Tea Tree Oil Bath: 6 Benefits for Clear, Healthy Skin

You must be aware of the risks of using chemical-based OTC products to fight skin problems and health issues. So, what is the alternative for this?

This is where tea tree oil comes into play. Including the oil in your bath can give amazing benefits to the skin. Would you like to know more? Do read this post.

Nuances Of Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is extracted from the leaves of a plant named Melaleuca alternifolia, which is native to Australia (1). The oil has a pale yellow hue and a camphoraceous aroma. It is very different from tea oil, which is used mostly for cooking and seasoning needs. Tea tree oil has proven antiseptic and antiviral properties. Native Aboriginal tribes in Australia have used it for several centuries for curing various skin and health disorders. Now, tea tree oil is being used extensively by skincare industries all over the world.

Ways To Use Tea Tree Oil

As it is, you can use tea tree oil in a number of ways to treat a myriad of skin conditions and health issues. The common ways of using the oil are:

Using Tea Tree Oil Directly On Infected Parts Of Skin

You can use cotton balls to soak the oil and then apply it on the skin. You may also use a dropper to use the oil on the affected skin parts.

Using Tea Tree Oil As A Bath Soak

For this, you need to fill your bathtub with warm water and add a few drops of tea tree oil in it. Bathing in the water will be beneficial for you.

Using Tea Tree Oil As Steam Vapor

This is particularly effective for clearing nasal congestions.

Major Benefits Of Using Tea Tree Oil For Bath

Below listed are the major benefits of using tea tree oil in bath:

1. Treats Acne

Acne does not affect the face alone (2). It also appears on the neck, chest and hands at times. Apart from applying cotton balls soaked in this oil on the acne, you can also take bath in warm water mixed with drops of tea tree oil.

2. Fights Psoriasis And Infections

Tea tree oil has antiviral and antibacterial properties (3). Therefore, a bath in water mixed with tea tree oil can be helpful in reducing this skin condition. It can also be effective in curing infections of the nails, fingers, and legs.

3. Helps Alleviate Body Aches

Tea tree oil baths can be effective in reducing various types of pain and aches in the body. After mixing with olive or coconut oil, the oil can be massaged on those areas that are affected or are in pain. To augment the oil’s benefits, take bath in water mixed with tea tree oil. This can rejuvenate sore and tired muscles.

4. Relieves Skin Itching

A number of skin conditions and infections lead to itching that can be quite annoying. The inflammation and itching caused by conditions like scabies can be quite tedious. The application of tea tree oil helps kill the bacteria since the oil penetrates the skin layers easily (4). It also thwarts the chance of re-infestation of the germs or bacteria beneath the skin.

5. Soothes Chicken Pox Symptoms

Chicken pox can be quite annoying and the desire to scratch the skin can be strong. This leads to scarring of the skin. To soothe the itching and tingling caused by chicken pox, you may take a warm water bath with tea tree oil. Mix 20 drops of tea tree oil in a bathtub filled with water, and then soak yourself in it. Additionally, you may apply cotton balls soaked in this oil on the skin rashes caused by chickenpox.

6. Helps Ward Off Cold

You would have often come across people advising against OTC medications to deal with cold. While most instances of regular cold heal naturally, a blocked nose and a difficulty in tasting flavors of foods can be quite annoying. You may use a mix of tea tree oil and warm water for gargling. For added benefits, bathe in warm water with tea tree oil mixed in it.

Tips To Benefit The Most From Tea Tree Oil Baths

1. Do not pour lots of tea tree oil in warm water for bathing. Using 3 to 4 drops of this oil in a bucket or 10 drops in a bathtub filled with warm water should suffice.
2. You may also add some Epsom salt and olive oil to the water before taking bath for added benefits.
3. Soak in the water to which tea tree oil has been added for at least 15 minutes for getting the benefits.

Is There Any Risk?

Doctors and dermatologists endorse the antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of tea tree oil, and it is generally considered safe for use by humans. However, a few cautions should be practiced when you use it, either in your bath or any other way.

1. Tea tree oil is toxic when you consume it orally (5). So, when you are gargling it or bathing in the water mixed with the oil, ensure you do not swallow it. Medical intervention may be required for people who have consumed the oil.
2. For a majority of people, from various age groups and skin types, using tea tree oil topically does not pose any risk. However, people with sensitive skin need to be cautious when administering the oil topically, including bathing. Essential oils are concentrated in nature, and, therefore, they are more powerful than regular plant oils. Dermatologists say people susceptible to eczema need to be more careful than others in this regard.
3. To minimize the risk of skin irritation and other side effects after tea tree oil baths, you may mix it with other plant oils. Mix it with almond or olive oil to reduce the intensity, and then pour the mixture into the water for bathing. In the beginning, rub a part of the skin with olive oil soaked cloth or cotton ball to check if there is any reaction.

Do let us know how this post has helped you. You can comment in the box provided below.