Tea tree oil – in the medicine cabinet, make-up bag and home spa

Tea tree oil – properties

Tea tree oil is one of the most powerful plant-based antiseptics. It is most effective when applied topically. It exhibits strong antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi (including drug-resistant strains). It is an excellent complement to, or even an alternative for, many therapies.

Tea tree oil is lipophilic, meaning it penetrates deep into the skin. It enters the bloodstream, the lymphatic system and the skin’s nerve endings very quickly (within 30 minutes at most).

And that’s not all, as this natural oil also has calming and anaesthetic properties (albeit short-lived and localised). It soothes the symptoms of insect bites.

It is widely used for skin problems such as dandruff, psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis, athlete’s foot, wounds, burns, atopic eczema and boils.

That’s quite a list, isn’t it?

Tea tree oil – uses in aromatherapy

Tea tree oil is characterised by a fresh, herbal, slightly spicy scent. And although the aroma is very pleasant, it is not usually used in the production of perfumes.

However, it is frequently used in aromatherapy to relieve headaches and alleviate the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections (via inhalation). It can be used on its own or in blends – it blends very harmoniously with many other essential oils, of which at least a few are worth mentioning:

• Eucalyptus
• lemon
• lavender
• coriander
• marjoram
• rosemary
• pine
• thyme

Interesting combinations

Tea tree oil makes an excellent ingredient in an intense blend. It’s worth combining your favourite scents (no more than 5 at a time) or trying out the suggestions below:

• 4 drops of tea tree oil + 4 drops of lemon+4drops of peppermint+ 4 drops of eucalyptus

• 4 drops of tea tree oil +2drops of lavender+2drops of lemon

• 4 drops of tea tree essential oil + 2 drops of pine+ 2 drops of lemon

Home spa

Tea tree oil is ideal for use in the bath – simply add a few (between 5 and 10) drops of the oil to the water. Alternatively, you can also enrich your bath with oil (e.g. sweet almond oil) to further moisturise your skin.

This essential oil is also ideal for use during a massage. The basic formula is very simple and consists of two ingredients:

• 6 drops of tea tree oil + 25 ml of carrier oil (e.g. vegetable oil)

The blend can, of course, be enriched depending on your mood. Rosemary will enhance the herbal aroma, lemon will add freshness and rose will add sweetness.

Tea tree oil – uses in cosmetics

Tea tree oil is widely used in cosmetics. It has great therapeutic and healing potential and is excellent for the skin, particularly oily skin (it regulates the sebaceous glands) and acne-prone skin, whilst not drying out the complexion (unlike most products with similar properties).

This essential oil is found in many high-quality cosmetics, as it provides excellent protection against the growth of harmful microorganisms.

You can make your own skincare and haircare products. Simply add a few drops of tea tree essential oil to your favourite shampoo (approx. 1–2 ml of oil per 100 ml of product). Although the effect on the hair is minimal, it will bring many benefits to the scalp. It is effective for problems such as excessive oiliness, dandruff or bacterial scalp conditions.

Tea tree oil for acne

The antibacterial properties of tea tree oil are simply invaluable. Studies have shown that, at the correct concentration, it is highly effective against 32 strains of bacteria isolated from acne lesions (Propionibacterium acnes). It reduces inflammation, minimises blackheads and improves the condition of the skin.

Scientists have shown that although tea tree oil works slightly more slowly than pharmaceutical products (e.g. benzoyl peroxide at the same concentration), the end result is almost identical, and the oil has fewer side effects.

How to use it?

The oil can be applied topically (undiluted) to affected areas – not only on the face, but also on the décolletage, shoulders or back.

Tea tree oil – contraindications

There are few contraindications to the use of this essential oil. Pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding should consult a doctor before using the treatment for the first time. The product is not recommended for children under the age of 6.

It is best to avoid using the oil if you suffer from an allergy or have experienced any adverse side effects (although these are extremely rare and mostly affect people with hypersensitive skin).

It is worth knowing that...

To achieve the best results (without irritation), experts recommend a concentration of essential oil between 1% and 10% – the more sensitive the skin, the lower the concentration should be.

Tea tree oil is an excellent remedy for killing dust mites, which are commonly found in dust, carpets and bed linen.

The composition of the oil is prone to rapid changes. Compounds (such as terpinen) undergo oxidation, causing the oil to darken; a characteristic sediment may also appear. This process is accelerated by exposure to sunlight and excessively high temperatures. p-Cymene reacts slightly differently – in fresh oil, its content is around 4 per cent, rising to as much as 30 per cent after a few months – it is this compound that irritates the skin. In short, storing an opened bottle of essential oil for too long or in the wrong way alters its properties – unfortunately, for the worse.

Tea tree essential oil is an excellent, natural product that can solve many troublesome and unpleasant problems – both health-related and beauty-related. Its effectiveness has been proven time and again, and that’s probably not even the full story. There are plenty of benefits to be had with very little effort – isn’t that the best way to look after yourself (effectively)?

“Antimicrobial activity of tea tree oil (Tea Tree Oil) in in vitro studies. Part II”– A. Garbusińska, A. Mertas, E. Szliszka, W. Król, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice

“Medicinal plants in the treatment of skin diseases”– M. Wyszkowska-Kolatko, P. Koczurkiewicz, K. Wójcik, E. Pękala, Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University, Collegium Medicum in Kraków

"In vitro studies on the cytotoxicity of tea tree oil"– M. Wyszkowska-Kolatko, P. Koczurkiewicz, E. Pękala, Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University, Collegium Medicum, Kraków

"The significance of tea tree oil in phytotherapy. Part I. The composition of the oil and its biological properties"– B. Kędzia, J. Alkiewicz, S. Han, Institute of Plants and Plant Products