Melaleuca alternifolia, also known as tea tree, is a thin bark tree with elongated greenish leaves, native to Australia, which belongs to the Myrtaceae family.
This plant has in its composition several compounds that have bactericidal, fungicidal, anti-inflammatory and healing properties, mostly located in the leaves, from which the essential oil is extracted. See the incredible benefits of this oil and how to use it to enjoy them.
What is it for
Melaleuca is a plant widely used to extract essential oil from the leaves, which has numerous benefits. Due to its bactericidal properties, the oil of this plant can be used as an antiseptic or to help disinfect wounds. In addition, it also helps to heal skin lesions and reduce inflammation.
This plant also improves acne, reducing its appearance, due to the anti-inflammatory properties and attenuating the formation of new pimples, being bactericidal and inhibiting the growth of acne-causing bacterium, Propionibacterium acnes.
It can also be used to treat nail fungus, candidiasis, foot and body fungus or eliminate dandruff, because it has fungicidal and soothing properties, which in addition to helping to eliminate fungi, also relieve the itching caused by ringworm.
Melaleuca oil can still be used to prevent bad breath, and in conjunction with other essential oils such as lavender or citronella, can be used to repel insects and eliminate lice.
Which properties
The oil extracted from Melaleuca leaves has healing, antiseptic, antifungal, parasiticidal, germicidal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which give it countless benefits.
Contraindications
Usually this plant is used to obtain an essential oil that should not be ingested because it is toxic orally. It can also cause allergies in the most sensitive skins and it is therefore recommended to always dilute this oil in another, such as coconut or almond oil, for example.
Possible side effects
Although it is rare, the oil in this plant can cause skin irritation, allergies, itching, burning, redness and dryness of the skin.
In addition, confusion may occur if swallowed, difficulty controlling muscles and making movements, and in more severe cases may cause decreased consciousness.
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