Archive for the ‘Skin’ Category
Tea tree oil and cuts
On October 15, 2008 in Skin, General
Tea tree oil can be used as an effective treatment for cuts and minor abrasions. Tea tree oil has been known to promote healing and prevent an infection from developing.
How to use tea tree oil for cuts
First of all, use 5 to 10 drops of pure tea tree essential oil mixed in a small bowl of water to clean out the affected area. This will have a natural antiseptic effect. Then apply a few drops of tea tree oil to the wound. Apply tea tree oil two or three times for the first day, then apply twice daily for up to seven days afterwards. If required, antiseptic creams containing tea tree oil can be purchased for the ongoing treatment of cuts and minor abrasions to help protect against infection.
Unlike other disinfectants, tea tree oil does not sting. It will encourage the healing process and prevent infection.
Are there any side effects using tea tree oil for cuts?
Whilst you can apply tea tree oil directly to minor cuts and scrapes, caution must be used for more extensive areas of broken skin. Also if the affected area is caused by a rash or a fungus, beware when using tea tree oil. The oil may burn if it makes contact with eyes, nose, mouth or other tender areas. Some people can have an allergic reaction when using tea tree oil for the first time, including rashes or itching, so it’s wise to use only a small amount initially.
Tea tree oil for cold sores
On October 15, 2008 in Skin
A cold sore is typically a small sore situated on the face or in the mouth. It usually is quite painful and can have a burning or itching sensation before bursting and crusting over.
Tea tree oil is known to be a great alternative remedy in the treatment of cold sores. As cold sores can be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungus, tea tree oil as a cold sore treatment may have an antiseptic action.
How to use tea tree oil for cold sores
At the first warning sign (that burning sensation that precedes the sore) dab tea tree oil directly on the affected area. You can mix this with a little alcohol (such as vodka) if you prefer.
The oil can be used directly on the skin for most people, but if you have sensitive skin it is recommended you use tea tree oil with caution. You can dilute tea tree oil if your skin is sensitive.
If you apply a few drops of tea tree oil directly to the cold sore using a cotton swab, this will help to prevent breakouts after the initial tingling/burning sensation. Apply tea tree oil twice a day and this will help reduce the painful healing time by as much as half.
If you try this cold sore remedy using tea tree oil, let us know how it’s worked for you by leaving a comment below.
Good luck!
Tea tree oil and bites
On October 15, 2008 in Animals, Skin, General
Dog bites - how to treat using tea tree oil
When you’ve been bitten by a dog, there are a few things you can do right away to minimise the seriousness of the injury, and to increase the possibility of infection. Tea Tree Wonders offers the following advice:-
When you are the victim of a dog bite the first thing you should do is to thoroughly wash the area with generous amounts of water, using preferably an antibacterial soap. The dog bite can carry one or more of some really bad bacteria, including staph and strep. Some studies suggest between 20 and 30 different germs that can be carried in a dogs saliva.
After the area is thoroughly cleaned, pat the wound dry, and apply several drops of tea tree oil three times a day for several days, and then continue once a day until it is fully healed.
Tea tree oil for insect bites
Michael Russell has an article published on Ezine Articles where he suggest the following tip on how to use tea tree oil for insect bites:-
For insect bites: Mix a 5% dilution of tea tree oil with aloe vera gel. Use this mixture to soothe bug bites or rashes. It will also help prevent infection.
Tea tree oil for flea bites (on a human)
Curezone has the following tips on how to treat flea bites with tea tree oil:-
Apply tea tree oil liberally in a circular motion surrounding the bite. Let dry and the pain and swelling should ease in two to three minutes. Re-apply if needed.
For information on how to treat a dog’s flea problem with tea tree oil, check out our article titled Tea tree oil dog treatments.
Tea tree oil for bruises
On October 15, 2008 in Skin, General
A bruise is typically a black and blue mark on the skin, caused by damaged blood vessels bleeding into the skin. A bruise will usually occur after a blunt impact injury such as a fall. As the skin is not broken, there is no risk of infection with a bruise. However, you may want to use tea tree oil to help your bruise heal quickly.
Using tea tree oil on a bruise
Amazing Tea Tree Oils has the following remedy for treating a bruise with tea tree oil:-
Icing a bruise right after an injury helps the swelling to go down. Then, apply tea tree oil to the bruise. Tea treel oil helps the bruise to heal from the inside by making blood flow better through the bruise and by keeping the swelling down. Apply tea tree oil to a bruise twice a day or more. Be careful not to get any oil in your eyes if the bruise is on your face.
Soothing bruises with tea tree oil (courtesy of Ehow)
Soothe bruises with a tea tree oil compress. Blend ten drops of tea tree oil with five drops of lavender essential oil in cold water. Apply to the affected area.
Massage bruise using tea tree oil
Another remedy is to combine a few drops of tea tree oil along with a few drops of olive oil, and massage the area twice a day.
Tea tree oil and bee stings
On September 27, 2008 in Skin, General
Tea tree oil is a natural astringent and has antibiotic properties, so it helps to speed recovery from bee stings. Some experts will say they think tea tree oil actually stays on the wound longer than normal antisepctics or antibiotic creams because it combines with the skin’s natural oil.
Mommy.com has an article about how to use tea tree oil for wasp and bee stings - here’s a quote from their article:-
For bee stings, first remove the stinger and clean the area with diluted bicarbonate soda. For a wasp sting, clean the area with either diluted lemon juice or vinegar and then put two drops of lavender and two drops of tea tree oil on a cold cloth and put it over the sting site. This will take away the pain and work as an anti-bacterial agent at the same time, while the cold cloth will help reduce the swelling.
Lavender has remarkable soothing properties not only on the skin, but the scent has a calming effect. It is an anti-inflammatory as well as analgesic and promotes healthy healing of the tissue.
Tea Tree Oil is unusual in that it is active against all three varieties of infectious organisms: viruses, bacteria and fungi. It has a powerful immune-stimulant, so when the body is threatened by one of these infectious organisms the tea tree oil increases your ability to fight infections.
How much tea tree oil do I use for bee stings?
Bella Online has an in-depth article about the many uses of tea tree oil - here’s what they suggest for the treatment of mosquito bites and bee stings:-
Bites: for mosquito bites and bee stings dilute 1 part tea tree oil in 3 parts olive oil and apply to the affected area.
Tea tree oil repellant to avoid bee stings
Here’s a really handy tip for a home-made spray which will help deter bees from Life Tools for Women:-
BeeGone Spray: For exposed areas, make up a spritzer bottle of one teaspoon of tea tree essential oil, one teaspoon of lavender essential oil, one teaspoon of citronella oil and half a cup of vodka. Firstly, spray it on the hands then apply to the neck and face, avoiding the eyes.
Treat bee stings with tea tree oil and lavender
Skin Care Recipes and Remedies offers the following advice for treating bee stings using tea tree oil:-
Mix 2 drops of tea tree oil with 1 drop of lavender oil. Use a cotton swab to gently apply on the spot.