If you could pick just one essential oil for your medicine cabinet, tea tree oil is the one you should choose. Why? Tea tree oil is an incomparable multitasker. Here’s a run-down on what tea tree oil can do for you–and the scientific research to back up these claims.
What is Tea Tree Oil?
Tea tree oil, also called melaleuca oil, comes from the leaves of the Australian tea tree. Unlike many essential oils, tea tree oil’s fragrance isn’t exactly pleasant and does take some getting used to. Its power lies in its scientific properties. Research has shown tea tree oil to be antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral. These properties make it uniquely qualified to tackle a host of health and beauty problems. Here are 5 science-backed uses for tea tree oil.
1. To Treat Acne
Acne isn’t just for teenagers. An estimated 60 million people in the U.S. suffer from this embarrassing skin condition. Luckily, tea tree oil is an effective natural acne treatment. A 2007 study found that a 5 percent solution of topical tea tree oil gel effectively treated mild to moderate acne in study participants. The next time you get a pimple, try dabbing it with a little tea tree oil. Those with sensitive skill will benefit by diluting tea tree oil before applying it to their face.
2. For Foot Infections
If you’ve ever had athlete’s foot or a fungal infection of your toenails, you know how annoying and embarrassing these problems can be. A 2002 study showed that applying a tea tree oil solution twice daily for four weeks effectively treated athlete’s foot. Another study on toenail fungus showed that tea tree oil was as effective as the antifungal cream clotrimazole. To get rid of fungal infections in your feet, either apply undiluted tea tree oil to the affected area twice daily or soak your feet once a day in a diluted tea tree oil solution.
3. For Hair Health
Many shampoos now contain tea tree oil as an ingredient. One reason for this is because tea tree oil is effective in treating dandruff and dry scalp. A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that using shampoo with 5 percent tea tree oil effectively treated mild to moderate dandruff for study participants. If you suffer from dandruff or dry scalp, try a shampoo with tea tree oil, or add a few drops to your normal shampoo.
Tea tree oil may also help with head lice. A 2007 study showed that hair treated with tea tree oil seemed to repel lice. There is some evidence for tea tree oil as a treatment for head lice, particularly with lavender. In a study from the University of Queensland, a product containing tea tree oil and lavender was shown to effectively suffocate head lice.
4. For Oral Hygiene
Tea tree oil shouldn’t be swallowed, but it can be used for oral health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, half of Americans have periodontal, or gum, disease. Gingivitis is one of the most common types of periodontal disease. A 2004 study found that brushing your teeth with a tea tree oil gel twice daily helped to treat chronic gingivitis. Some brands of mouthwash and toothpaste now contain tea tree oil as an ingredient.
5. To Treat Wounds
Since tea tree oil is a powerful antiseptic, it stands to reason that it would be a good wound treatment. Current research shows that tea tree oil effectively kills infections such as Staphylococcus aureus (staph) and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). To treat wounds with tea tree oil, place a little diluted or undiluted tea tree oil on a cotton ball and dab it on your wound before applying a bandage. Do this several times daily to prevent infection and speed up healing.
Tea tree oil is a true multitasker. Its scientific properties make it one of the most effective and versatile essential oils. If you only use one essential oil, it makes sense to make it tea tree oil.