Contents:

• Tea tree oil – properties
• Tea tree oil - application
• Tea oil – contraindications

Tea tree oil, also known as tea tree oil, is an extract from the leaves of the tea tree ( Melaleuca alternifolia L. ), which grows naturally in Australia. The indigenous people of this continent have known about the beneficial properties of this plant for centuries and use it, among other things, to heal wounds by covering damaged or burned skin with leaves. Today, a concentrated leaf extract in the form of a transparent, light-yellow essential oil with an intense, spicy scent is considered a natural cosmetic with health-promoting effects, especially on our skin.

Tea tree oil – properties

Tea oil has the following effects:

• antiviral,
• antibacterial,
• anti-inflammatory,
• antifungal.

It owes these properties to the fact that it contains, among other things, terpenes and phenolic compounds that have antimicrobial properties. They are effective in fighting viruses, fungi, and bacteria, even those resistant to antibiotics. The oil contains monoterpenes, such as:

• Cineole,
• Cymene
• terpinene,
• Diterpenes (pinene),
• Sesquiterpenes.

Tea tree oil - application

Tea tree oil thanks to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties:

• Accelerates wound healing – it is also used in the treatment of psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, herpes, and slow-healing wounds. It accelerates the healing process of irritated skin and helps relieve discomfort.
• Relieves itching and scalp problems such as dandruff or discomfort associated with seborrheic dermatitis. Normalizes excessive sebum secretion and oily hair. Simply add a few drops of the oil to your shampoo when washing your hair, leave it on the scalp for 2-5 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly. The oil can also be used in hair conditioners.
• Supports the treatment of viral and bacterial infections – inhalations with the addition of the oil help relieve symptoms associated with cough, nasal congestion or sinusitis, as well as sore throat.
• Supports the treatment of mycoses – supports the prevention and treatment of mycoses of the feet and nails. It also helps with the care of feet prone to cracked heels and excessive sweating. Simply add a few drops of the oil to your foot cream and use it daily. Once a week, you can prepare a foot bath by adding the oil to warm water.
• Relieves the symptoms of insect bites – relieves itching and burning and also inhibits the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms in insect bites, thereby reducing the risk of infection.
• Supports the treatment of acne and nourishes the skin – its bactericidal and anti-inflammatory properties make the oil extremely helpful in the treatment and care of acne-prone skin. It effectively combats anaerobic bacteria responsible for acne lesions, making the skin less oily and shiny. Importantly, it doesn't dry out the skin, but rather regenerates it and stimulates the production of new epidermis. A few drops of tea tree oil can be added to cosmetics we use daily for facial care, washing, and face masks. After mixing it with your favorite oil, you can apply it to your face.

Tea oil – contraindications

People prone to allergies should conduct an allergy test before using tea tree oil. People with very sensitive skin may experience irritation or allergic reactions. Applying the oil undiluted directly to the skin is also not recommended. Due to the high concentration of active ingredients that can penetrate the skin, tea tree oil should not be used by pregnant women, breastfeeding women, or children under 6 years of age.