Tea tree oil is an essential oil extracted from the leaves of the tea tree plant (Melaleuca alternifolia), which is aboriginal to Australia. Tea tree oil is also named melaleuca oil. It has a variety of uses and is known for its antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Tea tree oil can also be used as an anti-acne treatment. It can help by unclogging pores, reducing inflammation, and clearing the skin. It can also be used to treat dandruff and other scalp issues, as well as fungal infections such as athlete's foot.

In addition to its skin and hair uses, tea tree oil might be a natural cleaning product because it can clean and disinfect surfaces and freshen up laundry and linens.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

The following points should be kept in mind while using tea tree oil:

• Dilute it before using it because it can irritate the skin if undiluted.
• Keep it out of reach of children and pets, as it could be toxic if ingested.
• If oil enters the eyes, rinse them thoroughly with plenty of water.
• Always do a patch test before applying tea tree oil to your hair and skin.

WHY IS TEA TREE OIL USED FOR SKIN AND HAIR CARE?

1. ANTI MICROBIAL-Tea tree oil contains a chemical compound named terpinen-4-ol, believed to kill certain bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

Terpinen- 4- ol enhances white blood cell activity, which helps combat germs and foreign bodies germ. Fighting and the germ-killing properties of tea tree oil make it potent for various skin fungal infections, preventing infections and promoting healing.

2. ANTI INFLAMATORY- An experiment showed that tea tree oil can reduce histamine-induced skin inflammation. Recently, it has become famous for treating skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, and tinea pedis.
3. ANTI-ACNE TREATMENT - Tea tree oil treats acne because of its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-microbial properties. Tea tree oil tames inflammation and helps to kill Propionic bacteria, which cause acne breakouts. Tea tree oil also helps to control pimples or acne by controlling excessive fluid secretion and reducing the pore size, permitting less oil to build up in them.

4 . SCAR FADING- Tea tree oil, if used single-handedly, does not work on acne scars, but if combined with any other scar-fading treatment, it can help to fasten the fading of acne scars. It takes at least 12 weeks to show results, so keep patience while using tea tree oil as a remedy for your acne scars.

5 . WOUND HEALING- In A small study conducted on 10 participants with wounds, tea tree oil led to decreased wound healing time. Tea tree oil can be used with conventional treatment for wound healing.

6. DRY SKIN AND ECZEMA-Tea tree oil can soothe dry skin by relieving itching and irritation. It's been more effective than zinc oxide and butyrate creams in treating eczema.

Apart from the above mentioned skin benefits, you can use tea tree for hair care:

7. FOR DANDRUFF- Due to its anti-microbial and anti-fungal abilities, tea tree oil helps to keep dandruff at bay from your scalp. Purchase a shampoo containing 5 %tea tree oil and apply it to your scalp; lather it for at least 3 minutes daily for 4 weeks.

8 . HAIR GROWTH- Tree oil does not directly stimulate new hair growth but can provide a healthy scalp environment for growth.

NOTE: If you are undergoing chemotherapy or have autoimmune disorders, tea tree oil will not help in hair loss.

9. SHINY HAIR- Applying tea tree oil daily to hair produces shiny, plentiful hair. This oil nourishes hair follicles, resulting in stronger shiner locks.
10. ITCHY SCALP-This essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties. When used properly, it can calm the angry scalp.

In addition to all these benefits, tea tree oil can be used for the following:

• as a mild deodorant for the body,
• vaginal infections
• dental plaque
• athletes foot
• genital herpes
• bad breath
• lice in scalp
• cold sores
• laundry freshener
• sore throat

HOW TO USE TEA TREE OIL?

If used directly, tea tree oil can irritate and inflate your scalp or skin, so diluting it before using it is essential. Here are some tips for using this oil

• The most effortless way to dilute tea tree oil is by mixing it with any other carrier oil in a ratio of 1:10, such as coconut oil, olive oil, or almond oil. For example, a drop of tea tree should be mixed with 10 drops of coconut oil or any other carrier oil.
• Mix 6-8 drops of the oil for every 30 ml product if you apply it with a lotion, cream, or scrub.
• While using it for massage, use it with a carrier oil.

 SIDE EFFECTS OF TEA TREE OIL

When applied to the skin, most side effects occur when a person uses oil in a higher concentration. These include:

1. skin irritation and swelling
2. dryness
3. flaking
4. rash
5. itching
6. burning
7. redness

When taken by mouth, it is unsafe to take tea tree oil. Taking it by mouth can cause serious side effects like confusion, rash, and coma.