Tea Tree Essential Oil for Aromatherapy Massage

The tea tree, whose botanical name is Melaleuca alternifolia has been the traditional source of medicine for Aboriginal people in Australia. It was discovered by sailors in the eighteenth century, who made teas from the leaves of this tree. Although the leaves from this tree can be used to make teas, they shouldn’t be mistaken for plant leaves used to produce black, green, and oolong teas.

Australians cherish this plant, and they usually crush its leaves to extract oil that can be used for treating wounds and skin infections. The tree tea essential oil is currently bottled and sold in global markets. They are produced with varying concentrations, from strong oils with 100% concentration to weak oils with 5-50% concentration.

Tree tea oil is extracted for many purposes. Various scientific research has proved that this contains some chemicals that have antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-oxidant abilities. All these make the oil the medication for healing wounds, fighting skin acne, soothing skin inflammation, and killing nail fungus.

It can also be used for cosmetic purposes, such as an ingredient in deodorant and mouthwashes. Tree tea essential oil is also a good choice for an aromatherapy massage. Inhaling it through the nostrils will calm the nerves and put the body in a relaxed mood.

Usage

Essential oils offer great benefits but are usually concentrated, which calls for caution during usage. Only a few drops of this essential oil should be added to a diffuser if you prefer to inhale the oil during your massage. The same amount is good for topical use during massage. Make sure to dilute the few drops with a carrier oil before applying it to your skin. This mode of usage will prevent any allergy reaction.

Risks

The risks of tea tree aromatherapy include skin irritation and allergic reactions. They are mostly caused by exposure to too much tea tree essential oil. These side effects can be avoided by following all the instructions in the caution.

Caution

Tea tree essential oil is considered safe for use. However, it should not be used in large quantities. The Food and Drug Administration does not check these products, so you can’t trust the concentration and purity on the label attached by manufacturers.

It should not be ingested orally and should be kept out of children’s reach. Drinking tea tree oil may upset the stomach and cause serious damage to the internal organs of the body. Rub one or two drops on your skin before you get a full massage to know if you are allergic to the oil.

Also, people on medications must discuss with a medical professional before they use tea trees for aromatherapy purposes. Essential oils can react with drugs in the body.