QUEZON City, Philippines (Eagle News Service, July 29) – It has been called the “jack of all trades” among the herbal oils and this title is well-deserved because tea tree oil is really versatile and have tons of uses and benefits.
It is famous as the surefire solution to get clear skin but tea tree oil is not only a weapon for fighting skin blemishes and acne.
First, a bit of history. British explorer Lieutenant James Cook is the first to coin the name in 1770. It comes from the tea tree plant (Melaleuca alternifolia) which is originally found in Australia. Even then Australian aboriginal communities already know of the healing and antiseptic properties of the tea tree, using its leaves to patch up wounds, cuts and burns.
In 1920, tea tree oil is popular in the fields of surgery and dentistry, where it was used to clean wounds and prevent infection.
In the past few years, tea tree oil became more popular and is a widely-used ingredients in many skincare products.
Known uses of tea tree oil include curing acne. Although it takes time before results can be seen, tea tree oil has fewer side effects compared to chemical acne remedies.
Tea tree oil is also used as cure for fungal infections, especially those found in the feet.
Tea tree oil is also used for treating athlete’s foot, dandruff, lice and gingivitis.
One can also use tea tree oil for aromatherapy. It is said that the steam from tea tree oil laced water can help alleviate nasal congestion and other symptoms of the common cold.
Other uses of tea tree oil include treating warts and as a make-up remover.
But the uses of tea tree oil is not just limited to skincare.
Use it as a toothbrush cleaner. You may not know it but your toothbrush is a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. But don’t worry, just a drop of tea tree oil is enough to clean your toothbrush.
Mix a drop of tea tree oil with a cup of water and you now have a mold killer spray. You can also add a little baking soda to make it an all-around kitchen and bathroom cleaner.
Tea tree oil is a natural insect repellant, its strong smell drives insects aways.
Adding a drop of tea tree oil during laundry will not only disinfect your clothes but the washing machine as well.
(ENS, written by Jay Paul Carlos,with additional research of Lovely Ann Cruz)
