Tea tree oil is an essential oil that can be used for several purposes, including keeping skin, hair and nails healthy.

 

In addition to its scientifically backed benefits, tea tree oil is inexpensive and safe when used as directed.

 

These germ-fighting properties make tea tree oil a valued natural remedy for treating bacterial and fungal skin conditions, preventing infection and promoting healing.

 

Read on to learn about the many uses and benefits of this versatile oil.

 

Tea tree oil makes an ideal natural hand sanitizer.

 

Studies have shown that it kills several common bacteria and viruses responsible for causing illness, including E. coli, S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae.

 

Moreover, a study testing several types of hand wash shows that adding tea tree oil to the cleansers boosted their effectiveness against E. coli.

 

Here is a simple recipe to make your own moisturizing, all-natural hand sanitizer using tea tree oil.

 

Tea tree oil may help keep pesky insects away.

 

One study found that 24 hours after being treated with tea tree oil, cows had 61% fewer flies than cows not treated with tea tree oil.

 

Tea tree oils antibacterial effects may help control underarm odor related to perspiration.

 

Sweat itself does not smell. However, when secretions from your sweat glands combine with bacteria on your skin, a moderate to strong odor is produced.

 

Your underarm area contains a large concentration of these glands and is mainly responsible for what is commonly referred to as "body odor." Tea tree oils bacteria-fighting properties make it an ideal natural alternative to commercial deodorants and antiperspirants.

 

Injuries that result in broken skin make it easy for germs to enter your bloodstream, which can lead to infection.

 

Tea tree oil can be used to treat and disinfect minor cuts and abrasions by killing S. aureus and other bacteria that can cause infection in open wounds.

 

To disinfect a cut or scrape, follow these steps:

 

 

Fungal nail infections are quite common. Although they are not dangerous, they can be unsightly. There are medications that can treat nail fungus, though some people may prefer a more natural approach.

 

Tea tree oil has been shown to help get rid of nail fungus when used alone or in combination with other natural remedies.

 

Tea tree oil may help relieve inflamed skin.

 

A common form of skin irritation is contact dermatitis, which occurs when skin comes in contact with an allergen, such as nickel. Exposure to the allergen leads to red, itchy and sometimes painful skin.

 

Animal and human research suggest that applying tea tree oil may help reduce the severity of these symptoms.

 

Dandruff, or white flakes of dead skin that fall from the scalp, is not dangerous.

 

However, it can be annoying and embarrassing.

 

Although there is little published research on tea tree oils effectiveness in treating dandruff, one controlled study suggests that it may be helpful.

 

In this four-week study, the group who used a shampoo containing tea tree oil had a 40% improvement in dandruff. Moreover, the tea tree group reported significant improvements in dandruff severity, itchiness and greasiness 

 

Your Health Is Our Concern!

 

Mawuena Workartey/ ghanahospitals.org