Archive for April, 2008
Tea tree oil for head louse
On April 09, 2008 in Head Lice
Head louse is a dreaded problem for all families, but did you know there is a natural solution for treating nits? Yes, tea tree oil for head louse treatment!
The International Aromatherapy and Herb Association has the following advice for using tea tree oil for head louse:-
Head lice is often transmitted by combs, brushes, hats, bed linens, etc. I once spoke to a Dallas school nurse who voiced concern regarding the use of chemically-based shampoos the standard treatment for children’s head lice. She expressed a great deal of interest in being able to offer tea tree oil as a natural substitute.
The following treatment for removal of head lice is recommended: Add five to ten drops of pure tea tree oil to a shampoo and wash the child’s hair, massaging the mixture thoroughly into the scalp. Do this every day until the eggs are removed. In between shampoos, a few drops of the oil can be massaged into the scalp. Do not rinse out. To help sterilize and prevent further lice infestation, brushes, combs, bedding and towels may be soaked in a tea tree oil solution of 1/4 oz. of oil added to a tub of water. You may also spray a dilution of tea tree oil in the clothes hamper to help control infestation.
How to use tea tree oil for head louse
Stepfamily Zone offers a few different methods on using tea tree oil for head louse:-
Here are 5 different ways to prevent head lice with Tea Tree Oil:
1. Mix essential oils in with your shampoo so the strong smell repels the lice and makes you invisible. The most common is Tea Tree Oil. You can either mix 10 drops in with your existing shampoo or buy ready made Tea Tree shampoo at your supermarket.
2. Mix 10 drops Tea Tree or other essential oil into a spray bottle with water. Put your child’s hair in a tight plait and mist over before school or playtime.
3. Tea Tree oil mixed with gel. If your boy has a modern style, mix Tea Tree in with your gel and the lice will stay well away. Not only does the oil repel the lice, the gel makes it impossible to move around the head or attach their eggs.
4. Alternatively for girls, hair spray has the same effect, simulating dirty hair so the lice cannot move around or attach their eggs.
5. Mix a few drops of Tea Tree oil in with a leave in conditioner and make sure your child sprays this on every morning or before playtime.
Other ideas using tea tree oil for head louse
One reader’s comment at Virtual Medical Centre offers the following advice:-
In Australia we are free to use several herbal or other products, but I found it is a good preventative to get a moisturiser and cover the head thickly and leave on for 1-2 hours. The live lice cannot breathe and die. Continue to do this every few days for any eggs hatching and comb through each time to lessen the eggs. You can use a very cheap moisturiser as cost has not bearing on how well it works. Also covering the hear or combing through with Tea Tree Oil and Lavender oil is good as well, especially for school children.
Here’s another tip from the Yahoo Message boards:-
All you do is place 5 drops of lavender oil, 5 drops of tea tree oil and 10 drops of eucalyptus oil in a spray bottle full of water, spray the hair everyday before school. Make sure they are essential oils (they can be expensive) the cheap water soluble ones don’t work. I have used this now for 2 years and have not had 1 outbreak, where we had it endlessly before.
It looks like tea tree oil for head louse is a very effective treatment – stock up on some today!
Feel free to click on the navigation items around this site for more information on how tea tree essential oil can help you.
Tea tree soap
On April 08, 2008 in Soap, Acne
For generations people have been using tea tree soap to prevent irritations and breakouts, and to keep their skin clean and healthy.
Daily use of tea tree soap
Scent by Nature produces a tea tree soap that can help clear up skin infections:-
MELALEUCA TEA TREE OIL SOAP BAR: our 100% plant based cleansing bar contains both Tea Tree & Eucalyptus essential oils, selected for their deep cleansing, anti-microbal and anti-inflammatory properties.
Oily skin or acne (caused by an over production of sebum by the sebaceous glands) and skin infections can be helped by the daily use of Tea Tree Oil Soap.
Use the cleansing bar morning & evening and pat the skin dry. Follow this with an application of Tea Tree Antiseptic Cream.
Tea Tree oil soap is suitable for all skin types. It has a rich, creamy lather and can be used by anyone as a refreshing face, hand or bath soap.
Make your own tea tree soap
Craft Bits has a great project on how to make your own tea tree oil soap at home:-
1 cup Grated soap base
6 drops Eucalyptus essential oil
1/2 cup water
12 drops Tea Tree essential oilAdd the soap and water together and melt down in a double boiler method.
Once your soap is melted add the essential oils and stir through. Then Pour into your soap molds.
A nice way to present this soap is wrapped in Eucalyptus leaves and tied off with some raffia.
If you want to purchase some tea tree soap, check out this site - Free delivery with SkincareStore.com.au
Tea tree shampoo
On April 07, 2008 in Shampoo
Tea tree shampoo can be effectively used to treat skin and scalp irritations. Tea tree shampoo doesn’t cause imbalance in the skins natural bacteria so it’s gentle enough to use every day.
Here’s an article written by the International Aromatherapy and Herb Association about the benefits of tea tree shampoo:-
A tea tree oil shampoo, or any natural shampoo with 2% tea tree oil (10 drops to an eight- ounce bottle), will help to unblock clogged hair follicles, moisturize the hair and keep the scalp free of bacteria and fungal problems.
Dry hair requires a gentle, non-detergent based product; a 2% solution of tea tree oil in a moisturizing shampoo will help to unblock sebaceous glands and encourage the flow of the body’s own moisturizing oils, while clearing away unsightly dead skin cells.
For oily skin, a gentle tea tree oil moisturizing shampoo will help cleanse the scalp of bacterial and fungal irritations and help to disperse dead skin cells. Tea tree oil mixed with other essential oils is especially good as a scalp treatment for relieving dandruff. Medical professionals list infection, poor diet, blood circulation and inadequate nerve stimulation as some of the causes of dandruff. A yeast that lives on the scalp, Pityrosporum ovale, and a fungus called trichoplyton spp also contributes to dandruff conditions.
While there are many anti-fungal and bacterial soaps and shampoos on the market, tea tree oil offers a natural alternative. A recent study indicates that a pharmaceutical grade of a tea tree oil in low concentrations helps to eliminate bacteria and fungus on the scalp, as well as Pityrosporum ovales. There have also been reports that by massaging the oil into the scalp, new hair growth is promoted.
Paul Mitchell tea tree shampoo
One of the most popular tea tree shampoo products on the market is Paul Mitchell’s Tea Tree Special Shampoo®:-
INVIGORATING CLEANSER
Fresh and Clean – A special combination of cleansers and Australian tea tree oil leave hair refreshingly clean, while enhancing vitality and adding luster
Stimulates – The combination of tea tree oil and peppermint create a cooling tingle
Invigorates – The unique combination of tea tree oil, peppermint, and lavender creates a refreshing fragrance experience
Tea tree shampoo as a dandruff treatment
Bastyr Center for Natural Health explains about what causes dandruff, and how tea tree shampoo can be used to effectively treat dry scalp irritations:-
Dandruff is a condition of the skin, characterized by flakiness, dryness, and itching of the scalp. Some, though not all, studies suggest that dandruff is caused by a specific type of fungus called Pityrosporum ovale, and some cases of dandruff can be effectively treated with anti-fungal medications such as selenium sulfide, ketoconazole (Nizoral®), and terbinafine (Lamisil®). Tea tree oil has been shown to be an effective anti-fungal agent, which may explain why it is beneficial for those with dandruff.
Adults with dandruff may show significant improvement in their symptoms by washing their hair once a day with a shampoo containing 5% tea tree oil, according to a new study in Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2002;47:852–5). The authors of this report believe that tea tree oil helps kill a specific type of fungus that is thought to be the underlying cause of dandruff.
Tea tree shampoo for dogs and cats
Fido’s Tea Tree Oil Shampoo is a mild, soap free shampoo containing Australian Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia) - known for its natural anti-bacterial properties. It is ideal for all coats and skin types and may help soothe minor skin irritations.
Contains Australian Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia) - Cleans, Soothes and Freshens
Particularly suitable for use with long term flea control products.
If you’d like to purchase a bottle of Fido’s tea tree shampoo for your pet, check out Oz Pet Shop.
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Tea tree oil uses
On April 02, 2008 in Acne, General
A natural essential oil, tea tree oil is a great way to treat your family for many ailments in an organic way. Tea tree oil uses are wide and varied – this article will show you ways in which you can use tea tree oil in your home.
Tea tree oil use with sick family
Socal.com offers the following suggestions for tea tree oil uses when sick:-
Head or chest cold: I have effectively used tea tree oil to ward off an oncoming head or chest cold. It should be used at the first signs, however is effective in lessening symptoms, with the added benefit of ensuring that others do not catch the virus from you. Use the tea tree oil in an inhalation method or apply a few drops to a lotion and gently massage around the throat and chest area.
Sick Room Disinfectant: If there are others around you who are ill consider disinfecting the air in the home. Do this by dispersing the tea tree oil molecules in the air via a vaporizer, diffuser or aromatherapy lamp.
Other methods - Add a few drops of tea tree oil to a handkerchief or tissue and breathe in the oil regularly throughout the day. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your cleaning cloth or use tea tree oil based cleaners (tea tree oil is an excellent solvent). When washing the clothing and bed linen of the sick person, add a few drops of tea tree oil to the wash.
Tea Tree Oil use for treating skin problems
Tea Tree Oil has the following information about cleansing the skin in order to prevent acne:-
The key when you have acne is to get to the root of the problem. The reason why Tea tree oil works so well is because it has anti fungal and anti bacterial properties. Banishing dirt and bacteria and helping your little craters to clear up. I always add it to my face cleanser or put it in the freezer for a bit. It feels great on your face after a hot day. Just a few drops will do!!… Don’t forget to treat your hair with it as well. It’s great for people with curls that get frizzy fast … just add it to your shampoo ! cheers to brighter, tighter and more beautiful skin!
For other ideas about tea tree oil use with acne, visit our Tea tree oil - acne, pimple prevention and treatment post.
Socal.com also has some advice on tea tree oil use for acne and dry skin problems:-
Acne: A tiny amount - less than a drop - applied directly to the spot can help clear the skin. The tea tree oil will also help heal the skin and prevent further breakouts.
Dry skin / eczema / psoriasis / dermatitis: Continued use of tea tree oil based moisturizing lotions can counter these chronic skin conditions (along with nutritional and diet changes and stress management, depending upon what brings on the condition).
Keep in mind that given the chronic nature of these skin conditions there will be no immediate “cure”. Many prescribed products may bring about immediate relief but beware side effects and the rebound effect (condition worsens when medication stops, therefore back on the medication).
Other tea tree oil uses
Kidzworld has some remedies for bad breath and muscle pain – more tea tree oil uses for around the home:-
Bad Breath: Add 3 drops to water and use as tea tree mouthwash twice daily. Add 2 to 3 drops to toothpaste when brushing teeth.
Muscle Pain: Before and after strenuous sport rub pure Australian tea tree oil into muscles. Add 1 ml to hot bath and soak for relief after sports.
Tea tree oil uses and health risks
As with any type of treatment, you need to be aware of any potential health risks before using tea tree oil. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should always be very careful about the essential oils they use on their skin and in other forms like oil burners etc. Always consult your doctor for advice.
Lavender and tea tree oil
On April 02, 2008 in General
There’s been some talk recently that Lavender and tea tree oils can simulate the effects of oestrogen, thereby causing possible breast enlargement in boys.
The link between lavender and tea tree oil
ABC Health & Wellbeing reported the following on the link between lavender and tea tree oil:-
It’s normal for boys going through puberty to get some breast enlargement, even though it can worry parents especially if the breasts are tender.
What’s not normal is when a boy gets breast enlargement before puberty. Sometimes there’s an abnormality in the way hormones are being metabolized but usually, despite lots of tests, nothing turns up. What’s often suspected but rarely found is something in the child’s environment which is imitating the female hormone oestrogen - or indeed they’ve got hold of their mum’s contraceptive pills.
A series of three cases of young boys with breast enlargement found a common factor. They were using products which contained lavender or tea tree oil such as balm, skin lotion, styling gel, shampoo and lavender scented soap. And the boys’ breasts went back to normal size when these things were stopped.
The researchers then did laboratory tests on cell cultures and found that both lavender and tea tree oils can simulate the effects of oestrogen and block male hormones. Therefore they concluded that the oils were probably the cause in these children and that people should be aware of this possibility.
Lavender and tea tree oil – can it cause breast enlargement in boys?
Virtual Medical Centre.com has published the following article on the link between tea tree oil and lavender products causing enlarged breasts in boys:-
Researchers at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), confirmed in laboratory studies what a pediatric endocrinologist at the University of Colorado at Denver and Health Science Center’s School of Medicine suspected after diagnosing three of his young male patients with prepubertal gynaecomastia. The researchers found an association between the use of products containing these oils and the rare disorder, but cautioned more research is needed. At this point, the findings are only applicable to young males with unexplainable enlarged breasts who are regularly using products containing these essential oils.
Virtual Medical Centre.com has the following quote from the author of the study with his advice to doctors about the link between lavender and tea tree oil causing breast enlargement:-
“We want to encourage doctors who may be seeing patients with gynaecomastia to ask their patients about the products they are using. Patients with prepubertal gynaecomastia may want to consider reducing the use of products that contain these oils,” said Ken Korach, Ph.D., chief, Laboratory Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology at NIEHS and author on the study. “Although we found an association between exposure to these essential oils and gynaecomastia, further research is needed to determine the prevalence of prepubertal gynaecomastia in boys using products containing lavender and tea tree oils. Results of such epidemiological studies are important to tell us how strong the association is between topical application of the oils and prepubertal gynaecomastia”
The three otherwise healthy Caucasian boys, ages four, seven and 10 years, had normal hormonal levels when they were diagnosed with gynaecomastia by Clifford Bloch, M.D., in Colorado. All had either used lavender-scented soap and skin lotions, or shampoos or styling products that contained tea tree oil and lavender oil as ingredients. In each case, several months after the suspected products were discontinued, the gynaecomastia had subsided or resolved.