Do you know the properties of tea tree oil? The truth is that its range of action is quite wide, especially for improving our skin. This oil is beneficial against acne, herpes, infections in various parts of the body and fungi.

Its centuries of use and scientific research have positioned it as a trusted product with medicinal properties.

The origins of tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is not to be confused with the bushes from which we extract the typical black, red or green tea. The tea tree I am referring to is Melaleuca alternifolia, originally from Australia.

It is called tea tree because in the 19th century sailors arriving on the swampy coast of south-eastern Australia used it to make tea as they felt it relieved their general ailments after long voyages.

Australian Aborigines have also used it since ancient times as a healing agent mixed with mud and applied to wounds.

Properties of tea tree oil

Some of the properties of this oil are:

- Antiseptic: strengthens the immune system and kills viruses, fungi and bacteria.

- Antibiotic: helps to eliminate pathogens associated with lesions such as acne, abscesses, boils, dermatitis, herpes and eczema.

- Regenerator: has healing effects in cases of burns, cuts or wounds on the skin.

- Anti-inflammatory: relieves irritation in cases of insect bites and chicken pox. It is also suitable for the treatment of arthritis and gout.

- Antifungal: helps to combat a broad spectrum of fungi such as athlete's foot or fungus under the nails and plantar warts.

Tea tree oil is also a good remedy against head lice. It serves as a preventive treatment against lice, as it keeps them away.

Many of its properties are still under investigation. Specialists insist that we must first check that we are not allergic to this oil. Just put a drop on your skin on your wrist and then check that there is no redness or stinging, thus ruling out a contact allergy.

It is advisable to use it sparingly if it is pure oil. Just a few drops are more than enough to add to a cream or shampoo and benefit from its properties.

Under no circumstances should it be ingested, only used externally on the skin, topically. Ingestion may be toxic, cause instability and difficulty walking.

How to apply tea tree oil

Acne treatment

In this case, the ideal is to buy a cream that includes tea tree oil at 5% or more. You apply it twice a day to the skin on your face and in about four to five weeks you will see results.

Fungus treatment

For the treatment of fungal nail infections, pure 100% oil is ideal. It should be applied twice a day for six weeks and we will see how it reduces toenail infections.

If we suffer from fungus for a long time and it becomes stronger and more aggressive, this oil does not kill the fungus but it improves the appearance of the nail and weakens the invader in six to seven month treatments.

Treatment of cuts and insect bites

Wash your hands thoroughly and apply a drop of pure 100% oil. With your finger or a cotton pad you can spread it over the surface of the skin and you will see how it accelerates healing and disinfects the area.

Lice treatment

To keep lice away you can apply tea tree oil to the back of the ears, the nape of the neck and the central area of the head. Repeat for a month. The oil will kill adult lice, but you will need to remove the nits that are stuck in the hair with a suitable comb.

As always, I recommend seeking specialist advice before using tea tree oil. Thousands of years of use validate it as an effective product, but nothing replaces a correct diagnosis and expert opinion.

Tea tree oil can be purchased in our online shop in roll on packaging.

If you know of any uses or properties of this wonderful oil that I haven't mentioned, please share your experiences so that you can help others. And if you have any questions, I'll be happy to help!

In case you want to know more tips on how to improve your body skin care, you can download here our free guide to body skin care and treatment. We hope you find it very useful :-)