Tea tree oil, also called melaleuca oil, is extracted by steaming tea tree leaves. It comprises antibacterial terpenes, highly effective in treating several skin diseases and fungal as well as viral infections. Although the oil’s oral consumption is hazardous, resulting in severe risks to the body, it can be inhaled or applied to the skin with an amalgamation of other oils in order to avoid the possible side effects. In addition to bolstering the activity of white blood cells in the body to wrestle germs and other foreign invaders, tea tree oil can also be diluted in bathing water to cure cough, pulmonary disease, and bronchial congestion.
Scientifically Backed Applications of Tea Tree Oil:
Tea tree oil is one of the main ingredients in numerous over-the-counter products such as lotions, soaps, skin products, and others. It is also esteemed as an essentially valued oil in topical medicines, cosmetics, and household products.
(Given below are several home remedies and applications of tea tree oil. However, a doctor’s proper authorization and consultation is a prerequisite)
- Natural Ointment for Acne Control:
The terpenes present in tea tree oil serve as a dermatological cure for acne. It seeps into the pores, unclogs the sebaceous glands, and disinfects the skin. Moreover, it is non-carcinogenic and can be used frequently, unlike the other acne-treating chemical-based creams.
It works as a cleansing or moisturizing agent over the dust and grease off the skin and also helps rid acne scars. Furthermore, it eliminates the bacteria responsible for acne, thus aiding in the reduction of breakouts. Adding a drop of tea tree oil in water and applying it to the face or adding it to bathing water adequately serves the purpose. In this regard, Coromandel Mountain tea tree oil-producing companies offer kanuka and manuka oil-based lotions, soaps, and others, that help treat cuts and acne.
- Disinfecting Fungal Nail:
Tea tree oil helps treat onychomycosis, a nail fungal infection where one or more toenails become brittle and disfigured. Thorough cleansing of the nail is essential to remove unnecessary dust and dirt before applying the oil on the infected nail in a way that it seeps inside the skin. However, proper care must be taken while using the oil as it can irritate the skin. Since fungal infections are contagious, undertaking significant precautions to avoid toxication of the foot.
- Treating Athlete’s Foot:
Athlete’s foot or tinea pedis is a contagious fungal infection caused due to overexposure to dampness or moisture. The primary symptoms of the disease are excessive peeling of the skin, burning toes, itching feet, extensively pink raw skin, etc. For treating the condition, mix the oil with a carrier oil and dab it on the feet with the help of cotton. Moreover, the use of socks can help aggravate the infection any further. Several creams containing tea tree oil assist in disinfection, such as foot balm concentrate by THENA.
- Alleviating Gingivitis:
Using a tooth gel with tea tree oil as its component helps reduce gum swelling and inflammation. Contrary to popular belief, the oil cannot cure dental plaque. However, it can reduce the spread of other oral diseases like gingivitis and acts as an antimicrobial medium for treating nasal infections. Furthermore, using products that contain tea tree oil as an ingredient or mixing it with other chemicals helps considerably minimize both plaque and gum inflammation.
- Natural Relief from Ear Infection:
Tea tree oil diluted with other carrier oil is poured into the ear canal to treat ear infections. However, the oil’s direct application can damage the ear.
- Veterinary Applications:
Although tea tree oil is widely used to treat human infections and diseases, there has been evidence of the increasing adoption of the oil for treating various medical conditions like allergies and hot spots in dogs and cats. It can also be used to cure sore skin and cuts in pets. For instance, manuka honey derived from tea trees is useful for hot spots. However, care must be taken as the application of the oil without dilution can prove poisonous to the animal. The side effects of tea tree oil in pets are muscle tremors, collapses, vomiting, coma, low body temperature, difficulty in walking, excessive salivation, depression, drooling, and weakness.
Conclusion
While tea tree oil has been effectively utilized for years, several restrictions obstruct the market’s growth. There are no clinical tests that support the oil’s use in treating the aforementioned diseases. The side effects of the oil overpower its benefits, thus deeming it risky to use. In addition, the enormous costs of production, multiple precautions, and the absence of medical authorization further hinder the market’s growth.
On the other hand, the augmenting demand for naturally extracted ingredients in cosmetics, as well as the rising demand in pharmaceuticals and aromatherapy, are anticipated to present the global tea tree oil market with long-term growth opportunities.