Universal tea tree oil: properties and methods of use. “Tea tree essential oil: beneficial properties and medicinal uses, recipes for home” Medicinal properties of tea tree oil

Olya Likhacheva

Beauty is like a precious stone: the simpler it is, the more precious it is:)

Content

Properties and application

Natural oil extract effectively kills harmful microorganisms, fights fungus and stimulates the immune system. For people suffering from allergies, this is the No. 1 medicine! It helps eliminate unpleasant odors that cause irritation. A few drops are enough for wet cleaning in a spacious room. A small amount of product added to the washing machine will imbue clothes with a pleasant aroma and freshness. There are no contraindications. The main thing is to use it correctly so as not to get burned.

How to use in cosmetology

The oily extract is widely used for external care. It is found in many creams and is used to make masks. This component stops inflammatory processes, destroys harmful bacteria and even promotes the healing of small wounds. An oil extract from tea tree leaves is included in cosmetic products designed to eliminate acne and skin irritation. To understand how wide the scope of use of this drug is, it is necessary to consider the topic in detail.

For acne

A simple and therefore popular way to use tea tree oil extract to combat acne is as a spot treatment. The product is applied in a thin layer to each pimple. If you want to cope with the rash without medical intervention, carry out such procedures daily, with an interval of 6 hours. The best option: in the morning, at lunchtime and before bed. Systematic spot treatment quickly dries out acne. This is where their development stops. A rash that covers a small area of ​​the face does not spread further. Problem skin returns to normal.

Use an oil extract for acne, and you will not have problems with skin scars. Painful formations will recede before they have time to harm your appearance. This tool will help clear your face of blackheads. The main thing is to maintain proper concentration. For the face, it is recommended to use the extract diluted with water in a ratio of 1 to 3. The pure concentrate is used in extreme cases. As the pimples are destroyed, the irritation is relieved. Reddened skin acquires a healthy, natural color. Cell regeneration accelerates.

For hair

Hair is exposed to negative effects of external factors every day. modern people, especially women. Hair fibers are destroyed by ultraviolet radiation and styling products. Melaleuca protects hair health. The extract is used for dandruff and against itching. A hair mask with it is effective against inflammation of the scalp and increased secretion of the sebaceous glands. Many manufacturers of hair care products add melaleuca extract to shampoo, which is very useful for hair growth and strengthening.

If you use a specific shampoo, you can enrich it with a couple of drops of essential oil. To prepare the mask you will need a base of olive or sunflower oil. The main active ingredient is added in proportions of 1:30, or 5-7 drops per two tablespoons. You can add some essential oils. Rosemary, bergamot and lavender will do (2 drops of each). The mixture is applied for 25-30 minutes and then washed off with warm water. If a burning sensation appears, you should not endure it. Wash off the mask immediately.

For eyelashes

And here the Australian tea tree is far from useless. Melaleuca helps lengthen eyelashes and strengthen their structure. Use it correctly and you can emphasize the expressiveness of your eyes. Even without mascara, your eyes will look charming, the product will stop the process of eyelash loss, stimulate the follicles, and saturate the eyelash structure with vitamin E, which has a strengthening effect.

1. To prepare an eyelash mask, mix 10 drops of olive oil with four drops of Australian tea tree oil.
2. Wait a few minutes and start applying the resulting viscous substance to your eyelashes. The layer should be more or less uniform.
3. Leave for 10 minutes and then rinse with plain water.
4. It is advisable to clean the eyelid skin with a swab.
5. Such procedures should be carried out at intervals of 1-2 days. The effect of strengthening and increasing volume will be noticeable in a couple of weeks.

For teeth whitening

Many people brush their teeth several times a day, but do not pay enough attention to the choice of toothpaste. If it contains oily melaleuca, it's very good. A unique product that came to us from Australia removes yellow plaque from tooth enamel. Its main advantage is harmlessness. Subject to strict adherence to the rules of use negative consequences it won’t, but the condition of your gums will improve. The taste sensations can hardly be called pleasant, but for the sake of healthy teeth and a blinding smile is worth enduring.

The instructions for using melaleuca oil for oral care are as simple as possible:

1. After brushing your teeth with toothpaste, rinse your brush and apply two drops of this wonderful Australian product.
2. Perform your usual back and forth movements for two minutes.
3. After completing the procedure, rinse your mouth with water and salt or lemon to get rid of the unpleasant taste.
4. If your gums or the tip of your tongue become numb, don’t be alarmed. This phenomenon is quite normal.
5. The procedure takes about 5 minutes, but provides an amazing effect. In a week you will surprise yourself.

For pigment spots

A common cosmetic problem that plagues not only women, but also men is age spots on the face. Dealing with it without involving specialists is not always easy. If you know about the secrets of melaleuca, minor defects in skin color will be a mere trifle for you. The extract will quickly cleanse the skin of stains left behind by acne and pimples. You can use it pure or mix it with lavender oil. Proportions – 1:1. For a milder effect, use lemon juice instead of lavender.

1. Wash your face with mild soap to remove oil and dirt particles. The water must be warm so that the pores can open.
2. Wait until the skin is dry.
3. Use the mixture you prepared to lubricate the pigment spots. Rub the product into the skin with slow movements.
4. After a few minutes the mixture will be absorbed. There is no need to wash it off.
5. This skin cleansing leaves no visible marks. The main result will manifest itself in a week if you carry out the procedures daily.

To strengthen nails

Australian tea tree oil is used to treat and prevent nail diseases. By using it, you can cure a fungal infection or prevent its occurrence altogether. If you contact your doctors, they will most likely send you to the pharmacy for a special ointment. You can take care of increasing the effectiveness of treatment on your part if you use melaleuca extract as an additional remedy.

A nourishing bath will help strengthen the nail plate:

1. Fill a medium-sized container with 500 ml of water at room temperature.
2. Add half a teaspoon of tea tree oil.
3. Add a small amount sea ​​salt.
4. When the ingredients are mixed, dip your fingers in the water for 15-20 minutes.
5. To consolidate the effect, apply a special mask consisting of olive oil mixed with melaleuca extract. Proportion – 1:1.
6. Rub the mixture into the nail plates and surrounding skin.
7. Leave the mask on for 30 minutes and then remove any remaining product with a napkin or swab.

Tea tree oil treatment

They cannot do without this exotic remedy in the medical field. Release rectal suppositories and ointments. In some cases during pregnancy, doctors recommend its use orally. Oil extract stimulates immune system and stabilizes the flow of vital processes in the body. There are many drugs with it, and their benefits are invaluable. In high concentrations, melaleuca extract can be harmful, so read the instructions for use carefully.

In gynecology

Tea tree oil is often used to treat diseases of the female genital area. This remedy is incredibly effective for thrush and vaginitis. Many doctors recommend using the wonderful Australian extract to solve gynecological problems. It will be useful as a preventive measure. Natural components normalize the vaginal microflora and increase resistance to diseases.

Oil extract of tea tree leaves protects the weaker sex from a host of ailments. Doctors use it for all kinds of baths and douching procedures. Essential oil melaleuca heals naturally, without contraindications or side effects, so many women prefer this natural antiseptic and the products in which it is used.

From fungus

All humanity is wary of this disease. Fungus of the foot and nails is accompanied by terrible discomfort, but this is not the worst thing. The affected skin breaks down and peels off. The infection penetrates deeply, and it is not so easy to get rid of it. Treatment of this disease takes a long time. A successful outcome is possible only with timely and systematic application special drugs. Tea tree oil has become a leading remedy in this area, its unique properties provide guaranteed positive results.

For feet, this product is used undiluted. The technique is simple: two or three times a day, apply melaleuca extract to the areas of skin affected by the fungus and rub it in thoroughly. Preparation is of great importance. Before the procedure, your feet should be washed with soap and dried. Damaged nail plates are cut and filed. Their length should be minimal. When you apply the product, wrap your fingers in a sterile bandage. The treatment will last at least two months, so be patient. Remember: procedures cannot be skipped!

For herpes

Unsightly, inflamed formations in the lips and mouth, due to which the appearance noticeably suffers, are a sign of the presence of infection in the body. When faced with this problem, you must understand that it is not the symptoms that need to be treated, but the disease itself, which is hidden deeper. Doctors prescribe all kinds of drugs and ointments. People know that melaleuca extract effectively helps against herpes on the lip. It cauterizes the wounds, preventing them further development. The rash dries out within 2-3 days of treatment. By a week, swelling and inflammation subsides.

1. To treat herpes, apply 1-2 drops of the product to previously cleaned and dried skin using a cotton swab.
2. Distribute it over the surrounding area of ​​skin. Wait until it is completely absorbed.
3. The procedure is repeated 3-4 times a day. This method is absolutely safe.
4. As a rule, there is no pain when treating wounds. If there is a strong burning sensation, add a little water next time. The oil concentration will decrease, but its effectiveness will not be affected.

For a cold

At colds A good alternative to tablets and powders is tea tree oil. Inhalations with this remedy help cure coughs and sore throats. Melaleuca extract is often used for sore throats. Its effectiveness always lives up to expectations. The main ways to use oil extract to combat cold symptoms:

• With a runny nose. Cotton balls soaked in oil are inserted into the nose for 15-20 minutes. The procedure clears the airways for 2-3 hours, so it must be repeated at least 3-4 times a day. If you work in an office and therefore cannot walk around with cotton in your nose, lubricate the inner walls of your nostrils with a cotton swab soaked in melaleuca oil.
• For dry cough. In this case, inhalation will be required. Place in a saucepan hot water, add a few drops of tea tree oil, lean over the container and cover yourself with a thick towel. The enclosed space will be filled with healing steam. Breathe for 3-4 minutes and finish the procedure. Next time you can increase the duration by 1 minute. This method allows you to quickly get rid of cough.
• For bronchitis. Add no more than 7-8 drops of melaleuca extract to the main rubbing medicine. This product is used in small quantities.
• For sore throat. Gargling with a weak solution of tea tree oil will help you heal quickly. Add 10 drops of the product to a glass of warm water and start rinsing your throat. In 1-2 days painful sensations will weaken.

For warts

Using tea tree extract, you can get rid of warts on any part of the body. The main thing is to know the right approach for each individual case. If you have warts on your feet, simply lubricate them several times a day. There is no need to dilute the extract. The skin on your feet is thicker and therefore less sensitive. For all other areas of the body, a 50% solution of tea tree extract and aloe vera gel is used. The last component can be replaced with water. You should not use a high concentration for delicate areas of the skin. This may cause irritation.

From papillomas

Benign tumors, called papillomas, form in the form of small processes, but do not pose any threat to health. Only the appearance suffers. There are many ways to combat papillomas at home. The most effective and harmless of them is considered to be spot treatment of formations with tea tree oil extract:

• A small amount of the substance is applied to each process. Actions must be careful. Contact with skin is best avoided, otherwise irritation may occur.
• Procedures are carried out 2 times a day. The general period for getting rid of papillomas is 7-10 days.

From sweat

Excessive sweating causes discomfort. Melaleuca extract will help get rid of them. The parts of the body that sweat the most are treated with tea tree oil. For example, apply 2 drops of the product to each armpit and rub. The oil will stop the growth of bacteria on the skin, and the amount of sweat will decrease. It will not be possible to get rid of discharge 100%, but the smell will be neutral. Use a minimal amount of the drug to avoid irritation.

For burns

Areas of skin damaged by high temperatures require careful care. They need to be disinfected and saturated useful substances to speed up the healing process. For these purposes, you can safely use melaleuca extract. Tea tree contains wide range microelements that help restore skin structure. It contains no harmful components, so o side effects there is no question.

If you are concerned about sunburn:

• Add a few drops of tea tree melaleuca extract to oil vitamin E.
• Treat the damaged area of ​​skin with the resulting mixture.
• Almond or avocado oil is ideal as a base.
• Repeat the procedure in the mornings and evenings. After 1-2 weeks, the skin condition will noticeably improve. The length of the total treatment period depends on the severity of the injury.

To combat thermal burns, melaleuca extract is used in a slightly different way:

• The burned area of ​​skin is treated with ice water for two minutes.
• After this, oil with a 40% concentration is applied to it.
• Adjacent areas of the skin are treated with the same composition.
• The described treatment method will eliminate the possibility of infection and help keep the skin structure intact.
• The concentration must be strictly monitored, otherwise the treatment will result in even greater harm.

Using essential oil for weight loss

Melaleuca extract is used in the fight against excess weight. Nutritionists give a number of tips on this matter:

• Combine Melaleuca Extract with dietary nutrition and weight loss products. The essential oil will act as an additional component, but its effect will be impressive.
• Every day before going to bed at night, drink a glass of herbal infusion with a couple of drops of oil extract. The temperature of the drink should be moderate, otherwise the melaleuca extract will lose its beneficial properties.
• A weight loss massage will be extremely effective if you add a few drops of tea tree oil to the main cream. You can further enrich the massage mixture with extracts of bergamot and nutmeg.

For protection against mosquitoes, ticks and lice

You can use melaleuca extract to control certain types of blood-sucking insects. Mosquitoes pester you in the summer, while ticks and lice pester you all year round. By treating your apartment rooms with tea tree oil, you can stop them all:

1. Prepare a mixture that will repel pests. For this you will need lavender and clove essential oils, and melaleuca extract.
2. Mix the ingredients in equal proportions.
3. Treat soft fabric surfaces with the resulting substance so that the smell spreads freely throughout the room.
4. This will end the war against mosquitoes, ticks and lice.

Video

By watching the video below, you will understand how to whiten your teeth using tea tree oil, learn how to deal with burns, and find out how useful this remedy is for sinusitis. Listen to the recommendations of experts to learn how to get the maximum benefit from natural medicinal and cosmetic products!

Tea tree oil is a clear essential oil ranging in color from colorless to pale yellow with a distinctive odor that is reminiscent of camphor. Tea tree essential oil is obtained from the leaves of the tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) by distillation with water. The plant is native to Australia.

Uses of tea tree leaves

Traditionally, the people of eastern Australia used tea tree leaves in home medicine. Coughs and colds were treated with inhalations, some types of wounds were treated with compresses, and sore throats and skin ailments were treated with herbal infusions.

However, using tea tree oil directly was not a common practice until chemist Arthur Penfold published his first scientific research in a series of articles (1920-1930s). In his publications, he first reported the antimicrobial activity of M. alternifolia, and tea tree oil was estimated to be 11 times more active than phenol (an antiseptic widely used in medicine). This period can be called the beginning of the commercial use of tea tree oil.

Interest in tea tree oil dropped somewhat after its invention and effective application antibiotics. However, in the 1970s, amid a general revival of interest in natural products, interest in tea tree oil was revived. Commercial plantations were established in the 1970s and 1980s, leading to the mechanization of large-scale oil production. Although tea tree oil is commercially extracted from Melaleuca alternifolia, it can also be extracted from Melaleuca dissitiflora and Melaleuca linariifolia.

Composition of tea tree oil

The composition of tea tree oil is determined by the international standard ISO 4730. Among the more than 98 compounds contained in the oil, terpinen-4-ol is responsible for most of the antimicrobial activity. The oil contains the component terpinen-4-ol, the concentration of which is from 30% to 48%, the component 1,8-cineole, the concentration of which is from 0 to 15%, and some other components.

The key to the effectiveness of the medicinal use of tea tree is the ratio of two chemical components present in the oil - cineole and terpinene. Although both are bactericidal, cineole can be a potent skin irritant. Therefore, tea tree oil is low in cineole and high content terpinene is preferred.

The oil is soluble in vegetable oils and ethanol. Insoluble in water and poorly soluble in glycerol.

The cineole-terpinene ratio can vary significantly in some tea trees. The ratio can change even within the same species if they grow in different areas. The ideal ratio would be terpinene – 40%, cineole – 5%. Thus, the effectiveness of the oil remains high and its possible irritating effects are minimal.

Tea tree oil uses

Tea tree oil has only recently been scientifically studied. Benefits for medicinal use topically include antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic properties, making it a frequently used natural remedy for treating three types of infectious organisms: bacteria, fungi and viruses. Moreover, the oil effectively fights some infections that are resistant to a number of antibiotics.

Thus, tea tree oil is an excellent natural remedy for some fungal and bacterial skin conditions such as abscesses, acne, oily skin, rash, insect bites, dandruff and other minor irritations.

Practical application has shown that tea tree oil also treats diseases respiratory tract, strengthens the body's immune system, which is often weakened by stress.

Tea tree oil is used only for local treatment. The use of different concentrations of oil varies depending on the disease. For example, 5% tea tree oil can be used to treat acne, while 10% concentration of oil is used for treatment increased sweating legs (for example, in athletes), 100% concentration is used to treat nail fungus.

If you use tea tree oil, always follow the directions on the label.

Using Tea Tree Oil

Acne treatment

Tea tree oil for acne. In this case, tea tree oil 5% is used. Simply mix 5 parts oil and 95 parts water. For example, 5 ml of oil and 95 ml of water. Gently wipe the skin with the resulting solution morning and evening.

You can also apply the oil pointwise to the inflamed area using a cotton swab. Carry out this procedure once a day, for example, in the evening. Before use, be sure to conduct a patch test on a separate area of ​​skin.

Oily facial skin

Tea tree oil for face. Using oil will help reduce oily skin. Simply combine 12 drops of oil and 100 ml of warm water and the resulting mixture, gently wipe cleansed skin with a soft cotton swab.

Oily scalp

Before using shampoo, gently massage your scalp with a few drops of oil.

Fungus on nails

Tea tree oil for fungus. Simply apply 1-2 drops of oil directly to the fungus-affected areas of your nails and rub it over and under the tip of your nail. Carry out the procedure once a day.

Dandruff and lice

Tea tree oil for hair. Studies have shown that shampoos with 5% oil content can also help head lice. You can cleanse hair follicles, hair and remove dandruff by adding a few drops of oil to shampoo.

Calm and relaxation

In the bath with hot water add 8 drops of oil. Take a bath for no more than 15 minutes. This procedure will help relieve fatigue and tension, and relieve muscle pain.

Buy tea tree oil

Tea tree oil, in pure form or in various percentage concentrations, is sold in dark glass bottles (dark glass prevents sunlight, which affects the properties of the oil).

This oil, as a component, is available in the form of soaps and ointments, creams and lotions, deodorants and shampoos, cosmetics and household chemicals.

The price of tea tree oil depends on the manufacturer, concentration and volume of oil. Average price 100% tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) - 15 ml, is about 16 conventional units.

Tea tree oil should not be confused with the tea bush, whose leaves are used in cooking.

Side effects and contraindications

1. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using tea tree oil.
2. Undiluted tea tree oil can cause itching, irritation and redness on the skin, especially sensitive skin. Therefore, do not use 100% oil; it is safer to dilute it with another oil, such as olive oil.
3. Individual intolerance. People who are sensitive to other members of the myrtle family, such as eucalyptus, guava, cloves, and allspice, are most likely to be allergic.
4. Particular care should be taken when using a product containing tea tree oil near the eyes, genitals, or even as a mouthwash. Always follow the operating instructions.
5. Do not use concentrated tea tree oil (100%) on skin damaged by burns, allergies, macerated, or frostbite.
6. Tea tree oil should never be taken internally.
7. If tea tree oil is taken orally, it may cause vomiting, diarrhea, impaired immune function, excessive drowsiness, confusion, loss of coordination, and even coma. If you notice any of these overdose symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

Before using any product containing tea tree oil, you should consult a specialist.

Taking care of your appearance and health can be carried out not only by professional medical supplies. Many useful preparations are made from natural ingredients - for example, tea tree oil is an effective remedy for widespread use.

You can buy tea tree oil at any pharmacy - the drug is not classified as rare and is quite inexpensive, within two hundred rubles. What kind of oil is extracted from? important substances are included in it?

The tea tree, also called the melaleuca tree, grows primarily in Australia. In appearance, it is a little reminiscent of eucalyptus - it has the same dry leaves, and melaleuca blooms with white or yellow fluffy flowers.

But the main beneficial component of the plant is contained precisely in its discreet leaves - from them the healing oil is obtained. Tea tree leaves are processed by cold pressing, and it should be noted that one ton of leaves can produce only ten kilograms of the drug.

If the product were obtained exclusively from wild trees, its value and rarity would be much higher - but fortunately, melaleuca is successfully grown on special plantations, and there is currently no shortage of it.

The tea extract contains several dozen organic components. These are cineole, terpineols, terpenes, limonene, viridiflorene and other substances - in such quantities at the same time they can only be found in the liquid obtained from melaleuca leaves.

Useful properties and features

For what purposes can the medicinal squeeze of melaleuca leaves be used? The spectrum of action of tea tree oil is very wide.

• Viral, inflammatory, colds;
• Infections introduced into wounds, abrasions and cuts;
• All kinds of fungal diseases - from thrush to psoriasis;
• Inflammatory skin rashes - pimples, blackheads, redness;
• Weakened skin and hair that has lost its strength.

Thus, the product successfully copes with cosmetic problems, helps to cure colds and viruses as quickly as possible, provides effective assistance for inflamed skin lesions and facilitates the progression of even the most severe diseases.

Melaleuca extract disinfects open wounds, strengthens the body's immunity, helping to fight seasonal colds, has a bactericidal effect and helps cope with neglected fungi, against which other remedies are often powerless. Women note that when using oil on their hair and skin, the effect appears very quickly - the curls become thicker and silkier, the skin is smoothed, renewed and younger. The drug effectively helps against calluses, strengthens the nail plates, and prevents inflammation of the cuticles.

It also helps against dandruff, which is also a type of fungus. One of unique properties tea oil - the fact that it can even be used to treat burns. Although, of course, it is not recommended to treat newly received damage - it is better to wait until the burn enters the healing stage.

Let's take a closer look at the situations in which melaleuca squeeze is most often used.

Where and how is it used?

Tea tree extract, sold in pharmacies, is most often purchased for two purposes - for treatment or for cosmetic care. This powerful tool It does not require a prescription from a doctor, so it can be used completely freely. But of course, for maximum effectiveness, you need to know exactly how to use tea tree extract in different situations, and how justified its use is.

Use on hair

Melaleuca extract is actively used to strengthen and improve hair health. The condition of curls is influenced by many factors - nutrition, lifestyle, ecology. Therefore, most women are forced to struggle with either excessive oiliness or excessive dryness of hair, and dandruff is often added to the list of problems.

Tea tree oil for hair copes well with all of these difficulties. First of all, it helps get rid of dandruff without the use of expensive products - the bactericidal components of the oil act on it as effectively as on any other fungus. The oil normalizes the secretion of sebum from the scalp, strengthens the hair structure, makes hair heavier and gives volume.

You can simply rub tea oil into your scalp before bed, diluting it with 50 milliliters medical alcohol and the same amount of water. But even more popular are masks in which melaleuca extract is combined with other cosmetic products.

• For oily hair Tea tree essential oil is recommended to be used together with white clay. After diluting the clay with water, add 4 - 5 drops of oil to the mixture, mix and apply the mask to the hair, evenly distributing it over the entire length. After 30 – 35 minutes, the product is washed off with warm water and a gentle shampoo.
• Dry hair is strengthened with a mask consisting of tea tree oil, castor or burdock extract and raw egg yolk. All components of the mask are also mixed until smooth, the mixture is applied to the hair, after which the head is wrapped in a towel and the mask is kept for 30 - 40 minutes, after which it is washed off with plain water.

Finally, even healthy hair can be made even more attractive by using tea tree oil as a conditioner. To do this, the product is diluted with water or herbal decoction and wash your hair with it after regular shampooing, after which the curls acquire a beautiful shine and silkiness.

For teeth whitening

Even those who visit the dentist only for preventive checkups and can boast of strong healthy teeth, suffer from a yellowish coating. And the problem is even more relevant for smokers, lovers of strong tea and coffee. Teeth turn yellow, plaque cannot be removed even by the most thorough brushing, and regular teeth whitening at the dentist is quite expensive and time-consuming.

Tea tree extract can help - it not only copes well with plaque, but also does not harm tooth enamel. How to use the product if you need to restore a beautiful healthy shade to your teeth?

• After regular brushing, you can brush your teeth again - but not with paste, but with oil, just dropping a couple of drops onto the brush.
• You can rinse your mouth by dropping 5 drops of oil into half a glass of water. The procedure can be carried out both before and after regular teeth brushing - in both cases, tea oil will have a very good effect.

Tea tree oil for teeth whitening not only copes with plaque, but also disinfects the oral cavity - this is especially important for those who suffer from inflammatory diseases gums Practice shows that rinsing with tea tree oil and additional brushing of teeth with this product helps remove even hard tartar, eliminates bad breath and white coating on mucous membranes.

After rinsing or brushing, your mouth may feel a little numb - but this effect goes away quickly. In general, tea oil is harmless to enamel - however, if you know your teeth are prone to acute reactions to irritants, you can play it safe by mixing tea leaf oil with aloe juice.

It should be noted that melaleuca oil is used not only for whitening. It's great for removing inflammatory processes for periodontal diseases and gumboils.

Face masks

The antiseptic and bactericidal properties of tea extract make it a good helper in the fight against skin defects - pimples, blackheads and irritations. Unlike many other products, the drug does not dry out the face, but eliminates pimples as carefully as possible, leaving clean, soft and healthy skin.

Depending on how extensive the rash is on the skin, pimples can be treated spot-on, or medicated masks can be applied to the face. In the first case, it is enough to moisten a cotton swab with tea tree oil and carefully lubricate a separate pimple or blackhead - the product will penetrate the skin, dissolve the sebaceous blockage and eliminate inflammation, eliminating bacteria.

As for face masks, the extract from tea leaves is mixed with other cosmetics. For example:

• for very sensitive skin, a mask made from tea tree extract with aloe juice or natural honey is suitable;
• the oil gives a good effect when mixed with green clay - the mask gently cleanses pores and relieves inflammation;
• Melaleuca extract can be mixed with jojoba oil, and you can also add chopped fresh tomato to the mixture, stirring the product to a paste - this will not only cleanse, but also refresh the skin, giving it softness and elasticity;
• a few drops of oil can be added to almost any store-bought cosmetic product- tea tree will enhance its cleansing effect.

All of the listed masks are kept on the face for about 10 - 15 minutes, and then washed off with clean water without the use of tonics and lotions. There is no need to rub your face with a towel - it is better to gently pat it dry.

Alternatively, tea leaves can be added to a homemade scrub made with honey, olive oil and sugar. However, this exfoliating agent is not recommended for use on severe acne, since hard sugar crystals can irritate the inflamed areas.

From fungal diseases

Another disease that tea oil provides valuable help in curing is all kinds of fungus. Most often, the fungus affects the toenails and skin of the feet, since it is difficult to maintain good hygiene in these places. You can read about this in the article:.

Signs of fungus on the skin are peeling and itching; nail fungus is manifested by separation and darkening of the nail plate. Tea tree oil can help with both - but is used in slightly different ways.

• To treat nail fungus, the oil can be used 100%, undiluted. The product is evenly applied to a clean nail plate, bandaged with a sterile bandage and left for 8 to 10 hours, after which the procedure is repeated again.
• The skin is more sensitive - therefore, to treat foot fungus, it is better to mix melaleuca oil with olive oil and also bandage it for several hours. In addition, you can make baths - in this case, add 2 tablespoons of sea salt to 10 drops of oil and pour the mixture with two liters of water. You need to keep your feet in the solution for about 15 minutes.

Practice shows that complete cure of the fungus takes about two months.

For colds

Melaleuca oil is rich in antiviral and antibacterial substances - therefore it works effectively against colds, significantly reducing recovery time. It can be used for a runny nose and bronchitis, otitis media and sore throat, flu and pharyngitis. Methods of application are divided into inhalation with tea tree essential oil and local treatment, that is, lubricating the skin or instilling it.

The simplest inhalation method is to lubricate the skin under the nose with oil and thus inhale healing vapors throughout the day. However, oil is rarely used in this way - since it can dry out sensitive skin and cause irritation.

It is much better to put a few drops of the product on a cotton pad and breathe it in for a few minutes. You can also add two or three drops of oil to a pan of hot, recently boiled water and, covered with a towel, breathe in the healing steam for 10 minutes.

In addition, tea oil can:

• add to the bath - if you do not have a fever, then warming it up in aromatic water will help cope with the onset of a cold;
• drop into the nose or ear - in this case, melaleuca oil is pre-mixed with olive oil in a ratio of 1:10;
• use when rinsing - adding 3 drops to a glass of water, where a teaspoon of sea or table salt has already been mixed.

From mosquitoes, papillomas and thrush

Probably every woman has at least once encountered such an unpleasant problem as papilloma. Outwardly, this neoplasm looks like a wart - and although it does not pose any particular danger, it is very damaging appearance skin, especially if it appears in an open area.

A squeeze of melaleuca leaves effectively copes with papillomas, since they are nothing more than viral formations. To cure the defect, it is enough to rub 100% tea oil into the papilloma - reviews confirm that the “wart” quickly decreases in size and finally disappears very quickly. The procedure should be carried out twice a day, being careful not to touch healthy skin to avoid irritation.

In addition, tea oil helps fight thrush. Hundreds of women are trying to overcome this problem with pharmacological means - but in many cases, tea oil eliminates candidiasis faster and more effectively, because it is a type of fungus. The oil is used externally - a few drops of the product should be added to clean water for intimate hygiene and the genitals should be washed daily. You can also use tea tree oil and sea ​​buckthorn oil(in a ratio of 1:20) tampons - in this case the drug will be even more effective.

In the summer, tea oil will help avoid mosquito bites - if you treat your skin with a diluted squeeze before going outdoors, this will repel insects. If you already have bites, tea oil will also come to the rescue - thanks to its anti-inflammatory effect, the wounds will quickly stop itching, redness and inflammation will disappear, and the next day you won’t have to remember about the bites.

How much does the drug cost?

Having become familiar with all the essential properties of oil extracted from tea tree leaves, we can conclude that it is of high value. This product will come in handy in any home medicine cabinet. But what can we say about its cost - won’t buying tea oil hurt your wallet?

As a rule, the drug is sold in pharmacies in two forms - these can be glass bottles of 15 milliliters of oil or convenient sprays. Oil in bottles is cheaper - the price starts from 120 rubles, the spray will cost a little more - 150 rubles and more. This cost is quite affordable for everyone. When choosing packaging, you need to think not only about the price, but also about the comfort of use - for example, oil in bottles is optimal for treating acne or nail fungus, but for protection against mosquitoes it will be more convenient to use a spray bottle.

Tea tree or Melaleuca is the name of a tree native to Australia and Malaysia. Aborigines have used its properties since ancient times, and tea tree oil has been used as a wound-healing agent that prevents the development of infectious skin lesions and wound suppuration. The population of Australia used Malaleuca leaves to treat colds, making inhalations and compresses. Modern research only confirmed the antiseptic properties of tea tree oil.

In the first third of the last century, chemist Arthur Penfold discovered the antimicrobial properties of tea tree oil, which were almost 10 times stronger than phenol, which was used at that time as an antiseptic. Tea tree oil first became widely used during World War II. It was used as almost the main remedy in the treatment and medical care for the wounded.

This continued until the invention of antibiotics. Tea tree oil was forgotten a little and was remembered again in the 70s, when interest in natural, natural products flared up.

Many companies around the world produce fragrance oil, but the best examples are made in Australia.

By physical properties tea tree oil has a light texture, mobile, transparent, fluid. There may be a faint mint tint. The aroma is strong, bold, refreshing. A mixture of spicy notes, light bitterness and woody aroma.

Tea tree essential oil contains more than 98 chemical compounds, most of which are antimicrobial, but not only. Here are the main properties of “tea” oil:

• Prevents the growth of bacteria (antiseptic).
• Has a detrimental effect on viruses.
• Has analgesic properties.
• Antifungal action.
• Activates immune processes in the body.
• Promotes vigor and energy.
• Reduces the risk of cancer.
• Normalizes the functioning of the nervous system.
• Heals the skin, relieves inflammatory processes.
• Activates mental processes.
• Strengthens hair, prevents dandruff formation.
• Improves the condition of the oral cavity and teeth.
• Helps with food poisoning.
• Normalizes digestion.
• Eliminates cystitis.
• Helps with body poisoning.

This oil is loved by many for its amazing properties and qualities. Its versatility allows you to prepare aroma baths with it, use it in aroma pendants and aroma lamps. It is added to your favorite creams and shampoos, homemade soap is prepared for washing, it fights fungus and strengthens hair, and is even dripped into water for cleaning the room.

Bronchitis, cough, sore throat, otitis media are perfectly treated with inhalations of tea tree oil. A couple of drops added to the aroma lamp serves as an excellent prevention of the development of colds. To relieve fever high temperature, prepare hot tea with 3 drops of essential oil. It increases sweating and strengthens the body's resistance.

Medicinal properties Tea tree oils are used when antibiotics are not effective in fighting the infection or are contraindicated for use.

The purpose and effectiveness of therapeutic use depends on the concentration of the oil. Pure 100% tea tree oil is used for nail fungus, and the content in the base oil is only 10% - eliminates heavy sweating legs To treat acne, 5% tea tree oil is sufficient. Rub the oil into the skin and warts.

The aroma of tea tree relieves anxiety, emotional overload, and increases resistance to emotional disorders. A person, inhaling the invigorating smell of oil, concentrates more easily, gets tired less, and recovers faster from illnesses.

Women love tea tree essential oil for its ability to prevent hair loss and make it voluminous. An aromatic substance with a camphor odor is used to combat dandruff, when some pharmaceutical products unable to defeat her. By the way, according to reviews, it also removes warts without a trace.

Tea tree oil for hair and face - mask recipes

Using undiluted pure oil even on sensitive skin does not cause burns or irritation. The only contraindication for use is allergies. It is also not recommended for children under 3 years of age due to the effect on the immune system.

When preparing recipes do not exceed the indicated doses. One extra drop is enough for the strong aroma to cause an attack of nausea or dizziness. Digestive upset often occurs when the dose of tea tree essential oil is increased.

Improve hair structure You can nourish them with energy and achieve shine by adding 5 to 8 drops of aromatic oil to a single dose of your favorite shampoo. The same can be done before using conditioner or a hair mask. After the first use, you will notice how the general condition of the scalp has improved, the appearance of dandruff and itching has decreased.

Mask with tea tree oil to strengthen hair.

Recipe: Add 2 drops of essential substance and 2 drops of jojoba oil to 1 yolk. Try to distribute the mixture over your hair and scalp, cover with film and a towel. It is better to wear this mask for at least an hour. Rinse off with water, then wash with shampoo as with normal washing. This treatment procedure should be carried out 2 times a week.

When you feel like hair is too dry, brittle and lifeless. Mix 3 drops of fragrant oil with a glass of water and spray on hair.

From acne

To relieve inflammation and reduce the appearance of acne, you need to spot-smear it daily with a cotton swab.

Just one drop of tea tree essential oil, added to a small portion of face cream, enhances the effectiveness of anti-acne treatments.

Skin lotion is prepared from 12 drops of ether and 100 ml of slightly warmed water. Wipe your face with the prepared mixture daily to remove oily shine and tighten pores.

Oil tea wood from fungus

Oil when applied to The nail plate can get rid of fungus and remove yellowness. To do this, prepare a bath with hot water and steam your feet.

Remove all keratinized areas, use a file to remove the top layer a little so that the nail becomes rough. Lubricate each nail, rub in the essential oil and give it some time to absorb. Carry out this oil treatment every day until results appear.

It will take longer to fight the fungus, it will take about 3 months.

Recipe for mouth and teeth

Heal gums and remove odor from oral cavity You can add a couple of drops of tea tree oil to the water for rinsing your teeth. This composition fights plaque on teeth, so you are guaranteed a snow-white smile and fresh breath -

This magnificent essential oil has earned a place of honor in your medicine cabinet. It will help you not only be healthy, cheerful and collected, but also increase your attractiveness.

Syn: melaleuca.

Tea tree or melaleuca is a genus of tropical evergreen shrubs or trees with silver-green, dry, strong-smelling leaves and papery bark. Some species of the genus have antifungal, antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.

Ask the experts a question

Flower formula

Tea tree flower formula: *Х5Л5Т∞П(3).

In medicine

Tea tree or melaleuca is a genus of evergreen trees or shrubs native to the tropics. Plants of this genus are not pharmacopoeial, but Melaleuca whitebark is listed in the Register medicines RF as homeopathic medicine. The leaves of some types of tea tree, from which essential oil is obtained, have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal effects.

Contraindications and side effects

Tea tree essential oil can be dangerous if used incorrectly. If melaleuca oil is used topically in the wrong concentration, it may cause local skin irritation, systemic contact dermatitis, erythema-like reactions, allergic contact dermatitis. When taken orally in case of overdose, tea tree oil may cause drowsiness, confusion, hallucinations, weakness, vomiting, stomach upset, diarrhea, and rash. In severe cases - changes in blood cells and coma. Due to the presence of estrogens in the oil, tea tree is contraindicated for use by children under six years of age, pregnant and lactating women. When using tea tree oil externally, avoid areas around the eyes and mouth, and do not put it in the ears, nose, or deep wounds.

In cosmetology

Tea tree oil is widely used in cosmetology and aromatherapy. It is added to lotions, tonics and creams intended for oily, inflamed and combination skin, and is also used spot-on for acne. Tea tree face mask – effective remedy not only against acne, it also smoothes the skin and evens out its color. Melaleuca essential oil is included in products for hair suffering from dandruff and excess oiliness. It is used in deodorants, antiperspirants and remedies for excessive sweating of the feet. Tea tree oil is a common component of various dental products. Tea tree is good for teeth, as it whitens tooth enamel and fights infections and inflammation in the oral cavity.

In crop production

In the tropical zone, representatives of the tea tree genus are grown as ornamental plants for the needs of gardening farms, as well as for decorating personal plots.

Classification

The genus tea tree or Melaleuca (lat. Melaleuca) includes more than 230 species of trees and shrubs. The most common is the narrow-leaved tea tree (lat. Melaleuca alternifolia). In addition to it, broadleaf tea tree (Latin: Melaleuca viridiflora) and Cajuput tree (Latin: Melaleuca leucadendra) are used to obtain tea tree essential oil. Plants of the tea tree genus belong to the Myrtaceae family (Latin Myrtaceae).

Botanical description

Plants of the Tea Tree genus are low, evergreen trees or shrubs, usually up to 10 meters in height, characterized by light and soft paper-like bark that begins to peel off over time. For this feature, the tea tree in English-speaking countries received another name - paperbarks - paper bark. Tea tree leaves are from 70 to 195 mm in length and from 19 to 76 mm in width with a pronounced camphor aroma. The bisexual flowers of the tea tree are collected in inflorescences, often spherical in shape. The tea tree flower formula is *CH5L5T∞ P(3). The fruits of the plant are capsules full of small seeds.

The narrow-leaved tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) is a small tree up to 7 m in height with a dense crown and white, “papery” bark. The leaves of this type of tea tree are linear, from 10 to 35 mm in length and 1 mm in width. White flowers are collected in fluffy spikes 3 to 5 cm long.

The broadleaf tea tree (Melaleuca viridiflora) is a shrub or small tree up to 10 meters in length with leaves that reach 3 cm in width. Melaleuca viridiflora flowers are yellow, yellow-green or cream, also collected in peaks at the ends of the branches. Each peak has from 8 to 25 flowers. Cayuput tree (Melaleuca leucadendra) is the tallest among plants of this genus. It reaches a height of 25 meters. The whitish bark, peeling off in large shreds, turns black at the base. The flowers are small, white, collected in dense spike-shaped inflorescences with a leafy axis.

Spreading

Most tea tree species are found wild only in Australia. Eight are native to Tasmania, of which two are endemic. Several tropical species of melaleuca originate from Papua New Guinea, one of which grows as far as Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. The tea tree grows well in the tropics and subtropics, preferring marshy areas and areas along watercourses. One species, Melaleuca halmaturorum, also known as honey kangaroo myrtle or salt paperbark, chooses to grow in saline soils where other species of shrubs and trees struggle to survive. Commercial tea tree plantations were established in the 1970s and 1980s in Western Australia, Queensland and New South Wales, around the Lismore area.

Procurement of raw materials

Medicinal raw materials Tea tree leaves rich in essential oils are used. They are collected for drying in early summer, and for steam distillation to obtain oil - throughout the year. Melaleuca leaves are dried in the shade, away from sources of moisture. The oil is obtained not only from the leaves, but also from the leafy tops of the branches. After processing, a clear, light yellow or greenish oil with a strong camphor-woody aroma condenses. The moist plant material yields 1% to 2% oil.

Chemical composition

The composition of tea tree oil depends greatly on what type of melaleuca it is obtained from or grown from.
whether the plant is in natural conditions or on a plantation. There is an international standard for tea tree essential oil - ISO 4730. It determines the proper content of the main 15 components of the oil. Among them, from 30 to 48% terpinen-4-ol, from 10 to 28% y-terpinene, from 5 to 13% alpha-terpinene and from 0 to 15% 1,8 cineole. Tea tree essential oil also contains alpha-terpinolene, alpha-pinene, p-cymene, virdiflorene, limonene, trace amounts of L-ternineol and alligexanoate. Terpinen-4-ol is the main component responsible for the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity of tea tree essential oil, and scientists believe 1,8-cinneol is responsible for the adverse reactions that occur to this essential oil. The lower its content, the lower the risk of their occurrence.

Pharmacological properties

The most effective antibacterial components of this oil are terpinen-4-ol, alpha-pin, linalool and alpha-terpineol. Lipophilic terpineols penetrate the cell membrane of microorganisms and have a toxic effect on them membrane structure and functioning. In vitro studies have shown that tea tree oil kills methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. In 2012, topical 5% tea tree essential oil was proven to be as effective as 5% benzoyl peroxide for acne. 10% tea tree oil is less effective against fungal diseases than clotrimazole or terbinafine, but no less effective than the synthetic antifungal agent tolnaftate. Scientists are testing the antiviral activity of tea oil. IN laboratory research The activity of essential oil against enveloped and non-enveloped viruses is shown.

Use in folk medicine

Tea tree oil has found widespread use in folk medicine. It is recommended to be used for inhalation and massage for various colds, flu, cough, sore throat, bronchitis and sinusitis. It can relieve heat during fever, strengthens the immune system, and has an expectorant effect that helps clear the respiratory tract of mucus. Tea tree helps against nail fungus, dermatitis of various etiologies, thrush, pustular and acne, boils, herpes, abscesses, bedsores, relieves swelling, itching, neutralizes poisons from midge and mosquito bites, and oral diseases. It fights lice and dandruff. Baths with tea tree essential oil help with rashes of various origins, sweating feet and arthritis.

Historical background

Australian Aborigines traditionally used crushed tea tree leaves to treat coughs, sore throats, colds, headaches, and made poultices from them to treat festering wounds and skin inflammation. Lakes in whose water fallen Melaleuca leaves accumulated were also considered healing. The properties of the tea tree were “transferred” to the pond and it became “magical”. Australian women also used tea tree for the beauty of hair and facial skin. At the dawn of the 20th century, tea tree treatment became of interest to scientists.

The first studies were carried out in 1920-1930 by Australian chemist A.R. Penfold has published a number of articles examining the antimicrobial and antibacterial activity of tea tree oil. When evaluating antimicrobial activity, he relied on the “gold standard” of the time, carbolic acid, and clearly demonstrated that melaleuca oil was 11 times more effective as a disinfectant. Thanks to this research, tea tree oil was included in the first aid kit issued to Australian soldiers during the Second World War. After World War II, tea tree oil production decreased significantly as new, more effective antibiotics were discovered. Interest in it “resurrected” in the wake of the general passion for natural products already in the 70s of the last century and has not waned since then. The tea tree has nothing to do with the tea bush, whose leaves serve as the source of the beloved black or green tea. The plant most likely received this name because of the famous explorer, navigator Captain Cook, who described melaleuca as a shrub whose leaves he used instead of tea leaves. The botanical name Melaleuca comes from two ancient greek words– molasses and lucos, black and white. It is associated with the first description of the plant, when the bark of the trees seemed white to researchers, but as if burned from below to blackness.

Literature

1. Muravyova D. A. “Tropical and subtropical medicinal plants", Moscow, "Medicine", 1983 - 336 p.