What is Tea Tree Oil?
Tea tree oil is an essential oil obtained from a plant native to Australia called melaleuca alternifolia by steam distillation method.
Tea tree oil is an essential oil obtained from a plant native to Australia called melaleuca alternifolia by steam distillation method. Tea tree oil got its name from the fact that the leaves of this plant are used to make tea. Tea tree oil, also known as melaleuca oil, has been used for centuries as an alternative treatment for certain skin conditions due to its various properties. Tea tree oil is also found in many moisturizing products.
What are the Properties of Tea Tree Oil?
In recent years, tea tree oil has become a very popular product within the scope of alternative or complementary treatment applications. Today, it is found in many cosmetics, medicines and cleaning products applied to the skin.
Some chemicals contained in tea tree oil can damage the cell wall of bacteria to eliminate them. Studies on how to use the activity of this broad-spectrum antimicrobial are ongoing.
The ability to exert a suppressive effect on inflammation (inflammation) is another property of tea tree oil. This effect can be particularly beneficial in skin inflammations triggered by histamine. Tea tree oil is also an essential oil that is effective against many types of fungi.
A large part of the chemical content of tea tree oil is substances that are in the terpenoid class and have antiseptic properties. Terpinene-4-ol is the most Decently concentrated compound among these substances. Terpinene-4-ol is one of the chemicals found in tea tree oil. This substance can be effective against bacteria, viruses and fungi. Terpinen-4-ol also has a regulatory effect on the functions of white blood cells, helping to support the normal functions of the immune system in the fight against foreign microorganisms.
What Is the Use of Tea Tree Oil?
Tea tree oil products are usually in the form of undiluted (undiluted) 100% pure oil. In the applications to be made on the skin, it is recommended to use products with a strength of 5-50%. There are many uses of tea tree oil:
HAND SANITIZER
Tea tree oil can be used to make natural hand sanitizer. Hygiene products used in the fight against microorganisms that have the potential to cause disease can have a strengthening effect on its effect.
INSECT REPELLENT
Tea tree oil can help keep pesky arthropods at bay.
NATURAL DEODORANT
The antibacterial effect of tea tree oil can be useful in relieving the odor that occurs with sweating under the armpits. Normally, sweat is an odorless secretion. However, as a result of the interaction of bacteria on the skin with the secretion of sweat glands, the smell of sweat may appear. The armpit is a very rich region in terms of sweat glands. It may be possible to take precautions against the smell of sweat with natural deodorants that will be made using tea tree oil.
ANTISEPTIC FOR MINOR CUTS AND SCRATCHES
Injuries that cause disease on the skin can cause microorganisms to enter through these openings and enter the bloodstream and cause an infection condition to occur. Tea tree oil can be effective in disinfecting small cuts and scrapes. To benefit from this effect, the wound area should be cleaned with clean water and soap first. Then a drop of tea tree oil is mixed in another solvent oil and this mixture is rubbed over the small wound surface.
PROMOTING WOUND HEALING
In addition to its antiseptic effect on small wounds and abrasions, tea tree oil can also support the normal functions of the body in wound healing. Various studies have shown that tea tree oil may contribute to the wound healing process carried out by white blood cells due to its suppressive effect on the state of inflammation (inflammation). In order to take advantage of this effect, a few drops of tea tree oil can be used by dripping on the bandage.
FIGHTING ACNE
Tea tree oil can be used as an important topical agent in the fight against acne. Various studies have shown that it can have an effect on both the number of acne and the course of these lesions. In a study using 5% tea tree gel, it was found that acne lesions were more effective than in the placebo group.
FIGHTING NAIL FUNGUS
The development of fungus on the nails is a fairly common problem. Although these lesions are not considered dangerous, they can cause a very bad appearance to the eye. In addition to the applications used in the treatment of nail fungus, the use of tea tree oil arometarpy contribute to the elimination of this problem. For this application, a few drops of tea tree oil are mixed evenly with a carrier oil such as coconut oil and then rubbed into the effective area. After application, it is recommended to wash hands immediately to prevent the spread of fungal lesions.
CHEMICAL-FREE MOUTHWASH MAKING
Various studies have shown that the use of tea tree oil is an application that can contribute to the fight against germs that cause problems such as tooth loss and bad breath. Solutions created by dripping a drop of tea tree oil into a glass of warm water can be applied by hovering in the mouth for 30 seconds. As with other mouthwashes, it should be remembered that mouthwash solutions made with tea tree oil should definitely not be swallowed. It is necessary to be careful that tea tree oil can have a toxic effect if digested.
MULTI-PURPOSE CLEANER
Solutions containing tea tree oil can be used as a multipurpose surface cleaner. At the same time, these solutions also have the property of not leaving any chemicals behind. In the preparation of multipurpose cleaners with tea tree oil, 20 drops of tea tree oil, ¾ cup of water and ½ cup of apple cider vinegar are mixed in a spray bottle. The bottle is shaken thoroughly to ensure a good mixture. The cleaner sprayed on the surface to be cleaned is then wiped with a dry cloth. In order to ensure an even distribution of the mixture contents, it is recommended to shake the bottle thoroughly before each use.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS THAT MAY OCCUR AFTER THE USE OF TEA TREE OIL?
Research conducted on the use of tea tree oil indicates that this aromatherapy oil is safe. However, there are also situations that need to be considered in the use of this oil. First of all, it should be remembered that tea tree oil can have a toxic (poisonous) effect if ingested. Before the applications to be made on the skin, a drop should be dripped on healthy skin and it should be observed whether any allergic reactions develop in this area for 24 hours.
Tea tree oil, which is recommended to be stored out of the reach of children, should also be avoided for use on pets. There are various study results indicating that it may cause involuntary tremors and other nervous system problems after its use in animals.
The side effects that may occur after the use of tea tree oil vary depending on how this oil is used. In response to the question of how to consume tea tree, the answer can be given as “the most common ways of use are topical (on the skin) and inhalation (inhalation) within the scope of aromatherapy applications”.
If tea tree oil is not diluted correctly and in high concentration in topical use, it can cause complaints such as redness, dandruff, itching, burning and stinging. During aromatherapy, on the other hand, care should be taken because side effects such as headache, nausea and dizziness may occur after inhaling tea tree oil too much or for too long.
In general, it is very important to consult your physicians before using essential oils obtained from various plants. It should be noted that pregnant women, people who are breastfeeding, people who use prescription drugs or have an underlying health problem should definitely not use such alternative treatment methods without consulting their doctor.