Tea Tree Oil: Beneficial Properties, Application And Contraindications

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-17 02:10

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is a special type of essential oil obtained by distilling tea tree leaves with water. The tea tree, or melaleuca, as it is also called, grows in the tropics and resembles eucalyptus in appearance. The first miraculous properties of the leaves of this shrub were discovered by the Australian aborigines. They used them to treat scurvy, food poisoning, and skin rashes. For snakebites and tropical infections, the aborigines resorted to the sap obtained from the leaves of the tea tree. Its effect was so strong that sometimes even the most hopeless patients managed to recover.

In Europe, the health benefits of the tea tree became known thanks to James Cook. Together with the expedition, he visited Australia in the 18th century, where he saw how local aborigines were fighting diseases and infections using natural means. After that, the plant got its real name, since the decoction from its leaves tasted like strong tea. Despite the fact that in the 18th century, the discovery of the benefits of tea tree-based products did not make much impression, after a while people were able to appreciate its value.

Scientists began studying tea tree oil after the advent of aromatherapy. Studies have shown that it has a wide spectrum of therapeutic action, is able to have a positive effect on the human body, and in its properties is not inferior to many strong antibiotics. ^[1], ^[2]

Only in the early 20th century were experiments carried out to prove that tea tree oil is an effective antiseptic. Moreover, it is not poisonous and does not have an irritating effect. With its help, it was possible to heal wounds, cuts much faster, to cope with diseases affecting the genitourinary system, nasopharynx, and rectum. It has been used to fight fungal infections.

However, all of its properties were fully studied only during the Second World War. In the soldier's first-aid kits, there was always tea tree oil. Treatment with them allowed wounds to heal much faster than the use of traditional drugs. After it turned out that the blood enhanced the healing properties of tea tree oil. Its action helped to heal even lacerated wounds in a short time. The name of the oil used in Australia is not casually translated as "ambulance".

Content:

• Tea tree oil production process
• Benefits of tea tree oil

• Tea tree oil applications

  • Tea tree oil hand sanitizer
  • Tea tree oil for insects
  • Natural deodorant with tea tree oil
  • Tea tree oil for acne
  • Tea tree oil for nail fungus
  • Tea tree oil for face
  • Tea tree oil for teeth whitening
  • Tea tree oil for dermatitis
  • Tea tree oil for psoriasis
  • Tea tree oil for papillomas
  • Tea tree oil for hair
• Can tea tree oil be taken internally?
• Contraindications when using tea tree oil

Tea tree oil production process

When processing plant leaves, it is important to preserve all their medicinal properties. In this regard, a method that involves distillation with water vapor was chosen as the main method for the production of tea tree essential oil. Experiments have shown that it is the most effective and gentle.

The crushed tea tree leaves are steamed. The whole process takes place under great pressure. At the same time, essential oil is captured along with water vapor. Once the steam has cooled, it can be separated and filtered. The tea tree oil thus obtained is packaged in separate containers, and it goes on sale.

The duration of distillation affects the quality of the resulting oil. The more volatile substances will be retained, the longer the leaves are treated with water vapor. However, this duration entails significant costs, which means that the resulting oil will have to be sold at a high price. For this reason, retail stores most often offer tea tree oil, which has been obtained using the fast track method. Although the product is also of high quality. Inexpensive and healthy tea tree oil is widely used today in various fields of human activity both in Russia and abroad.

Benefits of tea tree oil

Tea tree leaves and the oil derived from them have a tart and invigorating scent. It contains bitter and spicy notes. When the oil is inhaled, a light aroma of freshly cut wood is first felt. After that, sharp and bitter notes are already felt. Although the smell is based on a fruity aroma. At first glance, this combination may seem somewhat strange. Due to this unusual and mysterious scent, tea tree oil is used for aromatherapy. In addition, it is found in many perfume blends. The aroma of the tea tree is successfully complemented by spicy scents.

From stress and depression. The use of tea tree in aromatherapy can help get rid of fears, depression and obsessions. After the sessions, patients feel much calmer. Such aromatherapy is necessary for those who would like to improve their performance and overcome stress. Tea tree oil will help to activate thought processes, strengthen memory and improve perception of reality.

The oil has unique antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. All these qualities make it one of the most effective antibiotics-immunostimulants of natural origin. This remedy can be a worthy alternative to artificial medicines. Tea tree oil helps with various infections and also speeds up the recovery process from illness. Colds and flu in children will go away faster if used for aromatherapy.

Tea tree oil contains a number of compounds, including terpinen-4-ol, which studies have shown to kill certain types of bacteria, viruses and fungi. ^[3], ^[6]

Anti-inflammatory and regenerating effect. Studies have shown that tea tree oil helps reduce inflammation and triggers the activity of white blood cells, which play an important role in the healing process. ^[4], ^[5]

Terpinen-4-ol also increases the activity of leukocytes, which help fight germs and other invaders in the body.

These germ-fighting properties make tea tree oil a valuable natural remedy for treating bacterial and fungal skin diseases, preventing infections and promoting wound healing. ^[7]

In a small study of 10 people, it was shown that the addition of tea tree oil to conventional wound treatment led to a reduction in healing time in 9 out of 10 participants. ^[8]

Antifungal effect. Tea tree oil contains compounds that help fight mold growth on fruits and vegetables. Adding tea tree oil to water while rinsing fruits and vegetables can help keep foods mildew-free. ^[9], ^[10]

Antioxidant activity. The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry published a study highlighting the antioxidant activity of tea tree essential oil. ^[sixteen]

Hypoallergenic. The wide range of applications of this natural remedy is due to the fact that it rarely causes irritation on the skin, even if the dosage is exceeded. Avoid using tea tree oil only if you are hypersensitive.

Tea tree oil applications

This natural remedy can be helpful in the following cases:

• When injured. For asepsis and antiseptics of wounds, scratches, cuts, skin rashes in case of allergic reactions; ^[eleven]
• With otitis media. Tea tree oil is safe to apply topically to almost all areas of the body, including the ear canal. For people suffering from ear infections, especially children, this can be very painful. ^[12] Just a few drops of tea tree oil in the ear can defeat an infection due to the oil's natural antibacterial nature and even reduce pain and speed up the healing process.
• With infections of the gastrointestinal tract. An aqueous solution of oil helps to cope with stomach and intestinal infections. According to Austrian doctors, such a natural remedy is much more effective than pharmaceutical preparations of a similar action; ^[13]

• With ARVI, runny nose, sinusitis and cough. The oil will be useful for patients suffering from acute respiratory viral diseases; for colds, coughs, bronchitis; ^[fourteen]

  With a runny nose or sinusitis, they are advised to lightly lubricate the wings of the nose. This method of treatment allows you to quickly cope with congestion. With sinusitis, a positive effect can be achieved with regular use. At the same time, precautions should be taken, as too frequent use causes excessive dryness of the skin.

  Gargling helps to cope with coughs and sore throats faster. They can be carried out using a solution of one glass of water and essential oil (10 drops). They add it not only to intimate hygiene products, but also to shampoos and shower gels. This requires only a few drops, so essential oil is consumed sparingly. It is also combined with other oils such as lavender. It can also be used with rosemary or nutmeg oil. Together they will give an amazing scent, and the benefits will only increase.

  During an epidemic of flu or colds, a drop of oil should be applied to the back of the hand or neck to protect against viruses. However, if it was not possible to avoid infection, it is worth putting a compress on the chest. To do this, add tea tree oil (2 drops) to warmed vegetable oil (2 tablespoons), and then wet a clean cloth or towel with the resulting mixture. Such a compress should be placed strictly on the chest, avoiding the heart area. A film and a warm scarf or scarf are placed on the towel. The compress must be kept for 1-1.5 hours.

• The remedy is effective for gynecological problems. It is used to treat various STDs, fungal infections, microflora imbalances;
• With oncology. Aromatherapy is recommended for patients with suspected oncology. The oil slows down the growth of both malignant and benign tumors. Due to this property, the oil is used by proctologists and gynecologists;
• Diathesis and chickenpox in children. Diathesis and chickenpox can be treated with oil. It is often used in pediatric pediatrics, since the child's body accepts drugs of natural origin much better. It also helps cure viral infections like colds, flu, mumps, measles, and smallpox. ^[15];
• In dentistry. The oil is used by dentists to heal wounds after tooth extraction and other surgeries, in gum treatment.

In cosmetology. The oil is widely used in cosmetology due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps heal rashes by improving overall skin condition, stimulating hair growth and giving it shine. With its help, it is possible to cope with puffiness in a short time. It also allows you to smooth the skin, eliminating the damage, thickening, and neoplasms formed in the upper layer of the epidermis. For those suffering from warts, tea tree oil should also be used.

Women with oily and problem skin are advised to include cosmetics based on such oil in their daily care. A few drops can be added to intimate hygiene products to enhance their antibacterial properties.

Aromatherapy. Tea tree oil is often used to flavor rooms. Thus, you can not only spread a pleasant bitter smell, but also disinfect the air. Aromatherapy with tea tree oil is also an excellent prevention of disease-causing bacteria and viruses.

For an aromatic bath, you only need a few drops of this essential oil. It can also be combined with lavender oil. In this case, you will need 4 drops of each ingredient. Compresses, inhalations and dressings are made on the basis of a solution, for the preparation of which a glass of water and 4 drops of oil are used. For colds, inhalation is performed. This procedure lasts 8-10 minutes and involves inhaling steam over a container of hot water or herbal infusion, to which 5 drops of essential oil have been added.

Aroma baths help well with colds. Add 10 drops of tea tree oil to a glass of milk. The resulting mixture must be poured into a bathtub filled with warm water. You can take it for no more than 10 minutes. Such a bath will be useful not only for patients suffering from colds or viral diseases, but also for those who have acne or other types of irritation on their skin. In the evening, many people get tired and swollen legs. To relieve discomfort, you can soak them in a tub of warm water and three drops of tea tree oil. After the procedure, the legs will feel light, and the feeling of fatigue will disappear.

Before using tea tree oil, you should find out what concentration it has: 5 or 10%. It is necessary to pay special attention to this characteristic of it, since its choice is determined by the purposes for which the tool will be used.

Tea tree oil hand sanitizer

Tea tree oil is an ideal natural hand sanitizer. Studies have shown that it kills several common bacteria and viruses that cause disease, including E. coli, S. pneumoniae, and H. influenzae

In clinical trials of tea tree oil, tea tree oil was found to kill most types of bacteria at a concentration of 0.5-1%. When making changes to the recipe, make sure the tea tree oil stays at the same concentration. What's more, a study that tested several types of hand washes shows that adding tea tree oil to detergents increases their effectiveness against E. coli. ^[17]

Here's a simple recipe for making your own moisturizing, all-natural hand sanitizer using tea tree oil.

Ingredients:

• 5-10 drops of lavender essential oil
• 30 drops of tea tree essential oil is a 0.5% concentration
• 1 tablespoon of witch hazel or high quality vodka
• 240 ml 100% pure aloe vera gel
• A teaspoon of vitamin E oil is a natural preservative to increase shelf life (will also help soften your hands!)

Cooking method:

• Pour the essential oils and vitamin E oil into a small glass bowl or container and stir.
• Add witch hazel (or alcohol) to the oils and whisk again.
• Mix this mixture with aloe vera gel and mix thoroughly.
• The finished mixture must be stored in a glass dark container to avoid light exposure to the liquid.

For storage and ease of carrying with you in your purse or backpack, small glass bubbles, as shown in the pictures, are ideal.

Shake the bottle gently before each use.

Using tea tree oil as a natural hand sanitizer can help kill a number of germs that cause colds, flu, and other illnesses.

Tea tree oil for insects

Tea tree oil can help keep insects out.

One study found that 24 hours after being treated with tea tree oil, cows had 61% fewer flies than cows not treated with tea tree oil. ^[18]

In addition, laboratory research has shown that tea tree oil has a higher mosquito repellant ability than DEET, the most common active ingredient in commercial insect repellents. ^[nineteen]

How to make DIY insect spray at home

To make your own mosquito spray, you will need:

Spray

Ingredients

• 20 drops of citronella essential oil
• 20 drops of lavender essential oil
• 20 drops of tea tree oil
• 20 drops of lemongrass essential oil
• 20 drops of geranium essential oil
• 1 teaspoon neem oil (optional)
• 1 tablespoon vodka
• Distilled water

Mix all oils in a spray can or any glass spray bottle. Then add alcohol to the bottle and mix thoroughly.

Shake the bottle well before use.

Application: spray the prepared spray over all open parts of the body that are usually exposed to insect bites, arms, legs, neck. Avoid contact with clothing.

Tea tree oil has been proven to be an effective insect repellent. It serves as an effective prevention against parasites and other insects such as mosquitoes, fleas, lice and flies. ^[20]

Natural deodorant with tea tree oil

The antibacterial effect of tea tree oil can help control underarm odor associated with sweating.

The sweat itself does not smell. However, when secretions from the sweat glands combine with bacteria on the skin, a mild to strong unpleasant odor is produced.

Tea tree oil is often found in deodorants because it can act as a powerful deodorant agent, eliminating not only unpleasant odors, but also bacteria and toxins that can increase its activity. ^[21]

Here are some safe and effective natural deodorants that you can make from tea tree oil and a few other ingredients on your own.

Recipe number 1:

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons coconut oil
• 3 tablespoons shea butter
• 1/4 cup Arrow Root Powder or cornstarch
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1 tablespoon beeswax
• 20-30 drops of tea tree or lavender essential oil.

Preparation

Melt coconut oil and shea butter and beeswax in a glass jar. To do this, place the jar in a pot of boiling water for a water bath effect.

Once they have melted together, remove from heat and add baking soda, arrow root powder, and tea tree oil.

Pour the liquid into a silicone mold, jar, small container, or old deodorant container (thoroughly cleaned of old deodorant). If you are using old deodorant packaging, wait a few minutes for the mixture to thicken slightly to make the job easier.

Allow the mixture to set for a few hours or overnight before using.

Recipe number 2:

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons coconut oil
• 3 tablespoons of powder or cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons of baking soda
• 10-20 drops of tea tree essential oil or lavender essential oil

Preparation

Melt the coconut oil using a water bath.

After melting, remove from heat and add remaining ingredients.

Pour the mixture into molds and let sit for a couple of hours. Apply with fingers.

Tea tree oil for acne

The antiseptic and antibacterial properties of tea tree oil make it a very effective acne treatment. It dries acne well and prevents them from spreading all over the face. In addition, tea tree oil has virtually no side effects, so it is safe for the skin, even when applied alone. You can also prepare lotion and mask on its basis.

• Pure tea tree oil should be applied with a cotton pad or swab to acne in the morning and evening to thoroughly cleansed skin. A positive result is usually visible after a few days. Most noticeable changes are noted in 2-3 weeks. That being said, it is important to apply tea tree oil every day. Only with regular use can an improvement in skin condition be achieved.
• If you add 5 drops of tea tree oil to 3 tablespoons of boiled water, it's easy to get an effective face lotion. It is suitable for both oily and combination skin. The lotion should be used after washing in the morning and evening. It can also be prepared with an herbal decoction. Pour 2 tablespoons of calendula, sage or chamomile with a glass of boiling water and let it brew. The resulting broth must be filtered, add 9 drops of tea tree oil to it, and a natural and healthy acne lotion is ready. If the product is intended for oily skin, add a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice to it.
• To prepare the mask, beat the egg white and add to it: tea tree oil (4 drops), lavender oil (2 drops), rosemary oil (2 drops), olive oil (2 drops). Apply the resulting mixture in an even layer on the face. You need to wash it off after 15 minutes. This mask is most effective in combating acne on oily or combination skin.
• The product for dry skin is prepared on the basis of one yolk, one teaspoon of olive oil, rosemary oil (2 drops), tea tree oil (4 drops). All ingredients must be carefully moved, and then apply the resulting mixture pointwise to the affected areas of the face. After 20 minutes, the mask should be washed off.

Before using any cosmetic product that contains tea tree oil, you should check the body's response to it. To do this, apply a small amount of mask or lotion to the crook of the elbow. If after half an hour irritation does not appear, then the product can be used to treat acne on the face.

Tea tree oil can be a powerful weapon against acne. Several studies have shown that using tea tree oil helps to reduce not only the number of acne, but also reduce skin inflammation. ^[22], ^[23]

In one study, it was shown that the use of 5% tea tree gel for acne lesions, healing and reduction of lesions is three times higher than using a placebo. ^[24]

Another study found tea tree oil to be as effective against acne as benzoyl peroxide, the most common acne drug. ^[25], ^[26]

Tea tree oil for nail fungus

Fungus of nails is an unpleasant disease, due to which not only the nails acquire an ugly appearance, but also one has to endure constant discomfort. Tea tree oil can help deal with the causes and symptoms of infection. The simplest way to use this tool in such cases is to apply it to the affected nail plates in a pure form.

• Tea tree oil must be rubbed in thoroughly to penetrate deeply. In this case, it is necessary to avoid contact with the skin around the nails. After processing, each finger should be sealed with adhesive tape or bandaged. The compress must be kept for at least 6 hours. The procedure should be performed in the morning and in the evening for 3 months in order to achieve a positive effect. For sensitive skin where the use of tea tree oil causes irritation, you can mix it with olive oil.
• Effective for nail fungus and foot baths with the addition of honey, sea salt and soda. A teaspoon of each ingredient should be dissolved in a liter of hot water along with 20 drops of tea tree oil. It is necessary to keep your feet in the bath until the water cools down. Such procedures should be carried out daily for a month. Even if symptoms go away earlier, a full course of treatment is necessary.
• For nail fungus, it is useful to rub a product made from olive, thyme and tea tree oil into the nail plate. All ingredients are mixed in equal proportions. The finished product is applied to each nail affected by the fungus and rubbed into it. After that, a few more drops of oil are added on top again. After 15 minutes, it is necessary to apply the product to the nail plate for the third time and rub it well with a toothbrush. Carry out the procedure daily until the symptoms of nail fungus have passed.

Another recipe using tea tree oil that has proven to be effective against nail fungus based on research. ^{[27] [28]}

Recipe:

• Mix 1/4 cup arrowroot powder
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 20-25 drops of tea tree oil
• Mix well and place in a closed bottle.
• Apply to clean, dry feet twice a day.

Research has shown that tea tree oil can help get rid of nail fungus when used alone or in combination with other natural remedies. ^[29]

In a controlled study, people with nail fungus used only tea tree oil or antifungal drugs for six months. At the end of the study, about 60% of the people in each group experienced partial or complete extinction of the fungus. ^[thirty]

Find out more: Toenail fungus - stages, symptoms, how to get rid of?

Tea tree oil for face

A variety of face masks can be prepared using tea tree oil. They have a cleansing and toning effect. Mask recipes are presented in table 1.

Table 1 - recipes for face masks:

Ingredients	amount	Mask preparation method
Oily and combination skin	Cosmetic clay	2 teaspoons	Mix all the ingredients to create a thick gruel Keep the mixture on your face for 15 minutes
	Cereals	2 teaspoons
	Kefir or yogurt	3 teaspoons
	Tea tree oil	2 drops
Problem skin	Blue Clay Powder	1 tablespoon	Mix all ingredients to get a homogeneous consistency Keep the mixture on your face for 10 minutes
	Low-fat sour cream	2 teaspoons
	Tea tree oil	2 drops
For all skin types to give a toned appearance and tone	Green tea	3 tablespoons	Pour flakes into strongly brewed tea, add lemon juice and oil, and then stir the mixture Keep the mixture on your face for 20 minutes
	Cereals	1 tablespoon
	Lemon juice	1 teaspoon
	Tea tree oil	2 drops
Anti-inflammatory mask for all skin types	Granular curd	100 g	Mix all ingredients well Keep the mixture on your face for 15 minutes
	Pharmacy chamomile decoction	30 ml
	Cosmetic clay	50 g
	Apricot oil	30 ml
	Tea tree oil	7 drops

Tea tree oil for teeth whitening

Teeth whitening. Using tea tree oil is available to anyone, because you can do it at home. If carried out regularly, it will be possible not only to get rid of plaque, but also to cope with bleeding gums and tartar.

• Apply a few drops of tea tree oil to the brush, and then thoroughly brush your teeth for 2 minutes. In this case, a slight numbness of the tip of the tongue may be felt. Before proceeding with the procedure, the teeth must be brushed with a regular paste. After using the oil, its smell and taste remains in the mouth. You can get rid of it by rinsing your mouth with a mild vinegar solution. Repeat the procedure every 3 days.
• An alternative to whitening with a brush is rinsing. It is necessary to prepare a solution in advance for which you need to take half a glass of water and 5 drops of tea tree oil. You can rinse your mouth with this tool both before brushing with a paste, and after daily. As a result, dark plaque from the teeth will disappear, they will become whiter and cleaner.
• Fast and intense teeth whitening is carried out using tea tree oil and lemon. First, the teeth should be brushed with a toothpaste brush. After that, apply 2 drops of tea tree oil and 1 drop of lemon oil to the washed brush, and then brush her teeth for 5 minutes. Such whitening can be performed once a week for a month. If the procedure is carried out too often, there is a risk of damaging the enamel.

Research shows that tea tree oil can fight germs that cause tooth decay and bad breath. ^[31], ^[32]

One study found tea tree oil was more effective against plaque-causing bacteria than chlorhexidine, common disinfectants, and mouthwash. Moreover, its taste was less unpleasant. ^[33]

On the other hand, an older study found that tea tree oil did not appear to have much of an effect on plaque formation. ^[34]

Find out more: How to whiten teeth enamel at home?

Tea tree oil for dermatitis

Tea tree oil can help relieve symptoms of skin inflammation.

A common form of skin irritation is contact dermatitis, which occurs when the skin comes in contact with an allergen such as nickel. Exposure to the allergen results in skin redness, itching and sometimes soreness.

Animal and human studies show that using tea tree oil can help reduce the severity of these symptoms. ^{[35] [36]}

In a study comparing the effects of different treatments for contact dermatitis, tea tree oil was found to reduce symptoms by 40%, significantly more than standard drugs used to combat the disease. ^[37]

Plus, tea tree oil can help get rid of insect bites by reducing itching, redness, and swelling that occurs when the body secretes histamine to protect against insect saliva. ^[38]

Use this recipe to relieve skin inflammation:

Mix 10 drops of tea tree oil with one tablespoon of olive oil and one tablespoon of melted coconut oil.

Stir well and store in a sealed container.

Apply to the affected area up to twice a day until symptoms disappear.

Tea tree oil for psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that manifests itself as redness, itching, and peeling of the skin.

While there are medications that can relieve psoriasis symptoms, the disease itself is chronic and cannot be completely cured.

Tea tree oil contains anti-inflammatory compounds that, according to new evidence, may be helpful in relieving psoriasis symptoms ^[39].

To relieve psoriasis attacks, mix 10-15 drops of tea tree oil with 2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil.

Application: lubricate the affected skin 2-3 times a day, as needed.

Tea tree oil for papillomas

Papillomas are benign skin growths that can develop on the human body. They can cause discomfort, and in the future - cause a more serious illness. In traditional medicine, the procedure of burning it with liquid nitrogen allows to get rid of papilloma. In some cases, the tumor is surgically removed. Both types of procedures are quite painful, so many patients prefer to deal with papillomas using traditional medicine methods.

Tea tree oil can cure the disease. It is enough to treat them with papilloma several times a day. After the procedure, the affected area of the body should be covered with a napkin or plaster. If the skin is too sensitive or papilloma has formed in the area of the mucous membrane, tea tree oil can be mixed with olive oil in a ratio of 1:10.

Tea tree oil for hair

Tea tree oil helps restore the health and beauty of hair, which is exposed to harmful factors every day. It can be added to shampoo, balm every time you wash your hair. This requires only 2-3 drops of oil. You can also enhance the effect of a ready-made mask purchased from a store or pharmacy with its help.

• Wrapping allows you to make your hair shiny and strong. The mixture for it is prepared from tea tree oil, as well as any base oil taken in larger quantities. For dry hair, it is better to use castor oil, for damaged hair - coconut oil, and for oily hair - jojoba oil. A tablespoon of any of these oils should be warmed up and then 3 drops of tea tree oil added. Rub the resulting mixture into the scalp and distribute evenly over the hair. Wrap the head on top with cling film and a towel.
• Aroma combing is a useful and pleasant procedure. It involves combing your hair with a wooden comb, to which a few drops of tea tree oil have been applied. Carrying out such a procedure daily for a long time helps to strengthen the hair.
• For dry hair, you can make a mask by mixing slightly warmed kefir (half a glass) and 2 drops of tea tree oil. Distribute the product evenly over the hair and keep it under a film and a towel for half an hour.
• Another mask will be effective against dandruff. You need to mix a glass of natural yogurt, a tablespoon of jojoba oil and 7 drops of tea tree oil. Keep the mask on your hair for only 20 minutes. With a regular procedure, once a week, dandruff will gradually disappear.

Find out more: Masks for strengthening and growing hair: the best recipes

In this four-week study, the group that used tea tree oil shampoo showed 40% better results in getting rid of dandruff. In addition, the group that used tea tree oil reported significant improvements in the severity of not only dandruff, but also itching and oiliness ^[40].

Can tea tree oil be taken internally?

Oral intake of tea tree oil is hazardous to health, therefore it is possible only after consultation with a specialist. Self-treatment in this way in case of an overdose can provoke a burn of the mucous membranes. Ingestion of tea tree oil causes diarrhea, vomiting, and impaired immune function. At the same time, a person constantly tends to sleep, and he can fall into a coma.

Therefore, tea tree oil should be kept out of the reach of children. ^[41]

But the external use of tea tree oil can safely fight many diseases. Moreover, there is no need to take it inside. It is enough to combine compresses, masks, aromatherapy, tea tree oil baths and treatment with pharmaceutical preparations to quickly achieve positive results.

Studies have shown that tea tree oil is generally safe. ^[42]

Contraindications when using tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is safe when used topically in the prescribed dosage. However, in some cases, its use as a drug should be abandoned. First of all, people who have an individual intolerance to tea tree oil are at risk. This rarely happens, but this possibility cannot be ruled out. For this reason, it is necessary to test for an allergic reaction before using tea tree oil. To do this, apply a small amount of it to the bend of the elbow and see if irritation appears on the skin after a while.

The use of tea tree oil is contraindicated in pregnant women, lactating women and young children. In its pure form, it can cause irritation, so it is better for patients with sensitive skin to mix it with olive, sea buckthorn or peach oil. Avoid getting tea tree oil in the eyes, mouth and mucous membranes. Do not apply it to a burn, irritation or frostbite. Among the contraindications to the use of tea tree oil are also recent traumatic brain injuries. In such cases, treating with any means without first consulting a specialist is dangerous for the patient's life.

Take precautions when rinsing your mouth with a tea tree oil solution. The agent must not enter the gastrointestinal tract. It is very important to use only high-quality and fresh product for treatment. Store tea tree oil in a glass container in the refrigerator, and always carefully monitor the dosage when using.

However, in some cases, its use as a drug should be abandoned. First of all, people who have an individual intolerance to tea tree oil are at risk. ^[43], ^[44], ^[45]

The author of the article: Sokolova Nina Vladimirovna | Phytotherapist

Education: Diploma in "General Medicine" and "Therapy" received at the Pirogov University (2005 and 2006). Advanced training at the Department of Phytotherapy at the Peoples' Friendship University of Moscow (2008). Links to sources

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