Pregnancy is a roller coaster ride for not only the mother but the whole family. It is a botanical extract that has antimicrobial properties that can treat acne and athlete’s foot. Though it has benefits, it is necessary to know if it is safe to use tea tree oil during pregnancy. Although it is a herbal product, it might not always be safe. It is still better to be safe since pregnancy is a very gentle and delicate time. This article gives you details about the benefits and adverse effects of tea tree oil during pregnancy.
What Is Tea Tree Oil?
Another name for tea tree oil is melaleuca oil, and it has a fragrance similar to camphor. Tea tree oil is extracted from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia originated in Queensland, New South Wales, and Australia. The composition of the oil changes when there is an oxidization process due to the exposure to air as it constitutes of many chemicals. It has a color range from pale yellow to colorless.
Is It Safe To Use Tea Tree Oil During Pregnancy?
All that is natural is not always safe. It is best to use tea tree oil by diluting it with another oil as the high concentration of the tea tree oil makes it a bit risky. Since pregnancy involves not one but two lives, it is better if you deal with the situation under a doctor’s guidance. Application externally is considered safe, but it is not at all safe to take tea tree oil orally.
See More: Using Eucalyptus Oil During Pregnancy
Advantages Of Using Tea Tree Oil During Pregnancy:
The herbal oil has several benefits, and some of them are mentioned below:
1. Acne:
The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of the tea tree oil make it an excellent choice to treat acne, giving you smooth skin. You can use creams available in the market that have 5% tea tree oil.
2. Oily skin:
If you want to reduce the excess oil on your skin, then the antiseptic properties of tea tree oil make the best solution.
3. Eczema and Dry skin:
Tea tree oil soothes your skin when you are suffering from dry skin and eczema.
4. Heals wounds:
Tea tree oil has anti-bacterial properties that help you heal wounds caused by bacteria.
5. Scalp health:
If you have an itchy scalp caused by dandruff, then tea tree oil can help you moisturize your scalp promoting healthy hair growth.
6. Itchy skin:
Tea tree oil helps eliminate the causes of itchy skin and inflammation as it has anti-inflammatory properties.
Adverse Effects Of Tea Tree Oil During Pregnancy:
Although tea tree oil has benefits, it also has some adverse effects when taken orally since it leads to toxicity. Though the side effects vary from each pregnant woman. Some of the impact caused by tea tree oil are:
- Disorientation.
- Skin inflammation.
- Irritation.
- Soreness.
- Redness.
- It may cause something severe such as coma.
How to Use Tea Tree Oil During Pregnancy:
Tea tree oil is considered safe to apply on your skin during pregnancy externally. It is also ideal if you mix tea tree oil with another oil diluting it, making it even more reliable option. But remember not to consume tea tree oil orally as it may cause side effects. Here are some of the quick and easy DIY recipes safe for pregnant women.
Hand Sanitizer:
Ingredients:
- Ten drops of tea tree oil.
- ¾ cup of rubbing alcohol.
- ¼ cup of aloe vera gel.
How to prepare:
- Take a bowl and pour all the ingredients into it. Take a bowl, preferably made up of glass.
- Mix the contents of the glass bowl and whisk them properly, forming a gel.
- Take a clean empty bottle and pour the contents into it. Your ready to use sanitizer is prepared to use.
See More: coconut oil benefits for pregnancy
Appeases Inflamed Skin:
Ingredients:
- Ten drops tea tree oil.
- One spoonful olive oil.
- One spoonful coconut oil.
How to prepare:
- Take the ingredients tea tree oil, olive oil, and coconut oil into a bowl.
- Mix them well so that the contents are combined thoroughly.
- Store the resulting oil in an empty container.
- You can apply the oil combination on the inflamed areas until you get relief.
Acne Removal:
Ingredients:
- Ten drops of tea tree oil.
- 20 drops water.
- Cotton swabs.
How to prepare:
- Mix the ten drops of tea tree oil and 20 drops of water in a small bowl.
- Apply the mixture in the acne-affected areas of your face with a cotton swab.
- You can repeat the procedure twice a day for effective results.
Precautions To Use Tea Tree Oil During Pregnancy:
Though there is a list of benefits that the tea tree oil has to offer, such as healing and soothing many of the skin issues, remember to use tea tree oil with a few precautions:
- Do not apply tea tree oil directly on your skin. It is always necessary to dilute it with another oil such as coconut oil, olive oil, or almond oil.
- Mix at least 12 drops of carrier oil for every two drops of tea tree oil.
- It is better if you take a patch test on your skin to see if you are allergic to tea tree oil.
- The application of tea tree oil around your eye area should be made carefully, as it may cause irritation and redness.
See More: essential oils to prevent pregnancy
Pregnancy brings a different experience for every woman because everybody is diverse, and how it reacts is also different. Hormonal changes in a pregnant woman change every small problem caused during pregnancy. Many of us find it challenging to choose what to use and what not since pregnant women are restricted from using anything other than the medicines prescribed by the doctor. Tea tree oil during pregnancy is one of the herbal oils that can be used, preferably under a physician’s guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:
Q1. Is it safe to use tea tree oil instead of antibiotics?
Ans: The answer is hard, no! Though tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties, they only work safely on skin problems externally. When there is a need to treat issues inside your body, then it shouldn’t be taken orally, and it shouldn’t be used as a replacement for antibiotics.
Q2. Is it safe to use tea tree oil for babies?
Ans: You can mix a few drops of tea tree oil with another unscented oil and apply on the diaper rash affected areas. But it is important to remember that this oil shouldn’t be used for babies below six months of age.
Q3. Is tea tree oil safe to use during pregnancy?
Ans: Tea tree oil gives you benefits only when it is used moderately and externally. It should not be taken orally at any cost since it can be toxic and may cause many side effects; sometimes, the consequences can be fatal.
Disclaimer: The opinions shared in this article are suggestions and not in any way a replacement for a doctor’s advice. It is always safe to consult a physician before you try anything new, especially during pregnancy.
