An essential oil that benefits the skin, hair and nails because of its antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral, anti-acne, germicidal and even medicinal properties.
Not What You May Be Thinking...
No, it's not to be found in your cup of comfort tea! Known as melaleuca tree oil, it rather is an essential oil harvested from leaves of small Aussie trees native to Queensland and New South Wales regions. Because of its miraculous almost cure-all properties - its antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral, anti-acne, germicidal and even medicinal, it has been adopted by the personal care industry. The need for tea tree oil to keep our hair skin and nails healthy has only increased over the years.
From Ancient Practice To Modern Usage
Aborigines, the indigenous people of Australia, have been using this oil as traditional medicine by crushing its leaves to extract the essence and inhaling to treat cough and colds or brew the crushed leaves to alleviate strep throats. They would apply it as a poultice directly on the skin for healing minor wounds and insect bites, as well.
After thorough scientifically-backed evidence, its goodness is bottled for our everyday usages. It's not so expensive, either. Let us see where we might encounter this mighty tea tree oil.
Hand Sanitizers & All-Purpose Cleaners
A natural sanitizer, it kills a gamut of germs accounting for colds, flu and other illness. Its surface cleaning ability leaves no chemical traces making it safe for humans and animals, alike.
Acne Creams
Potency to reduce the amount and overall severity of acne matches that of benzoyl peroxide, the most widely used relevant chemical agent.
Anti- Inflammation & Psoriasis Meds
Efficacy of reducing inflammation caused due to contact dermatitis reach over 40%; significantly more than standard applications. Additionally, it also relieves bug bite itchiness. Anti-inflammatory compounds are known to ease Psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune condition.
Insect Repellents
Tea tree oil is comparatively 60% more effective against flies and more efficacious, in lab tests than DEET, the lead ingredient in most commercial mosquito & insect repellents.
Cuts, Scrapes & Wounds Ointments
Not only it can annihilate infection bacteria, but it also boosts white blood cell activity to expedite the process.
Mouthwashes
Fights germs causing tooth decay & bad breath and perhaps even more effective against plaque-forming bacteria than its nearest alternative - all while tasting to be 'less objectionable'.
While its antibacterial properties make effective deodorants and antiperspirants, the antifungal attribute is effectual in Athlete's foot & Nail fungus Creams.
