Tea Tree Oil

Tea trees are not actual trees but rather green shrubs that grow in the coastal regions of Australia. Steam distillation of the leaves allows the oil to seep out and be collected.

Tea tree oil contains terpenoids that allows it to kill bacteria and thus help prevent infection. Its ability to kill bacteria gives tea tree oil its many benefits for skin and scalp problems.

The scent of the oil has been compared with the spice nutmeg. The oil is generally clear or slightly yellow in color.

Acne and Skin Care

Tea tree oil often helps to kill the bacteria that cause acne. It is commonly added to acne products for this reason. Success rates of tea tree oil are comparable with those of benzoyl peroxide, but not as drying. It tends to take longer to see results, but it is also much milder on the skin and has fewer side effects, such as itching and flaky skin, than benzoyl peroxide.

For a simple mask, mix a drop of tea tree oil with half a cup of milk. Then apply it to the face for 10 to 15 minutes and then rinse. Regular use should help with minimizing an acne problem.

Additionally, it helps heal cuts. The Aborigines of Australia commonly crushed the leaves and applied them to open wounds to prevent infection.

Dandruff and Lice Solution

Those with mild to moderate dandruff can be greatly benefited by using shampoos with tea tree oil. Although another easy option is to simply add a few drops of tea tree oil to your favorite shampoo. You will save some money, combat dandruff while still nourishing the follicles of the hair.

Not only can tea tree oil help with dandruff, but it can also help to rid a lice problem.

Anti-Fungal Treatment

Additionally, tea tree oil is also an ideal anti-fungal treatment for toenails and athlete's foot. Although it does take much longer to see results than prescribed medications, it is also more gentle on the body without the risks of harm to the liver.

Apply it to the infected nails twice daily, but also be prepared to wait anywhere from six months to a year for satisfactory results. However, the lack of side effects and cheaper alternative could be worth trying tea tree oil instead of drugs like Lamisil.

Other Benefits

In addition to all of the above, tea tree oil can help to treat mouth ulcers, vaginitis, ringworms and boils. Not only can the oil be beneficial for humans, but also, when added to pet shampoos, it can become a flea and tick control product as well.

Finally, if cupboards are rubbed down with a mixture of tea tree oil and water, pesky cockroaches will scurry and stay away.