What is Melaleuca essential oil?
Melaleuca essential oil is also called eucalyptus oil and white diesel oil . White flower essential oil is distilled from the leaves and branches of the white flower tree. The Melaleuca tree is a subspecies of the Melaleuca tree, native to tropical areas of Australia and Southeast Asia.
This oil is primarily known for its antiseptic and analgesic properties. It is also considered an anti-inflammatory and is sometimes used to help treat minor skin wounds, colds, and inflammatory skin conditions.
Melaleuca essential oil benefits
Like other essential oils, Melaleuca essential oil is not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It's important to carefully weigh any purported benefits of Melaleuca against existing research. Here's what we know so far.
Melaleuca essential oil is good for your skin
Melaleuca essential oil is established primarily as an antiseptic. Older research suggests it has antibacterial properties, which may make the oil beneficial for minor cuts and scrapes to help prevent infection. It may also have antifungal and antiviral effects on the skin.
Melaleuca essential oil hair oil
The medicinal value of Melaleuca essential oil has also been promoted in hair care. Scalp care and hair growth may be two of the benefits. However, there is a lack of evidence that it can treat hair loss or any scalp condition.
Other claimed benefits
Melaleuca essential oil is also promoted in various natural health channels because it helps treat the following conditions:
- muscle and joint pain
- toothache
- sinusitis
- common cold
- Coughs and other respiratory illnesses
- anxiety and stress
Still, there's not enough scientific evidence to support these uses. Consult your doctor before using Melaleuca essential oil for any medicinal purpose.
Melaleuca essential oil and eucalyptus oil
Eucalyptus oil is one of the better known essential oils. Melaleuca essential oil has a fragrance similar to that of eucalyptus, with a strong medicinal aroma.
Both are also used topically for antiseptic and analgesic purposes.
Eucalyptus oil has also been used in clinical studies to help coughs and colds, and more research is needed to prove the safety and effectiveness of Melaleuca essential oil for the same purpose.
Want to choose between Melaleuca essential oil and Eucalyptus oil? Both have similar effects and benefits, but eucalyptus has a wider range of uses.
potential side effects
Although considered natural, Melaleuca essential oil can still produce side effects similar to other types of essential oils. Symptoms may include:
- rash
- redness
- Stimulate
- combustion
- measles
If used topically on skin and hair, it is important to first dilute Melaleuca essential oil with a carrier oil. The American Holistic Aromatherapy Association recommends the following for topical use: Start with 3 to 6 drops per ounce of carrier oil. If your skin is not sensitive, you can gradually increase the amount, up to 15 drops.
You should also perform a patch test before using Melaleuca essential oil on your skin or hair. To do this, test the diluted oil portion on the inside of your elbow and wait 48 hours. Discontinue use if you experience an allergic reaction.
Use caution when using Melaleuca essential oil in aromatherapy. Avoid direct inhalation as this oil is strong enough to cause or worsen breathing problems. You should also keep in mind who else may be inhaling this oil. Some essential oils are dangerous to pregnant and nursing women, children and pets.
How to use Melaleuca essential oil
Melaleuca essential oil is safe to use on your hair and skin when properly diluted and tested for allergic reactions. Do not take essential oils by mouth.
for skin care
After patch testing, you can apply diluted Melaleuca essential oil to a larger area of skin. You can apply it directly to small cuts, scratches, and rashes. Another option is to add a few drops to an ounce of body lotion.
for hair
You can also apply diluted Melaleuca essential oil to your hair as you would to your skin. Another option is to add a few drops of essential oil to your shampoo and massage it into your scalp.
in aromatherapy
While it's not recommended to inhale white flower oil directly from the bottle, you might consider diffusing the oil for aromatherapy use. You may get temporary relief from congestion and headaches, but it's unclear whether aromatherapy can have a significant effect on pain and inflammation in this way.
generalize
Melaleuca essential oil can be used in place of medicine to treat problems such as wounds, colds and inflammation. Like other essential oils, Melaleuca essential oil is unlikely to cause harm when used as aromatherapy, but may cause adverse reactions when inhaled directly or applied topically to the skin or scalp. Consult a doctor before use.
