BLOG: Four tips for using Tea Tree oil

One of the most versatile essential oils that you can use perfectly during the summer period is the oil Tea Tree ( Melaleuca Alternifolia ).

Tea tree is a shrub or small tree and is native to Australia. The Aborigines have been using the leaves of the tea tree tree for centuries to treat wounds, among other things. This plant is now also found in South Africa and China.

To obtain essential oil, the leaves are steam distilled with a yield of about 1.5 to 2%. So about 50 to 75 kilos of leaves are needed for 1 kilo of essential oil. In addition, we also know products such as tea tree hydrolate, in which the water-soluble components have been collected from a steam distillation, often a by-product of the production of the essential oil. A hydrosol, a 'flower or herbal water', is less strong than the essential oil, but just as nice to use.

Tea tree is known for its antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. Because of these great qualities of tea tree, you can use it in many different ways.

Four helpful tips

1. Insect bites. Tea tree is, among other things, disinfectant, fights bacteria and prevents inflammation. If you have been stung by a mosquito, for example, treat the bite by dripping a drop of tea tree oil (directly) on the spot.

2. Foot care. With the nice weather, our feet come out again. A weekly foot bath with tea tree oil can help keep your feet in good condition, strengthen the skin and protect it against fungi and bacteria. A foot bath is also good to use if you quickly suffer from sweaty feet.

3. Disinfectant. Tea tree is antibacterial and gives a 'clean' scent. Nice to make your own all-purpose cleaner with this essential oil, for example. Click here for the recipe.

4. Effective air purification. Do you want to keep your house nice and fresh? Diffusing tea tree oil contributes to a clean air. Research has shown that tea tree can kill floating virus particles and fungi. If you don't like the smell of tea tree oil, combine it with, for example, eucalyptus, lemon or orange.

Of course there are many more possibilities and applications of this great oil. Do you want to know more? Everything is clearly arranged in the Tea Tree Guide.

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Sources:

• drs. Harmen Rijpkema (2020), Tea Tree Oil, First aid in a bottle.
• drs. Harmen Rijpkema (2021), Aromecum, Aromatherapy from Absinthe to Sunflower.

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Disclaimer:

It is very important that you use 100% pure essential oils and that you are well informed about which oils you can take responsibly and which oils you cannot take.

There is a potential interaction between medications and essential oils, including a potentiation of drug side effects. Consult your doctor if you have any questions about incorporating essential oils into your daily routine. Pay particular attention to a (possible) pregnancy and when using blood thinners, which essential oil is safe to use. Special guidelines also apply to children. Consult a qualified physician for this.

This information has been compiled with the utmost care. The information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure and prevent diseases, or to replace medical advice from professional doctors and medicines. Anyone suffering from any illness or injury should consult a qualified physician.

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