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Discover the diverse uses and benefits of tea tree oil with Meri Sehat. Explore natural remedies and skincare tips.

Tea Tree Oil

Introduction

From its origins in the lush, misty forests of Australia to its widespread use in homes and health clinics worldwide, tea tree oil has long been celebrated for its potent properties. But what is it about this pungent, botanical elixir that has captured the attention of scientists, natural healers, and beauty enthusiasts alike?

To answer that question, we need to take a closer look at the science behind tea tree oil. This essential oil, derived from the leaves of the tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), is a complex mixture of more than 100 different chemical compounds. These compounds work together to produce a range of benefits, from fighting skin infections to reducing inflammation. Tea tree oil contains compounds that may destroy bacteria, fungi, and mites as well as lessen allergic skin reactions by reducing swelling.

Sailors who brewed nutmeg-scented tea from the tree&#39;s leaves in the 18th century gave the plant its name.

Note: The common tea plant that is used to manufacture black and green teas is unrelated to the tea tree, so be careful not to mistake the two. 
&nbsp;

<h5>How Is It Produced?</h5>

The tea tree is native to Australia&#39;s marshy southeast coast. Its leaves are steamed to produce tea tree oil, sometimes referred to as melaleuca oil. 
&nbsp;
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<ul>
	<li>Antibacterial &ndash; In Australia, the oil has been used as a curative for about 100 years, primarily for skin disorders. According to some studies, the oil&#39;s capacity to harm bacterial cell walls accounts for its broad-spectrum antibacterial effect. However, more research is required to understand how it works. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Anti-Inflammatory &ndash; Terpinen-4-ol has been shown to reduce inflammation in oral infections in animal studies. Tea tree oil was more effective than paraffin oil at reducing <a href="https://merisehat.pk/disease/edema">edema </a>in histamine-induced skin inflammation in humans when applied topically. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Antifungal &ndash; Reviewing tea tree oil&#39;s efficacy reveals that it has the power to eradicate a variety of yeasts and fungi. The majority of the studies under consideration concentrate on Candida albicans, a form of yeast that frequently affects the mouth, throat, genitalia, and skin.&nbsp;In cases of resistant strains of Candida albicans, other research suggests that terpinen-4-ol increases the effectiveness of fluconazole, a standard antifungal medication. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Antiviral &ndash; There has been limited research in this area, however, some studies suggest that tea tree oil can treat some viruses. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Understanding the Uses of Tea Tree Oil

<ul>
	<li><a href="https://merisehat.pk/disease/acne">Acne&nbsp;</a>&ndash; Tea tree oil is considered a potent tool in the fight against acne. Numerous studies have demonstrated that it lessens the occurrence and overall severity of acne.<a href="#accordion">[2]</a></li>
</ul>

Some cases of acne are brought on by bacteria that are increasingly hard to treat with conventional medications. According to a scientific analysis of tea tree oil, application not only decreased bacterial activity but also killed the organisms in the lab after 4-6 hours.&nbsp;

In a different study, tea tree oil was discovered to be just as efficient in treating acne as the most widely used acne drug, benzoyl peroxide.&nbsp; Acne gels made with tea tree oil can be bought online or at natural grocery stores. Apply 5% gel twice daily for 45 days to see improvements.<a href="#accordion">[3]</a> 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Athlete&rsquo;s Foot&nbsp;&ndash; It can be extremely frustrating to manage athlete&#39;s foot. Medically known as tinea pedis, athlete&#39;s foot is a contagious fungal infection on the feet that can also affect the hands and toenails. Peeling, cracking, blisters, and redness are some of the symptoms. </li>
</ul>

Antifungal drugs are regarded as the standard of care for an athlete&#39;s foot. However, research points to tea tree oil as a potential substitute that can effectively treat symptoms. In a 158-person controlled research, 72% of the tea tree oil group and 39% of the placebo group experienced a substantial clinical improvement in athlete&#39;s foot.<a href="#accordion">[2]</a>

According to a study from 2020, tea tree oil can help deal with athlete&#39;s foot, but a faster solution may be required to use it in conjunction with regular treatment. For instance, 10% tea tree oil cream works well, but may not clear up the infection completely. A stronger solution (25% or 50%) may clear up the infection in around half of the people who use it<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>. 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Nail Fungus&nbsp;&ndash; Nail fungus infections are common. They are not hazardous, but they can be unattractive. Nail fungus can be treated with drugs; however, some people might choose a more natural method. When taken alone or in conjunction with other natural therapies, tea tree oil has been demonstrated to help treat nail fungus with fewer adverse effects than prescription drugs.<a href="#accordion">[2]</a></li>
</ul>

People with nail fungus took either pure tea tree oil or an antifungal drug for 6 months in controlled research. After the trial, nearly 60% of participants in each group had partial or complete fungal resolution. Apply a few drops of tea tree oil directly to the affected area or combine it with an equal amount of coconut oil. After using, wash your hands immediately to prevent the fungus from spreading to other locations. 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Dandruff&nbsp;&ndash; While dandruff can be inconvenient and embarrassing, it&#39;s not dangerous. Its antifungal activities help reduce dandruff. Additionally, it helps clear the dandruff scales because it is slightly more acidic than your skin.<a href="#accordion">[2]</a></li>
</ul>

In one study, it was discovered that using tea tree oil shampoos prevented the growth of the yeast Candida albicans, which frequently causes dandruff. When washing your hair, consider mixing a few drops of tea tree oil into a small amount of shampoo to help eliminate dandruff. According to one study, tea tree oil with a 5%concentration can be used to treat mild to moderate dandruff caused by the yeast Pityrosporum ovale. 

When compared to a placebo, dandruff sufferers who used a shampoo containing 5% tea tree oil daily for 4 weeks experienced significantly less irritation and greasiness overall. 

It is also effective in treating cradle cap in infants. Before using it on infants, though, check for a possible allergy by putting a little shampoo on the forearm of the infant and rinsing. If no reaction occurs in 24-48 hours, then it is safe to use.<a href="#accordion">[1]</a> 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Hand Sanitizer&nbsp;&ndash; Tea tree oil works well as a natural hand sanitizer. It reportedly kills various bacteria, including E. coli, S. <a href="https://merisehat.pk/disease/pneumonia">pneumoniae</a>, and H. influenzae. A study comparing various handwash varieties found that including tea tree oil in the cleansers increased their potency against E. coli.<a href="#accordion">[2]</a></li>
</ul>

Multiple studies show that tea tree oil-based hand sanitizers are efficient in disinfecting hands and killing bacteria without the use of antibiotics. 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Insect Repellant&nbsp;&ndash; Tea tree oil might be able to repel bothersome insects.&nbsp;According to one study, cows treated with tea tree oil had 61% fewer flies 24 hours later than cows that weren&#39;t treated.<a href="#accordion">[2]</a></li>
</ul>

In agriculture, tea tree oil is used to deter ants from eating produce.&nbsp;Additionally, it works well as a mosquito repellant. Moreover, in a test-tube study, tea tree oil outperformed the most widely used active ingredient in commercial insect repellents, DEET, at deterring mosquitoes. 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Head Lice&nbsp;&ndash; As head lice become more resistant to medical treatments, experts are now examining essential oils as alternatives.<a href="#accordion">[1]</a></li>
</ul>

Nerolidol, a naturally occurring substance present in several essential oils, and tea tree oil were evaluated in studies to cure head lice. After 30 minutes, 100% of the lice had been eliminated thanks to the tea tree oil&#39;s remarkable performance. Nerolidol, on the other hand, was more successful in killing the eggs.&nbsp;The best solution for eliminating the lice and their eggs was a mixture of both chemicals in a 1:2 ratio. 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Natural Deodorant&nbsp;&ndash; The antimicrobial properties of tea tree oil may aid in reducing sweat-related underarm odor.&nbsp;Sweat doesn&#39;t smell by itself. However, a moderate to strong odor develops when germs on your skin and secretions from your sweat glands interact.&nbsp;These glands are highly concentrated in your underarm region, where they are primarily accountable for the odor that is known as body odor. Due to its ability to kill microorganisms, tea tree oil is a fantastic all-natural deodorant and antiperspirant substitute.<a href="#accordion">[2]</a> 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Cuts And Scrapes&nbsp;&ndash; Broken skin from injuries makes it easier&nbsp;for microorganisms to get into your bloodstream, which can cause an infection.&nbsp;Tea tree oil works by eliminating S. aureus and other bacteria that might infect exposed wounds to cure and disinfect minor cuts and abrasions.<a href="#accordion">[2]</a> 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Wound Healing&nbsp;&ndash; Tea tree oil has been shown to have&nbsp;antifungal, antibacterial,&nbsp;and antioxidant properties. As such, tea tree oil may promote wound healing in addition to preventing infection in cuts and abrasions.&nbsp;According to research, tea tree oil aids in the reduction of inflammation and stimulates the activity of white blood cells, which are crucial to the healing process.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

In a small research involving 10 wound patients, the addition of tea tree oil to standard wound care reduced healing time in all but 1 patient.&nbsp;A few drops of tea tree oil can be added every time a fresh dressing is put on a wound.<a href="#accordion">[2]</a> 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Oral Health&nbsp;&ndash; Inflammatory gum disease called chronic <a href="https://merisehat.pk/disease/gingivitis">gingivitis </a>can be treated with a tea tree oil-based gel.&nbsp;When compared to placebo or chlorhexidine antiseptic gel, study participants who used tea tree oil gel saw a significant decrease in bleeding and inflammation.<a href="#accordion">[1]</a></li>
</ul>

Other studies suggest that tea tree oil and alpha-bisabolol, the main ingredient in chamomile, may be used to treat a particular strain of bacteria linked to foul breath. Simply combine a drop of tea tree oil with a cup of warm water and stir to&nbsp;create your own chemical-free mouthwash. Then&nbsp;swish in your mouth for about 30 seconds.&nbsp;

NOTE: Tea tree oil should not be consumed, just like other mouthwashes. If consumed, it might be toxic<a href="#accordion">[2]</a>. 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Soothe Skin Inflammation&nbsp;&ndash;&nbsp;Contact dermatitis, which happens when your skin comes into contact with an allergen like nickel, is a common skin irritation. Skin that has been exposed to the allergen becomes red, itchy, and even painful.&nbsp;Research on both animals and people indicates that using tea tree oil topically may help lessen the intensity of these symptoms.&nbsp;In a study, it was found to be more effective than the usual drugs in reducing symptoms of contact dermatitis. </li>
</ul>

Tea tree oil may also lessen the itching, redness, and swelling that follow a bug bite reaction, which happens when your body generates histamine to protect against the insect&#39;s saliva. According to one study, using tea tree oil as a gel to treat rosacea lowered swelling and redness.&nbsp;Demodex mites can cause Demodex blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelids and surrounding skin. Tea tree oil has been utilized to treat this uncomfortable ailment all over the world since it has been shown to lessen inflammation and the number of mites.<a href="#accordion">[2]</a> 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Psoriasis&nbsp;&ndash; Applying a blend of coconut oil and tea tree oil topically may help to reduce psoriasis symptoms.<a href="#accordion">[2]</a> 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Vaginal Infection&nbsp;&ndash; As an alternative to over-the-counter and prescription treatments for yeast infection, some patients utilize vaginal tea tree oil suppositories. The majority of research in this field has been conducted on isolated infection strains in lab settings or on animals. However, when combined with other components, tea tree oil does show potential for healing human ailments, particularly drug-resistant yeast infections.<a href="#accordion">[4]</a></li>
</ul>

NOTE: Essential oils like tea tree oil shouldn&#39;t be consumed or applied topically. You may experience itching, watery discharge, and redness in the vaginal area. Consult a doctor before using tea tree oil suppositories. 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Herpes&nbsp;&ndash; Balm oil, tea tree oil, and peppermint oil have been shown to possess antiherpetic activity in vitro and be active against acyclovir-resistant herpes simplex virus strains. Clinical studies have shown that tea tree oil has antiherpetic, anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and healing properties for herpes labialis. It is recommended to apply diluted essential oils 3-4 times daily for the treatment of affected areas. Some plant products are marketed for the treatment of recurrent herpetic infections.<a href="#accordion">[6]</a> 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Caution: Tea tree oil can cause severe side effects if used in large quantities or accidentally ingested. Please consult a doctor before using tea tree oil for any serious ailments at home. 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>On sensitive skin, tea tree oil can cause irritation.</li>
	<li>If swallowed, tea tree oil can cause nausea, vomiting, confusion, severe rashes, hallucinations, stomach ache, drowsiness, and even coma.</li>
	<li>On the skin it can cause dryness, itching, redness, itching, dermatitis, and burning.</li>
	<li>One study suggests there&rsquo;s a direct relation between exposure to tea tree oil and gynecomastia (swelling of the breast tissue in boys).<a href="#accordion">[7]</a> 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
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Even though research indicates there may be health advantages, the FDA neither monitors nor controls the quality or purity of essential oils. Before utilizing essential oils, it&rsquo;s imperative to consult a healthcare provider. Additionally, make sure to always check the caliber of a brand&#39;s products. 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Always test an essential oil on your arm first by doing a patch test.</li>
	<li>The oil should never be consumed orally.</li>
	<li>It is important to note that tea tree oil should be used with caution as it can cause skin irritation and other side effects if used undiluted or in high concentrations.</li>
	<li>Do not use tea tree oil if you have eczema.</li>
	<li>Store it away from the reach of children.</li>
	<li>Tea tree oil application to animals may also not be safe. According to research, more than 400 dogs and cats had tremors and other nervous system issues after receiving between 0.1 and 85 mL of tea tree oil topically or internally.<a href="#accordion">[2]</a></li>
	<li>There is no evidence to support that tea tree oil is safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so it is better not to use it without your doctor&rsquo;s approval.</li>
	<li>Regular antibiotic use, including low doses of tea tree oil, may cause bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics, raising serious concerns in the medical community. Therefore, it is best to avoid unnecessary use of the oil. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
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Conclusion

As you can see, tea tree oil has a variety of benefits.&nbsp;It&#39;s a reasonable natural substitute for things like chemical-based skin and nail care products, personal care items, and disinfectants. Tea tree oil is hardly a miracle treatment, though. Some people who use it could develop skin rashes or allergic reactions.&nbsp;Overall, tea tree oil is a useful thing to have on hand and has a variety of uses. 
&nbsp;

Key Takeaways

<ul>
	<li>From its origins in the lush, misty forests of Australia to its widespread use in homes and health clinics worldwide, tea tree oil has long been celebrated for its potent properties.</li>
	<li>Numerous studies have demonstrated that it lessens the occurrence and overall severity of acne.</li>
	<li>According to a study from 2020, tea tree oil can help reduce athlete&#39;s foot, but a faster solution may be to use it in conjunction with regular treatment.</li>
	<li>When taken alone or in conjunction with other natural therapies, tea tree oil has been demonstrated to help treat nail fungus with fewer adverse effects than prescription drugs.</li>
	<li>In one study, it was discovered that using tea tree oil shampoos helped to prevent the growth of the yeast Candida albicans, which frequently causes dandruff.</li>
	<li>Tea tree oil works well as a natural hand sanitizer.</li>
	<li>In a test-tube study, tea tree oil outperformed the most widely used active ingredient in commercial insect repellents, DEET, at deterring mosquitoes.</li>
	<li>The antimicrobial properties of tea tree oil may aid in reducing sweat-related underarm odor.</li>
	<li>Tea tree oil works by eliminating S. aureus and other bacteria that might infect exposed wounds to cure and disinfect minor cuts and abrasions.</li>
	<li>Tea tree oil may also lessen the itching, redness, and swelling that follow a bug bite reaction, which happens when your body generates histamine to protect against the insect&#39;s saliva.</li>
	<li>Applying a blend of coconut oil and tea tree oil topically may help to reduce psoriasis symptoms.</li>
	<li>One study suggests there&rsquo;s a direct relation between exposure to tea tree oil and gynecomastia (swelling of the breast tissue in boys).</li>
	<li>It is important to note that tea tree oil should be used with caution as it can cause skin irritation and other side effects if used undiluted or in high concentrations.</li>
	<li>There is no evidence to support that tea tree oil is safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so it is better not to use it without your doctor&rsquo;s approval.</li>
	<li>Regular antibiotic use, including low doses of tea tree oil, may cause bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics, raising serious concerns in the medical community. Therefore, it is best to avoid unnecessary use of the oil. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

[1] Tea tree oil: Benefits and uses. Medical News Today.

[2] Team THE. 14 benefits and uses for tea tree oil. Healthline.

[3] Tea tree oil: Overview, uses, side effects, precautions, interactions, dosing and reviews. WebMD.

[4] Marcin A. Tea tree oil for yeast infection: Use, side effects, risks, and more.

[5] Flaxman D, Griffiths P. Is tea tree oil effective at eradicating MRSA colonization? A review. Br J Community Nurs. 2005;10(3):123-126. doi:10.12968/bjcn.2005.10.3.17615

[6] Schnitzler P, Reichling J. Wirksamkeit von Pflanzenprodukten gegen Herpesinfektionen [Efficacy of plant products against herpetic infections]. HNO. 2011;59(12):1176-1184. doi:10.1007/s00106-010-2253-0