Exploring the Benefits of Tea Tree Oil
If you have ever used any essential oils at all, or even certain body care products, you have probably heard of tea tree oil. It's often used in products like shampoos and conditioners. You might wonder why. It's because tea tree oil has a lot of potential benefits. Read on to learn exactly what it is, what those benefits are, and why we use tea tree oil in a some of our Branru Farm products.
What is Essential Oil, and What is Tea Tree Oil?
To understand what tea tree oil is, you must first understand what essential oils are. Essential oils are plant oils which are distilled from various plants. They typically have strong odors, and a few drops go a long way for use in aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is one main use for many essential oils. In fact, aromatherapy with essential oils is a big part of the treatment plan for many recovering cancer patients. Although, essential oils have many other uses as well.
Tea tree oil is also called melaleuca oil. It is derived from a tea tree native to Australia. The tree's leaves are boiled to extract the essential oil from them. Tea tree oil has a strong mint-like scent. It is often described as being akin to a peppermint or eucalyptus-like aroma. Due to its strong scent, many people like to use a few drops of it in the bottoms of trash cans or other areas where odors need masking. It also has many other uses like those outlined below.
Tea Tree Oil to Sanitize
Tea tree oil is an excellent natural disinfectant and sanitizing agent. It is often used in homemade hand sanitizer production. Bacteria like E. coli are easily killed by it. It can also help eliminate common types cold and flu-causing bacteria.
Tea Tree Oil to Keep Insects Away
Another great use for tea tree oil is to repel insects. Many types of insects do not like its scent. Even those that can tolerate that have trouble because the oil gets inside their exoskeletons and kills them naturally without the need for pesticides. In fact, many farmers like to use tea tree oil to keep insects like ants away. Here at Branru Farm , we especially like it for repelling mosquitoes. That's why it's a key component in our natural
Skoot-It-Skeeter bug repellent blend.
Skincare With Tea Tree Oil
Besides Skoot-It-Skeeter, another of our products here at Branru Farm we are most proud of is our Derma Balm salve. It contains several natural ingredients designed to support skin health. One of them is tea tree oil. Tea tree oil has several potential skin benefits.
Besides killing skin bacteria, several studies have indicated tea tree oil is good for treating fungal infections, especially nail fungus. Natural Athlete's Foot remedies often contain tea tree oil for that reason. It has also been shown in studies to help treat minor skin inflammation issues and allergies. For instance, people who get minor rashes from exposure to nickel may benefit from using skincare products that contain tea tree oil.
The jury is still out regarding exactly how effective tea tree oil is for treating specific skin conditions like rosacea and acne. Although, study results are promising. Most experts agree that it has the potential to help, and it certainly cannot hurt.
Minor Wound Care With Tea Tree Oil
Another great way to use tea tree oil is for minor wound care. That's for the same reason that it is good in hand sanitizer, which is that it kills bacteria. Cleaning a small brand new cut with water and soap initially and then treating it with tea tree oil can help it heal quickly. Although, any large cuts or older cuts that look infected may require medical intervention.
Tea Tree Oil and Oral Care
One more unusual but effective use of tea tree oil is as an oral care treatment. Many people opt to add a drop or two to a cup of water and rinse with it, rather than using chemical-filled mouthwashes. In fact, a 2020 study found that tea tree oil can help treat gingivitis.
More Potential Uses for Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil uses don't stop at bug repellent and the other uses listed above. Here are some more ways it is commonly used.
Treating Dandruff and Refreshing the Scalp
Masking Body Odor
Protecting and Hydrating Nail Cuticles
Treating or Preventing a Sore Throat
Treating Sunburns
Using Your Newfound Tea Tree Oil Knowledge
Now that you know more about tea tree oil and essential oils in general, it's easy to see why such natural products are much more appealing than man-made, chemical-filled alternatives. We hope you'll try our Skoot-It-Skeeter and Derma Balm. While you're at it, check out some of our other great natural products. You'll be glad you did!