I used to hate only the thought of using this thing, but then i started researching more about it, and i experimented many things that actually helped me and i want to share them with you !

What is Tea Tree Oil For?

Australian aboriginals traditionally used tea tree leaves for healing skin cuts, burns, and infections. They would crush the leaves and apply them to the affected area.

Tea tree oil contains constituents called terpenoids, which have been found to have antiseptic and antifungal activity. The compound terpinen-4-ol is the most abundant and is thought to be responsible for most of tea tree oil’s antimicrobial activity.

People use tea tree oil for some of the followings:

  • Acne
  • Sore Throat and Congestion
  • Dandruff
  • Vaginitis
  • Toenail Fungus
  • Periodontal disease
  • As an antiseptic
  • Boils
  • Lice
  • Eczema
  • Psoriasis
  • Yeast infection etc…

Where to Find Tea Tree Oil

Mainly, tea tree oil is found as a pure essential oil (e.o). You can get it out of Bio Stores, or grocery stores selling all natural products. You can also get it in pharmacies.

It is also an ingredient in creams, ointments, lotions, soaps, and shampoos.

One study shows that tea tree oil may alter hormone levels so to all of my ladies pay attention 🙂

But there also have been reports of topical tea tree oil products causing unexplained breast enlargement in boys. So definitely be careful when using it, specially on somebody else than you.

Acne Home Remedy Using Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil is a great anti-bacterial natural substance. When applied on acne, tea tree oil helps the immune system to kill the bacteria and consequently reduce the inflammation. As I type this, it just did for me like 2 days ago, I applied a little adhesive, you know those band aids, I applied 2 drops of Tea Tree oil. My big huge supa enormous bump left the next morning (left it on for a couple hours).

Using Tea Tree Oil in conjunction with Vitamin E supplements (an anti-oxidant) and an excellent healing agent can heal your blemishes but also cure scar tissues.

  • Dab a cotton swab into the tea tree oil (any light oil that you mixed with 2-3 drops of the tea tree oil)
  • Gently apply the oil onto the acne areas with the swab before going to bed.
  • Rinse off the tea tree oil in the morning.
  • Another way I like to use it, is I mix 1-2 drops in the moisturizer I use for my face, apply it all over, go on for my day or follow up with my make-up 🙂

If you don’t like the smell like I don’t…well force yourself! lol, it works !

Sore Throat and Congestion

Had a sick weekend and a lot of coughing, so here is another way where tea tree oil has been a great help for me.

I combined it with a simple steam inhalation technique to try and cure my congestion, but it also helps if you have sore throat, chest infections, and It helps clearing up mucus:

  • Fill a large cooking pot or bowl with water.
  • Bring the water to a boil.
  • Remove the pot from the stove and add 2 to 3 drops of Tea Tree Oil into it.
  • Cover your head with a towel and lean over the top of the bowl so that the long ends of the towel are hanging down at the two sides of the bowl.
  • Inhale the vapors for about 5-10 minutes.
  • Repeat the process each night before going to bed until symptoms are cured completely. If symptoms persist for more than 5 days it is best to consult your doctor.

I wouldn’t recommend this last one on a kid though; well let’s say not under the age of 10.

Itchy scalp

Apply 1-2 drops of tea tree oil to any other light oil, I like grapeseed oil. Apply 2 times daily. Or you may apply tea tree oil undiluted to the itching area. Cover the area with a care cream afterwards to reduce the drying effects of the tea tree oil.

I also mix few drops in my shampoo right before I shampoo my hair & I repeat it every week when I wash until all itchiness is gone.

Lastly I would add about 5 drops to the quantity of oil I use for my hot oil treatment. I apply it as I usually do with my hot oil treatment, scalp & hair length, then I go 2 bed & shampoo it all the next day.

 Dandruff

Dandruff or Dry Scalp – Even if the cases are different, the oil is effective for both. The antifungal property of the oil helps to eradicate the fungus that causes dandruff. It can also correct cases of dry scalp.

– My uses are just like the ones i mentionned for itchy scalp.

 

Side Effects of Tea Tree Oil?

Pregnant and breast-feeding women should avoid the use of Tea Tree Oil.

Undiluted, it can cause itchiness, irritation, and redness on sensitive skin. Therefore, if you have sensitive skin, it is always safer to dilute the oil in another base oil such as olive oil or any other oil .

Pure Tea Tree Oil should never be taken internally in its undiluted form.

Extra care should be taken when using it near the eyes, genitals, or even as a mouthwash.

If taken internally, Tea Tree Oil can result in diarrhea, vomiting, impaired immune function, excessive drowsiness, sleepiness, confusion, poor coordination, and even coma.

If you notice any of these symptoms of overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

So as you can see, good products also have counter-parts, always be careful when using essential oils !

Infos provided by about.com, Alternative Medicine