Tea tree oil uses and health benefits have come to the forefront, providing medicinal remedy to various health problems. In addition, the oil is also used as a skin treatment to thwart and reduce conditions associated with acne and other common skin–related problems.

Distilled from the leaves of the Meleleuca Alternifolia which is found in Australia, it has been used by the Aborigines since they first inhabited the country. Tea tree oil is known to have medicinal properties used to treat and prevent infections.

Here then are the many uses and health benefits of tea tree oil.

As a disinfectant, tea tree oil helps to dissipate bacteria, which is present in wounds and infections. It treats fungal diseases which affect animals as well as humans, and cleans the surface of wounds without causing damage to tissue.

Touted as a natural antiseptic, a bactericide, fungicide and anti-viral product with anesthetic qualities, tea tree Oil can be used daily on the skin. As mentioned at the outset, the Aborigines have used this oil to treat acne, rashes, dandruff, and fungal diseases, to name a few. This oil was also utilized in World War II, and was given to soldiers to carry in their kits in order to treat tropical infections and infected wounds.

As a skin treatment, tea tree oil is utilized to treat acne, reduce redness, swelling, and as mentioned earlier, dandruff. A few drops of tea tree oil added to shampoo can clear up the dandruff problem. In addition, because it has antiseptic and antibacterial ingredients, tea tree oil has been used to treat burns, cuts, and insect bites. The antifungal properties also make it suitable for treating athlete’s foot, as well as other diseases caused by fungi.

Due to its antiviral properties, there is some evidence that tea tree oil may be effective in treating infectious diseases such as colds, flue, shingles, and chicken pox. It has also been known to heal cold sores and warts.
One important note: Read the directions on the label, as use of tea tree oil should be limited to small drops. It’s that potent!

While tea tree oil uses and health benefits are clearly evident, check with your doctor first to ensure you are sensitive to this powerful oil. In addition, you may wish to research which creams and ointments contain the properties of tea tree oil in case you prefer to use it in its milder form.