Healing Properties of Tea Tree Oils

For centuries, tea tree oil has been used to treat wounds, burns and infections. Originating in Australia, the oil is derived from the leaves of the tea tree plant by the process of steam distillation. It contains a wide range of chemical components, such as the compound terpinen-4-ol, that help kill various microorganisms and hinder their growth. As a result, tea tree oil's healing properties are numerous, so it may be used topically to treat many common injuries and irritations and is a valuable addition to most medicine cabinets.

Antiseptic

• Tea tree oil can help clean the skin and various irritations of disease-carrying organisms, so it is often used an antiseptic when injuries occur. The oil easily penetrates the skin and works with the body's natural oils to help prevent skin infections. Tea tree oil may be used to treat cuts, insect bites, burns, boils, diaper rash, poison ivy, sunburn, hives and splinters. It is particularly effective in treating wounds that are dirty or contain pus.

Antifungal

• Tea tree oil is often used to treat fungal infections because of its antifungal properties. It can help reduce inflammation and kill the bacteria associated with these types of infections. In addition, tea tree oil blends easily with natural oils in the skin and strengthens the chemical barrier in the skin so it becomes a poor environment for fungi to grow. As a result, tea tree oil can help with the symptoms of athlete's foot, fingernail infections, ringworm and yeast infections. Tea tree oil has also been used to treat fungal infections that affect plants and animals.

Antibacterial

• Tea tree oil has potent antibacterial properties. According to Healthline, a medical information website, studies have proved that tea tree oil is more effective in treating the hospital super bug, methicilin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), than many antibiotics. As a result, many hospitals supply tea tree oil soap for employees to wash their hands with before treating patients. When inhaled, tea tree oil may also function as an expectorant, so it can also be used to treat chest and throat infections, as well as congestion associated with the common cold. In addition, tea tree oil's antibacterial properties make it a natural alternative to many harsh acne treatments. It penetrates the skin easily, so it can kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce the inflammation associated with breakouts. In addition, because tea tree oil blends easily with natural skin oils, it is less likely to clog pores and create further acne breakouts.

Anti-inflammatory

• Tea tree oil is also known to help reduce inflammation throughout the body by killing the microorganisms responsible for it. It may also help numb the pain associated with inflammation, so it may be used to treat sprains, bursitis, arthritis, gout, bunions, carpal tunnel syndrome, eczema and hemorrhoids. To treat inflammation, use products that contain tea tree oil and not pure tea tree oil because the pure oil may be too irritating for sensitive areas of the body.