Melaleuca alternifolia, also known as tea tree, is a tree native to Australia, with thin bark and elongated leaves, which can reach about 7 meters in height. Its importance is related to the use of oil, which is produced from the leaves, from which are obtained essential oils with important properties.
Melaleuca oil has antiseptic, antifungal, parasiticidal, germicidal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which give it countless benefits.
1. Antiseptic
Due to its bactericidal properties, melaleuca oil is quite effective in eliminating bacteria such as E. coli, S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, S. aureus or other bacteria that can cause infections through open wounds. In addition, it will also accelerate healing and reduce inflammation.
How to use
To disinfect a wound for example, after washing it with soap and water, one drop of melaleuca oil may be mixed with one tablespoon of almond oil and a small amount of this mixture applied to the wound and covered with a dressing. This procedure can be repeated once or twice daily until complete healing.
2. Improves acne
Melaleuca reduces acne due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria, as is the case of Propionibacterium acnes, the bacterium that causes acne. Know all types of acne.
How to use:
To enjoy the properties of this oil a gel or a fluid with melaleuca may be used in the composition, or mix 1 ml of melaleuca oil in 9 ml of water and apply the mixture to the affected regions 1 to 2 times a day.
3. Treats fungus on the nails
Due to its fungicidal properties, melaleuca oil helps to treat ringworm on the nails, and can be used alone or in combination with other remedies.
How to use:
A few drops of melaleuca oil alone or mixed with another oil such as almond oil or coconut oil can be applied and applied to the affected nails.
4. Anti-dandruff
Melaleuca oil is quite effective in treating dandruff, improving the appearance of the scalp and also calming the itching.
How to use:
There are shampoos in the pharmacy that have melaleuca oil in the makeup that can be used daily. In addition, a few drops of this oil can also be added to a regular shampoo and used whenever washing the hairs.
5. Repels the insects
This oil may also be used as an insect repellent, and may be even more effective than the pharmacy products having DEET in their composition. In addition, it can also be used to prevent lice infestation or to assist in its elimination, and also relieves the itching caused by these parasites.
How to use:
For lice, you can add about 15 to 20 drops of melaleuca oil in the usual shampoo or apply the diluted oil directly to the scalp, doing gentle fingertip massages.
To remove other insects you can make a spray by mixing melaleuca oil with other essential oils such as washing or citronella for example and diluting it in almond oil.
6. Treat athlete's foot
Athlete's foot is a difficult foot mycosis to treat, even with the use of antifungal medicines. Complementing treatment with melaleuca oil may help improve results and shorten treatment. In addition, it also improves the symptoms of diseases such as itching and inflammation.
How to use:
A good home remedy for ringworm in the foot is to mix half a cup of tea with arrowroot powder and a half cup of baking soda and add about 50 drops of melaleuca oil. This mixture can be applied once or twice a day.
7. Prevents bad breath
Melaleuca oil helps to combat microorganisms that cause cavities and bad breath due to its antiseptic and antibacterial properties.
How to use:
To make a homemade elixir, simply add one drop of melaleuca oil to a cup of warm water, mix and rinse for about 30 seconds.
In addition to these benefits, melaleuca oil presents many others, such as reduction of mold growth, psoriasis relief, deodorant, healing and anti-inflammatory.
When not to use
Melaleuca oil is of exclusive external use and should not be ingested because it is toxic to the oral route. In addition, when used on the skin, it should be diluted, especially in people with sensitive skin, to avoid skin irritation.
Possible side effects
Melaleuca oil is usually well tolerated, however, although it is rare, side effects such as skin irritation, allergic reactions, itching, burning, redness and dryness of the skin can occur.
This oil is toxic if swallowed and may cause confusion, difficulty controlling muscles and making movements, and may even cause decreased consciousness.
