8 Benefits of Tea Tree Oil That Will Surprise You (+Beauty Recipes)

If the Earth indeed has anything close to a magical potion in the healthy and beauty section, it would be tea tree oil. For those who are not too familiar with the benefits of tea tree oil, no, it does not provide instant healing and neither does it make you immortal. But what it can do for you is that it might be able to take away some of those pesky ailments you have had all these years.

Although there is still insufficient evidence for many of the claimed effects it has on ailments such as ear infections, scabies or ringworm, it is still a good natural remedy for some of the health problems that we will be mentioning below:

1. It helps clear acne

One of the benefits of tea tree oil which has received rave reviews for a very long time is it’s reliable ability to clear acne. Its anti-microbial properties are able to unblock the inflamed sebaceous glands that cause acne and disinfect pores. According to NCCH, using 5% of tea tree oil might be slightly less effective than 5% of benzoyl peroxide but is is shown that tea tree oil has fewer side effects. One of the best recipes consisting of tea tree oil to fight acne would be the one with Aloe Vera as there is good scientific evidence that Aloe Vera is able to cure skin diseases and dried skin.

2. It is a goodf cure for fungal infection of nails

Positive results have also shown that tea tree oil is a good cure for fungal infection under the nails. According to Dr Weil, using a 100% topical extract of the tea tree oil will help get rid of the fungus due to it’s anti-fungal properties. Applying the oil 2 times a day over 2 months will most likely show results.

3. It helps treat athlete’s foot

Probably one of the most popular reasons why tea tree oil is used for is Athlete’s Foot. Athlete’s foot is caused by tinea fungus growing in between your toes or on your feet as they thrive in warm and moist environments. Studies have shown that Tea Tree Oil has anti-fungal properties and applying it on the affected area directly for once or twice daily for 30 days can help ease the problem.

4. It reduces Dandruff

The itch from dandruff can be quite destructive to people’s lives in terms of well-being and appearance. The white flakes falling from your hair are caused by fungus that thrives in our scalps and causes the build-up of dead skin that forms dandruff. Mix 15 – 20 drops of tea tree oil to 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil and massage it onto your head, then leave it overnight. Repeat once a week until you see results.

5. It can be used as a deodorant

Body odour has been the bane for the people who perspire a lot. The causes of body odour is due to bacteria breaking down sweat into acids, which causes the unpleasant smell. Using Tea Tree Oil in any particular area of your body makes it an unfavourable environment for bacteria to thrive, hence reducing the odour. Try mixing drops of Tea Tree Oil into nice smelling essential oils like Patchouli and Lavender and apply it to smell great the whole day.

6. It is good for your oral health

Some studies have shown that Tea Tree Oil might have the ability to cure gingivitis which is caused by the build up of bacteria causing plaque and calculus to stay on the teeth and cause the gums to swell. Its anti-bacterial properties kill off bacteria and reduce tooth decay. Mix Tea Tree Oil with baking soda and coconut oil and use it as a toothpaste.

7. It helps soothe eczema

Itchy skin can disrupt lives quite drastically. Eczema, which is the inflammation of skin due to many reasons, can also be alleviated by the properties of Tea Tree Oil. If you suffer from eczema, try mixing five drops of Tea Tree Oil with five drops of Lavender Oil and apply it on the affected area daily.

8. It treat cancer

According to researchers from University of Western Australia, Tea Tree Oil has proven to reduce non-melanoma skin cancers in mice just within one day and this is nothing short of a promising result for advances in skin cancer cures. If you are suffering from skin lesions, apply Tea Tree Oil with some Frankincense and apply it every day.

More Beauty Recipes made with Tea Tree Oil:

Tea Tree Oil Mask

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Whisk 4-5 drops of Tea Tree Oil with one egg white and apply on face like a mask. Leave on for 15 – 20 minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water.

Jojoba Oil Face Mask

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Mix 3-5 drops of Tea Tree Oil with a teaspoon of Jojoba Oil and half of some finely chopped tomato to make it into a paste. Apply on affected area of face and leave for 10-15 minutes. Wash face after.

Tea Tree Oil with Honey

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Mix a few drops of Tea Tree Oil with two teaspoons of pure Manuka Honey. Apply over affected area and leave for 3-4 hours or overnight. Rinse face after.