Thanks to its antibacterial properties, tree oil can form the primary ingredient for hand washing products. 'Tea tree oil works as an antibacterial agent by preventing cellular respiration - the ability to use oxygen for cellular processes - and disrupting cell membrane function,' explains Dr Lee. The healing benefits of tea trees were not officially registred until 1923. However, the local Aboriginal tribe, Bundjalung, had long understood the protective and healing powers of tea trees and used their crushed leaves to treat various wounds and skin infections. They named the land with tea trees “Healing Ground”. In one 2005 study, participants showed better eradication of bacteria (E.coli) after using a handwash containing 5% tea tree oil and 10% alcohol, or a 5% T solution in water, than from using a simple soap.

While tea tree oil is generally considered to be safe to use for adults, the elderly and children over 12 years of age, it does come with some warnings. Tea tree oil isn’t recommended for children under 12 or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding,' advises Kaura. Tea tree oil is effective in treating the bacteria which commonly cause acne - propionibacterium acnes ( P.acnes) and as a result is frequently recommended by dermatologists, explains Dr Lee.

Benefits

Create a nice lather using warm water and distribute the product thoroughly all over your fingers, palms, and hands. Pay special attention to washing well between the fingers. Rinse product off with water and pat dry with a towel. Tea tree oil is also widely used as an antiseptic. 'It can be used for the treatment of small superficial wounds and insect bites,' says Kaura. 4. Tea tree oil can reduce your risk of viral infections Tea tree oil applied topically to the skin has been found to be safe, but some people may experience a skin reaction, so always do a patch test before use.

The fresh and natural scent of Tea Tree Oil will spread in your bathroom every time you wash your hands clean with the liquid hand soap. Some users of tea tree oil may experience a skin reaction including irritation, itching and stinging,' warns Kaura. 'Alongside this, in rare cases, people have reported a burning sensation following use. If this occurs, you should stop using the product immediately and seek advice from your pharmacist or GP.'Take good care of your hands and choose an effective hand soap that both cleanses, softens and moisturizes your hands. This is important to get rid of all bacteria and dirt – and at the same time nourish the skin to avoid dry hands. It was first discovered in 1732 by Captain James Cook, during his famous voyage around the world,' says Dr Lee. 'On arrival in Australia, he discovered the leaves of the tree could be brewed to make tea.' Hand soap is one of the most important products in your daily life. Therefore, you should not compromise on quality when choosing a hand wash. Tea tree oil has antioxidant properties, as it reduces the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by white blood cells. ' Antioxidants are imperative for human health as they counteract oxidative damage which is regularly occurring inside all the cells of the body, as part of cellular metabolism,' says Dr Lee. 7. Tea tree oil can be used as an anti-histamine

The active ingredient Tea Tree Oil is known to counteract bacteria and it makes the product effective in washing bacteria and dirt away from the skin. Tea Tree Oil also leaves a clean and fresh feeling on the skin, and the soap’s lather cleanses the skin thoroughly. Tea tree oil also has a moisturising effect, whereas many other acne treatments have a drying effect on the skin,' she says. The tea tree oil group also reported less itching and greasiness,' she adds. 13. Tea tree oil can treat thrush Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) is a 'super bug' which causes wound infections and is resistant to many different antibiotics, but studies have suggested tea tree oil is effective in preventing it.

Ingredients

Researchers in one 2003 study looked at whether tea tree oil could be used as a treatment for oral candidiasis (thrush), with promising results. During the testing in the lab, they found that the oil was effective, and a follow-up test on rats confirmed these results. Hands were cleansed with the test solution for 60 seconds and rinsed for 15 seconds.' says Dr Lee. 'The tea tree oil preparation was safe and did not cause skin damage.' 9. Tea tree oil can help treat of MRSA Tea tree oil comes with a number of different health benefits and uses, including the following: 1. Tea tree oil is antibacterial