is called an ambulance and is often used as an antiseptic.

At home, broths or infusions of Malaleuki are used, but in industrial production a gentle method of distillation using active steam was chosen. Through the pre-crushed leaves pass water vapor under atmospheric pressure. Passing through the raw materials, steam absorbs the essential oils, which, after cooling, are carefully filtered and poured into containers.

Tea tree oil is a light olive-colored liquid with a specific smell. It is not soluble in water, practically insoluble in glycerol, but can change the concentration when adding alcohol or another type of oil. The original product has a pronounced aroma, so it is practically not used in perfumery. Woody notes and slight bitterness are caught in the heart of the fragrance, and then sweet fruit tones appear.

The composition of the final product contains more than 100 types of derivatives of isoprene - terpenes. The main share of bacterial components is monoterpenes - up to 50%, diterpenes - up to 40%, cineole - up to 15%. The functional feature of these substances is the ability to penetrate the membrane of bacterial and viral cells and destroy their structure from the inside. This causes the antiseptic and antiviral effect of the substance.

Some species of the listed components actively influence gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial flora, which causes a wide range of their influence.

Tea tree oil is a powerful antiviral, antimicrobial, antifungal, wound healing and moisturizing agent. It is successfully used in folk and traditional medicine. The unique properties of the product allow it to be used as an immunostimulating and cosmetological agent. It is a powerful effective antiseptic that is stronger than carbolic acid 7 times and phenol 10 times.

Melaleuca alternifolia oil is used for the following skin and other problems:

• fungal manifestations on the skin and nails, small scars and colloidal scars;
• dermatitis of different etiology, non-infectious skin diseases, psoriasis, herpes infection;

• papillomas, warts, calluses, growths;
• frostbite and mild burns;
• bites of poisonous insects;
• acne, teenage acne;
• acute viral diseases, chickenpox, colds, catarrhal symptoms;
• inflammatory processes of the oral cavity;

• inflammation of the middle ear (otitis);
• sprains, sprains, myalgia, sports injuries;
• colpitis, candidiasis, cervical erosion;
• lice, nits, ticks;
• with hemorrhoids;
• stomatitis, gingivitis, toothache.

Even the most useful products have a number of contraindications. Oil is not recommended for use:

• with individual intolerance, allergic manifestations, high blood pressure;
• nasal bleeding, cranial trauma and neuropsychiatric disorders during the period of exacerbation;
• low threshold of sensitivity, epileptic seizures.

Breastfeeding is a contraindication to the use of oil. Do not recommend to use to children up to three years in order to avoid an allergic reaction.

From the side reactions stands out the next row.

• Hyperemia, swelling and soreness of the skin at the site of application of the substance.
• During inhalation bronchospasms are possible, especially in patients with bronchial asthma.
• When using the drug inside may decrease blood pressure.
• If oil enters the mucous membranes, irritation and burns are possible.

If you do not follow the rules of use, concentrated oil (10%) can cause burns, flaking, irritation, redness or allergic manifestations. Therefore, it is recommended to use it with a basic base, as which you can use any cosmetic oil or cream.

Before using the essential oil for its intended purpose, it is necessary to conduct an allergic test. A small amount of oil is applied to the ear region or on the inner surface of the wrist and monitor the skin for 15 minutes. Minor hyperemia, edema and signs of itching indicate that the body is intolerant to one of the components of the test substance.

Special care requires the use of oil in dentistry. When treating the mouth, gums or gargling, make sure that the solution does not accidentally get into the body.

The choice of the essential oil should be approached with the utmost responsibility: pay attention to the brand, packaging, shelf life and physical characteristics of the product. According to GOST, indicators of a quality product must comply with:

• density 0.9 g / cm3;
• the refractive index of 1.5 ° C;
• acid number 2.0 con / g.

Toxic substances should not exceed the norm:

• arsenic not more than 5 mg / kg;
• mercury 0.9 mg / kg;
• lead no more than 4.9 mg / kg.

Pay attention to the label. It must contain the product name, its purpose, country, location and address of the manufacturer, barcode. On the label must be clearly written expiration date - the date of manufacture and the final term of consumption of products. And there should also be a list of ingredients and a single name for the substance in Latin when passing through customs inspection.

Packaging must be complete. Essential oils are poured into a dark glass container - this protects the products from oxidation, exposure to ultraviolet rays and prevents the destruction of chemical elements. It is not recommended to purchase packaging with deformed elements: chips, cracks or visible signs of opening. The manufacturer must provide instructions for use of the drug, which specifies the therapeutic and prophylactic properties.

It is advisable to purchase oil in pharmacies or proven online stores - this will minimize the chance of acquiring a fake or divorced counterpart.

When studying the range pay attention to the pricing policy of the positions offered for use. Coniferous oils are significantly higher in price than citrus and stone fruit, and apricot seed ether cannot be equivalent to jojoba oil. Therefore, try to avoid questionable distributors who supply low-quality goods for sale.

When choosing ether, you should decide on the method of using the substance. More concentrated (10%) are suitable for spot treatment of skin areas, inhalations, aromatic baths, and less concentrated (5%) - for external use.

In gynecological practice, the tool is used to treat and prevent inflammatory processes.

• Vaginitis douching is done with 500 ml of warm boiled water, a teaspoon of soda and a few drops of oil.
• Gynecological tampons are used to treat cervical erosion.
• For the prevention and treatment of urethritis and prostatitis used in the form of candles in combination with propolis and pumpkin oil.
• Essential oil is one of the most effective means used to treat colds, acute respiratory viral infections, acute respiratory infections, herpes, flu and catarrhal conditions.

• In case of a cold, an emulsion prepared from 50 ml of water and a few drops of oil is used. During the week, this composition is instilled nose, 1 drop in each nasal passage.
• With furunculosis, the affected skin is treated at least twice a day.
• In case of rosacea, problem areas are treated with a solution of the base substance and tea tree oil in a ratio of 1:10.
• Olive oil in combination with a few drops of ether. Maleleuk is used for frostbite and mild burns.

For seborrhea, dandruff and pruritus, masks, rinsing and balms are used.

• To prepare the mask using yogurt or kefir, add a few drops of oil applied to the scalp for 2 hours.
• You can use a mask of white henna, 2? 3 drops of tea tree oil, diluted with water to the state of liquid sour cream.
• In order to give shine and healthy look to your hair, you need to add a few drops of oil in shampoos, masks or balms with the calculation of one shampoo.
• You can massage the head, occasionally wetting the fingers in a mixture of peach oil and tea tree, diluted one to one.

The tool is ideal for gentle teeth whitening. After the usual hygienic cleaning, you need to put 1-2 drops on a toothbrush and clean. After a few seconds, rinse your mouth.

Excessive sweating is an unpleasant phenomenon for both men and women. With the help of an essential oil, the phenomenon of hyperhidrosis can be reduced significantly, for which the armpit area is treated with a solution consisting of 50 ml of alcohol diluted in half with water and a few drops of oil.

When sweating feet, use the following composition to eliminate unpleasant odor: 1 drop of sage oil, 2 drops of rosemary oil and 5 drops of tea tree oil are added to 50 ml of base oil. With increased sensitivity to odors, you can reduce the dosage of oil to 2 drops.

Apply the tool and to remove warts, growths or corns, but only if benign formations are excluded. In order to achieve results, it is necessary to lubricate the area with concentrated oil. When treatments the warts gradually diminish and die off. This procedure is carried out 2 times a day for two weeks.

It is necessary to warm 50 ml of olive oil in a water bath and add a couple of drops of tea tree oil. In each ear ear drip one drop of the solution. If necessary, the procedure can be repeated.

For wound surfaces or after opening the boil in the nose, it is necessary to treat the affected area with a mixture of almond oil and tea tree oil in a ratio of 1: 5.

It is necessary to prepare a bath with hot water and add 2-3 drops of oil for every 500 ml, then hold the face over the water for 5 minutes.

When mosquitoes, bees and other insects bite, it is necessary to treat the affected area with a solution of olive oil with the addition of tea tree ether in a ratio of 1: 5.

In this disease, the tool is used as lotions, applications and for massage.

Taking care of your health becomes more significant during pregnancy, because the lion's share of thoughts is occupied by fears for the development of the fetus. Therefore, future mothers are trying to minimize the use of synthetic and harmful drugs, and tea tree oil becomes an indispensable tool in the fight against certain ailments.

Tea tree oil helps to cope with respiratory diseases without the use of antibiotics and antiviral agents.

Since the second trimester, many women suffer from pain in the lumbar region. Rubbing or light back massage with tea tree oil will help get rid of unpleasant sensations.

Essential oil will help to cope with varicose veins, swelling in the legs, hemorrhoidal nodules and inflammatory processes in the corners, without using antibiotics or drugs harmful to the health of the child.

Essential oils are of great importance in the purification of air. In any room accumulate harmful substances, bacteria, viruses. With the help of oil you can disinfect the room, in addition, it perfectly humidifies the air. Aromatization of the premises is carried out from several minutes to two hours, depending on preferences and solution concentration. Overdose may cause headaches, nausea and dizziness.

Oil has a beneficial effect on the emotional state, enhances memory, concentration. It helps to quickly move from one activity to another, calmly endure stressful situations. Reduces susceptibility, irritability, relieves panic attacks.

In the esoteric, tea tree oil is used for rituals. It promotes meditation, helps to tune in to the rite, is successfully used to conduct magical acts, protects against negative energy.

Tea tree oil is successfully used in aromatherapy. Use aromalampy, aroma candles, aroma, and more. The choice of method depends on your preferences. It helps to get rid of many anxiety symptoms, physical ailments and emotional problems. It has relaxing properties, improves mood, helps out of depression. In addition, it normalizes breathing, enhances the absorption of oxygen, improves blood circulation, increases libido, helps to overcome the tightness and confusion.

Due to the unique composition, essential oils enhance metabolism. They contribute to the burning of fat, relieve stretch marks, improve blood supply, and promote smoothing of the skin. They use oil for external use as a fat burning agent. But in rare cases, add to the salad dressing in a strictly limited quantity and after consultation with the doctor.

The following procedures are used to reduce weight.

• Aromatherapy. To do this, you can use several methods: aroma lamp, medallion, inhalation of aroma from the bottle, inhalation.

• Anticellulite massage. For anti-cellulite massage apply special blends with the addition of honey and low-abrasive substances. For this purpose, finely ground coffee beans or oatmeal will do. To 100 ml of coconut oil add 5 drops of tea tree oil and massage movements applied to the inside and outside of the thighs, buttocks, stomach, sides, hands. Anti-cellulite massage should take courses of 10 treatments once every six months.
• Balneotherapy. Beneficial body acts bath with a few drops of oil. For one procedure, 15-20 drops of oil are needed, but you should start with two drops for one procedure.

A bath with aroma oils has beneficial effects on the skin, promotes the expansion of pores and the removal of excess fluid. It promotes weight loss, improves body tone and heals the body as a whole. The course of the procedure at least 15 times, but carefully ensure that the water was not more than 37, 5 ° C.

Cosmetic wraps. Anti-cellulite body wraps are used to reduce weight. This procedure helps to fight problem areas, strengthens skin turgor, promotes the removal of excess fluid, prevents the formation of orange peel. For wrapping use the following recipes:

• 8–10 drops of tea tree oil, 5 drops of rosemary oil are added per 50 ml of base.
• Ten drops of tea tree oil are mixed with 5 drops of citrus and 5 drops of patchouli oil. This sweep is added to 30–50 ml of base.
• To 450 ml of water, add 200 mg of sea salt, 50 mg of blue clay and 15 drops of Malaleuki oil.

The mixture is applied to problem areas of skin and wrapped in food film for forty minutes. Shelters with a warm blanket, and after the procedure they take a warm shower.

Some sources recommend taking tea tree oil for internal use. This method is considered as an exception and only after consulting with your doctor.

• For weight loss, use tea tree oil, adding one drop to kefir or green tea.
• A method is used in which a drop of butter is sealed in the bread crumb and swallowed.

Microorganisms, falling under the nail, multiply and infect the surrounding areas. In order to prevent the development of the infection process, it is necessary to stop the infection in time. To do this, should be phased training and undergo the entire course of treatment.

Oil acts directly on the fungus: reduces pain and neutralizes unpleasant odor. In most cases, it is used in the form of compresses, massage, baths. For effective treatment, it is necessary to conduct preliminary training:

• It is necessary to carefully treat the nail with soap.
• Steam in the bath, after adding to the hot water (500 ml) soda, sea salt, apple cider vinegar two teaspoons.

• As much as possible to remove the part of the nail plate affected by the fungus.
• Dry your nails with a clean towel or disposable sanitary napkin.
• Apply one of the antifungal agents to prevent the spread of the process.

Types of procedures for the treatment of nail fungus.

• Massage. Massage of the nail plate is carried out on a previously prepared and dried nail plate. Apply a drop of ether on each nail and rub it in with massage movements until completely absorbed. Then isolate the treated nail with a plaster for an hour. Make sure that the concentrated oil does not touch the skin surface - a chemical burn is possible.
• Baths. To carry out baths, you must add a tablespoon of honey, a teaspoon of soda, five tablespoons of salt and 15–20 drops of tea tree oil to a container with hot water. Affected nail plates should be completely immersed in the solution. The course of treatment is 10–15 procedures, with a procedure duration of 25 minutes. After that, you can apply a massage of the nail plate with the help of oil.

Such methods of treatment have significant advantages and lack of contraindications, with the exception of allergic manifestations. They are ergonomic, applicable to different stages of infection, combined with other drugs.

Melaleuki plant extract is an effective cosmetological agent for all skin types. It is indicated for adolescent, healthy, and aging wilting skin. Oil is used as an independent tool, and as part of cosmetic preparations.

• As part of creams or homemade cosmetics helps to make the skin dull, evens the complexion, prevents the appearance of age spots.
• Prevents peeling, chapping, enhances skin regeneration, rejuvenates and provides nutrients to the cell.
• Warns the influence of free radicals from the external environment on the upper layers of the dermis.

When using tea tree oil, the following recommendations should be followed.

• The tool is applied to cleansed skin.
• The duration of the mask or peeling with oil - 15 minutes.
• Wash off with clean water or with a cosmetic sponge without soap.
• Then apply a daily skin care product.

The presence of one or another ingredient in the composition of cosmetics is determined by skin type. Oily, prone to inflammation and acne, requires careful maintenance and hydration. Tea tree oil is one of the most effective products for this type of skin.

• To reduce inflammation and increase skin turgor, you can make a mask of a gruel of a single leaf of scarlet and a few drops of tea tree oil. The composition is applied for ten minutes and washed off with warm water.
• To two tablespoons of cottage cheese add half a teaspoon of cosmetic clay and a few drops of ether. Bred chamomile infusion to sour cream thickness and applied for 15-20 minutes.

The following masks will help reduce inflammation and reduce the formation of acne.

• As a basis, you can use cosmetic clay, kefir, cottage cheese or ground oatmeal. The components are mixed until a homogeneous mass and add a few drops of tea tree oil. The resulting mass is applied to the face and washed with warm water after twenty minutes.
• Protein one egg whisk in a resistant foam and add half a teaspoon of starch and a few drops of ether. Wash off with warm water in fifteen minutes.

For dry skin prone to the formation of wrinkles, use a variety of masks.

1. Skin prone to premature aging should be applied moisturizing mask. It is possible to take any cosmetic agent for the skin, to which add a few drops of tea tree ether. This tool successfully replaces the night cream.
2. For rejuvenation use masks based on 15% cream, adding tea tree oil, extracts of chamomile or train.
3. Tea tree extract reduces the manifestation of demodicosis. To do this, you must use a cosmetic tool based on the infusion of chamomile, rosemary, a string and a few drops of tea tree oil.

Without exaggeration, tea tree oil is one of the most accessible and effective components that every home should have. Reviews of this tool more than positive.

In order to buy high-quality natural oil you need to know some subtleties of choice.

In order to purchase high-quality natural oil, you need to pay attention to the smell. The aroma of natural oil resembles freshly chopped wood, while cheap analogs are dominated by pronounced camphor notes and a sweetish aftertaste.

If the price of the product you choose attracts with its availability, but you doubt the quality, then you need to carry out a few simple tests. This will help confirm or refute your doubts.

• It is necessary to drop a few drops of ether onto a dry paper towel and observe for half an hour how the oil is absorbed. If a greasy stain remains, this indicates a doubtful quality or poor filtration of the test product.
• When adding oil to the base (regular cream, tonic, shampoo), it should not change its consistency, color. The clouding or delamination of the base indicates the questionable quality of the product.
• The ether of tea tree oil, when applied to a cloth or wrist, lasts more than 5 hours, if it disappears earlier - this indicates a synthetic analogue or a poor quality of the product.

Appointment and action of tea tree oil is different: the aroma affects the physical and cognitive state. For the full effect, it is recommended to use complex compositions of essential oils. But before using any folk remedy, aromatherapy or homeopathy, you should consult with your doctor. Any disturbing changes in the body or symptoms requiring examination should be treated with the help of traditional medicine, and a timely diagnosis will help prevent negative consequences.

Details on how to whiten your teeth with tea tree oil, you will learn from the following video.