Archive for October, 2007
Tea tree oil allergy
On October 15, 2007 in General
Whilst tea tree oil can be used for many purposes, some people might find that they have have an allergy to a tea tree oil treatment.
Using tea oil in your mouth
Mayoclinic reports that some people have an allergy to tea tree oil when used orally. Here’s what they had to say.
There are multiple reports of allergy to tea tree oil when taken by mouth or used on the skin. Skin reactions range from mild contact dermatitis to severe blistering rashes. People with a history of allergy to tea tree oil ( Melaleuca alternifolia ), to any of its components, or to plants that are members of the Myrtle (Myrtaceae) family, balsam of Peru or benzoin, should not use tea tree oil. People with a history of allergy to tincture of benzoin or colophony (rosin) should not use tea tree oil products because cross-reactions have been reported. There is a case report of a patient with linear IgA disease, a subepidermal blistering disorder, which can be precipitated by contact with tea tree oil.
Allergy symptoms of using tea tree oil
Intelihealth has some interesting information about what to look out for if you’re using tea tree oil and you think you may have an allergy to it.
People with allergies to tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) or plants of the Myrtle (Myrtaceae) family, balsam of Peru or benzoin may be more likely to have allergic reactions to tea tree oil. Numerous cases of allergic reactions have been reported. Allergy symptoms may include red, itching rashes, and skin swelling.
Skin irritations and tea tree oil
cancer.org has alot of really useful information on the topic of tea tree oil allergies and what to look out for. Here is a very thorough list of things that you will want to be aware of as well as how you can prevent and treat any allergies you my have to tea tree oil.
In rare cases, some people develop allergic reactions. Rashes may be mild and itchy, but severe blistering has been reported as well. The rashes usually improve when the person stops using the oil. One medical report described a man who had immediate dizziness and swelling in his throat when tea tree oil was applied to his skin, so serious allergic reactions are possible. People who are allergic to other members of the myrtle (Myrtaceae) family, such as eucalyptus, guava, clove, or allspice, may be more likely to have allergic rashes and other reactions. Those who are sensitive to pine or turpentine may also react to tea tree oil because certain chemicals are somewhat alike. As the oil ages, it breaks down into substances that are more likely to cause reactions. Using fresher products that have not been exposed to air, light, and heat may cause fewer problems with allergies.
Highly concentrated (full strength) tea tree oil may cause skin irritation even in people who are not allergic to the oil. These people may have less of a problem with more diluted oils. Some tea tree oil preparations contain other ingredients as well, some of which may cause irritation, allergy, or rash on their own.
There is some evidence that the oil should not be used on burns. Tea tree oil is not recommended for children. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should not use this oil.
Tea tree oil is toxic when swallowed. It has been reported to cause drowsiness, confusion, hallucinations, coma, unsteadiness, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach upset, blood cell abnormalities, and severe rashes. It should be kept away from pets and children.
So when using tea tree oil, it’s good to be aware that not all things are good for you. Sometimes it’s helpful to know what to look out for when using home remedies.
Tea tree oil for ringworm
On October 15, 2007 in Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungal infection of the skin that is contagious and can show up anywhere on your body. Using a tea tree oil ringworm remedy can be helpful as we have found some cases on the net where tea tree oil can cure ringworm.
If tea tree oil is used for the treatment of ringworm, then you need to keep in mind that ringworm can appear on many different parts of the body. Scalp ringworm is pretty nasty and people even get it on their cats and dogs, so many people are looking for a tea tree oil ringworm cure.
Tea tree oil can be effective in the use of fighting ringworm. Lets take a look around the internet and see what others have to say about using tea tree oil for ringworm.
How to apply tea tree oil to ringworm
Lydia has some great feedback about using a home remedy for treating ringworm. She posted this home remedy over at otan.dni.us. She has some pretty good advice about using tea tree oil on ringworm.
INGREDIENTS: 100% tea tree oil (5% cineole, 35% terpinen-4ol)
Blue Star ointment
Nu Skin bandage
box of Q-tips (300 or more)
INSTRUCTIONS: OK! Here is the best herbal and cheapest way to get rid of ringworm! I had ringworm for a week and I used the OTC creams (Lotrimin,Lamisil) to treat it, it took a week and it was finally going down. Then I saw this home remedey site and read about how nail polish was effective. I researched other sites and found the same information, also
I really wanted to get rid of that thing. I found some clear nail polish and used it. The nail polish did seem to “suffocate” the ringworm, but I wasn’t sure if I remove it and apply a fresh coat, or just keep applying a fresh coat. I should have done the latter. I used nail polish remover and ended up burning my skin. But the worst part about it was that the remover created an allergic reaction in my system. I broke out in lesions all over my body, I did not know if they were ringworms or not. I was desperate, so I made an appointment with my doctor and asked for a dermatologist. The dermatologist didn’t have any openings now! I decided to again take matters in my own hands and went back online for more research. I read about Fungrx and was about to order it, when I saw that one of the main ingredients was tea tree oil. I remembered reading on this site about tea tree oil being a suggested remedy for ringworm. I went to Walmart and got 100% tea tree oil (make sure it’s 5% cineole, 35% terpinen-4ol), got nu skin liquid bandage, and Blue Star ointment. If you go to ( www.pureteatreeoil.com), it gives you step by step instructions for using the tea tree oil with ringworm. Anyway, I used a Q-tip and applied the tea tree oil on every single lesion on my body, being sure to use a different Q-tip each time so as not to get the infection in the bottle. Then I covered each lesion with Nu Skin bandage. The very next day all of the lesions had dried up! (no joke!) Some parts of me were a little itchy so I used the Bule star oitment to stop it. I applied the tea tree oil over and over about 3-4 times a day. The lesions continued to dry up. It is recommended to still apply the tea tree oil for about 2-3 more weeks ,even if the infection clears up. It does work you will see results within days! I promise! I’m not a salesperson but I should be, this stuff works great! Also, DO NOT USE BLEACH! I nail polish remover can burn your skin imagine what bleach will do!.A remedy that my mother used when we were kids for ringworm was dip a penny into vinegar and tape it over top of the ringworm. The reaction of the vinegar with the copper from the penny does something to the ringworm that makes it go away. I used this on my kids when they were little and it worked for them, too. I know that vinegar kills bacteria but it does something more when it reacts with the copper.
Tea tree oil treatment
Marcus Peterson has some advice for the uses of tea tree oil on ringworm.
Light coatings of tea tree oil should be applied on to the affected area or areas about three or four times a day for two to three weeks until the fungal infection totally disappears. One major advantage of using tea tree oil is that its repeated usage is not hazardous in any way.
Using tea tree oil for fungus and ringworm
Sakura asked on Yahoo answers “Has anyone used tea tree oil for fungus or ringworm?” and here are some of the responses.
apply directly to the area (use q-tips and don’t re-dip into the bottle) 2x per day for as long as you have any visible sign of the lesion, then continue for a week or 2 after all visible marks are clear….also dilute some liquid soap with additional water and add some tea tree oil directly to the soap blend and use daily as a body wash for same period of time. you should start seeing some results in 3 or 4 days.
So as you can see using tea tree oil for ringworm can be effective.
Tea tree oil for yeast infections and thrush
On October 03, 2007 in Yeast Infections
A yeast infection or thrush, bacterial infection and candida yeast as it can sometimes be called is an uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing problem.
Some of the symptoms of thrush or yeast infections can include
* discomfort of the vagina or an itching / burning sensation
* discharge that is thick and white like cottage cheese
* swelling of the vulva or vagina
* burning and stinging sensations when urinating and going to the toilet
Using tea tree oil for yeast infections can be an effective way of curing vaginal thrush. Lets look around the internet and see what other people are saying about tea tree oil curing yeast infections.
How to use tea tree oil to treat thrush and yeast infections
womenshealthlondon has some great instruction information about using tea tree oil for curing yeast infections.
Some women find tea tree oil helpful in stopping thrush. Its effectiveness in fighting candida albicans is also supported by scientific studies. To use tea tree oil for thrush:
* put tea tree oil on the tip of a tampon and insert it into your vagina
* put tea tree on a panty liner or towel
* dampen cotton wool with tea tree (mixed with water) and gently wipe around the vaginal areaSome health food stores carry ready-made tea tree oil pessaries and manuka oil salve (manuka is another type of tea tree). Look in the women’s health section or ask the sales assistant. Be aware that tea tree may sting at first, but it should stop after a short while.
Tea tree oil and vaginal yeast infections
Yahoo health has some information about using a tea tree oil thrush treatment.
Tea Tree Oil is useful in treating thrush (Candida albicans) with an action comparable to anti-fungal medications. A few drops in warm water can be used in a douche. The Lancet has also reported a patient who recovered from severe thrush after treating herself with a douche with diluted Tea Tree Oil . A few drops in a gargle may also be used for oral thrush. A few drops may be added to baby’s normal nappy change lotion for nappy rash.
Vaginal infections - health risks of using tea tree oil
Mayo clinic has some info about if using tea tree oil for vaginal thrush is safe. The information is a little ambiguous but you my find it helpful.
In laboratory studies, tea tree oil can kill yeast and certain bacteria . However, at this time there is not enough information available from studies in humans to make recommendations for or against this use of tea tree oil for vaginal infections. Although tea tree oil may reduce itching caused by yeast or bacteria, it may cause itching from dry skin or allergy.
Here’s a great little website called www.embarrassingproblems.com This site allows you to post your problems with privacy in mind.
Someone posted this question to this website. I keep getting thrush. It goes away with the treatment, but then comes back again. Why? How can I get rid of it for good? Lots of my friends have the same problem. I’m 17. Dr Margaret replies
You have my sympathy - thrush that keeps coming back (‘recurrent thrush’) is frustrating and distressing. You could try some self-help measures or you might want to discuss a more intensive anti-thrush treatment with your doctor.
You might wish to try some natural remedies.
* Bio (‘live’) yoghurt is often recommended. You gently smear a small amount of yoghurt over the vulva, and also put it inside the vagina. The easiest way to do this is to use a tampon with its applicator. Push the tampon back inside the applicator so you have a space for about a teaspoonful of yoghurt. Then insert the tampon in the usual way, which will push the yoghurt into the top of the vagina. Remove the tampon an hour later.
* Another possibility is tea tree oil. Dilute 20 drops of tea tree oil in half a cup of water, soak a tampon in this liquid and then insert it into the vagina. Change it as frequently as you would a normal tampon.
* Buy some 9% acetic acid gel (Aci-Jel) from a pharmacy. It comes with its own applicator.
So as you can see many people around the web have used tea tree oil for yeast infections. It may work for you too.
Tea tree oil soap
On October 03, 2007 in Soap
Have you ever been in the shower and wondered “if they put tea tree oil in soap, would that make a good tea tree oil bath soap?” The answer is yes and you can either make it yourself or buy it from many places.
This type of product can be used as normal tea tree oil soap or tea tree oil foot soap and you can even make or purchase natural tea tree oil liquid soap.
However you choose to create tea tree oil soap, it’s a great way to get clean using this wonderful product.
Benefits of tea tree oil soap
Using tea tree oil in soap has many benefits from acne to antiseptic properties. Evitimins has a great soap that also has parsley flakes in it. They reckon
Tea tree oil soap has natural deodorant and antiseptic properties. It refreshes, stimulates and deep cleanses skin while parsley flakes help exfoliate dead skin cells.
But the thing to remember is that tree tea oil soap doesn’t work for everyone, as this commenter pointed out I have been using tea tree oil soap for about a month now. I have to say this soap does make my face feel extra clean, but I also have to say that is about all it does. My face is still broken out and it doesn’t feel soft after a wash. I am going to give it another month.
Tea tree oil and chamomile soap
Silverfernz has this great sounding tea tree soap that has additional ingredients like chamomile. Here’s what they have to say
Tea Tree Oil Soap. A mild anti-septic soap with the natural fresh fragrance of tea-tree. The anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties of pure tea-tree oil are combined with lemon myrtle and gentle chamomile to cleanse and soothe all skin types, especially suitable for sensitive skins.
How to make tea tree oil soap
If you have ever wondered how to make soap with tea tree essential oil in it pinemedows has some great basic intructions.
Basic Soapmaking Directions: (for soap recipes only,print page 1- 9).
• Put on your safety goggles & neoprene gloves, combine your sodium hydroxide & your liquid, stir completely. Set the lye aside and allow it to cool between 100 - 125 degrees.
• Combine your oils & heat. Temperature of oils needs to be between 100 - 125 degrees. If you are coloring your soap, add it to your oils at this time.
• When both your lye & your oils are at approximately the same temperature (100 - 125 degrees) you need to combine them. Use precautions to avoid splashing.
• Stir until the mixture traces. (You can use your stick blender to speed up this process).
• Add your fragrance/essential oils and incorporate them into soap completely, then pour your soap into your molds.
They also this wonderful sounding salt scrub that uses tea tree oil
Scented Salt Scrub:
Ingredients:
• 3 cups fine sea salts
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup sweet almond oil
•
• 1/2 teaspoon tea tree essential oil
• 1/2 teaspoon siberian fir essential oil
• 1/2 tablespoon peppermint essential oil
• 1 tablespoon rosemary essential oil
*** mix your salt and emollient oils first, then add the essential oils. Store in a tightly sealed glass container (see our selection of glass containers in our on-line catalog under misc./containers.)Directions:
To use, scoop out a tablespoon or two and begin to massage it onto your skin while in the shower or bath. Work in a circular motion, starting with your extremeties and toward your heart. Leave the scrub on your skin for 5 to 20 minutes, and then rinse off with cool water.*** Do not use any equipment with copper, aluminum, cast iron or teflon finishes. Do not use recipe on cut or irritated skin.
So as you can see there are many ways to use tea tree oil in soap and scrubs. If you have any recipes or information you want to share, please feel free to make a comment below.
Tea tree oil - acne, pimple prevention and treatment
On October 03, 2007 in Acne
Have you ever asked yourself ‘does tea tree oil get rid of acne?’ or wondered ‘is tea tree oil good for acne?’ Well the answer seems to be yes. Many people use tea tree oil for acne (pimples) with great results. Tea tree oils natural antiseptic and healing properties makes it great for acne outbreaks and as a tea tree oil acne treatment.
Many people have used tea tree oil as an acne prevention. Some use it as a spot treatment and others even add additional ingredients like apple cider vinegar, honey and evening primrose oil to tea tree oil for acne cures, remedies and treatments.
Tea tree oil acne wash
University of Maryland Medical Centre reckons in a study they did that people who used tea tree oil had less side effects than those using another product. Here’s what they had to say.
Tea tree oil — Applied topically, tea tree oil may help reduce bacteria on the skin, lessening inflammation and improving symptoms. One study compared the effectiveness of tea tree oil gel with benzoyl peroxide lotion in 119 people with mild-to-moderate acne. People in both groups improved, and the people using tea tree oil reported less side effects (including stinging, itching, burning, and dryness) than those using benzoyl peroxide.
Tea tree oil acne cream
If you have been wondering ‘how do I apply tea tree oil to acne and pimples’ then skinenergizer have taken the hard work out of using tea tree oil as an acne treatment for you. They have a great product called Microderm Clear Skin Microderm Abrasion Cream and here’s how it works
The only all natural microderm that gently removes dead skin that clogs pores releasing bacteria and allowing tea tree soap to eradicate bacteria for a long term solution without causing acne scarring like some other harsh products can. Helps to drastically reduce acne scars or scarring from previous acne.
How to use tea tree oil for acne
kidzworld has these directions on how to apply tea tree oil to acne.
Dab pure tea tree oil on blemishes three times per day, or add three to six drops of pure tea tree oil to warm water and rinse affected area. Apply tea tree antiseptic cream for day-time treatment. Some suggested products - Body Shop has a killer line of tea tree stuff that zaps zits. Try their antiseptic, their facial scrub and their dab-on gel..
So as you can see tea tree oil helps red acne scars, seems to be good for acne outbreaks and appears to clear up acne naturally and organically.
Step 1 - Renewing Cleanser (contains Benzoyl Peroxide)
Step 2 - Revitalising Toner
Step 3 - Repairing Lotion (contains finely-milled Benzoyl Peroxide)
Always read the label. Use only as Directed.