Archive for October, 2008
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 and cats
On October 15, 2008 in Animals, General
Tea tree oil has been know to have a harmful effect on cats, and in some cases may result in death. Whilst tea tree oil products such as shampoos can be used on dogs, it is not recommended to use tea tree oil on cats.
Here’s an excerpt from Wikipedia:-
Tea tree oil has long been used as a method of all natural effective flea control by adding the oil directly to dogs, horses and sheep fur or their bathing water. Use on cats has been known to make them sick and in some cases kill them, this is due to cats licking their fur and consuming the oil.
Tea tree oil can be toxic for cats
Show Cats Online have issued this warning on their website about tea tree oil being toxic to cats:
Tea Tree Oil poisoning have been reported in both cats and dogs when applied to the skin at too high a dose. If your cat is going to have a reaction to tea tree oil, you will usually see it within 2 to 8 hours following application. Symptoms include:
* loss of muscular coordination
* lethargy
* weakness
* shaking and tremors
* a change in behavior
Why is tea tree oil no good for cats?
Tea Tree Wonders has an article about tea tree oil being toxic to cats - here’s a quote from their website:-
Unfortunately, tea tree oil is not good to use as a flea preventative for cats. There are other essential oils that are just as dangerous, like peppermint and pennyroyal.
The main problem is that because of their small size and body weight, combined with a liver that does not easily process essential oils like tea tree oil, cats can have a severe toxic reaction to amounts that many other animals wouldn’t even notice.
I get questions about using tea tree oil shampoo on both cats and dogs, and although for large dogs it may be great, I would use extreme caution and preferably avoid tea tree oil altogether for small dogs and all cats.
Here’s another warning from the Tea Tree Oil Uses website on why tea tree oil is toxic to cats:-
Along with being an effective remedy for many human skin ailments, Tea Tree Oil is readily available at pet stores for treatment of our furry friends. However, if ingested, this helpful natural product can become the furthest thing from effective, a toxic poison. The use as a flea control on young kittens has been recorded as resulting in death in some cases.
Early in the 1990’s with the suggestion of Tea Tree Oil causing negative effects on cats with nerve disorders, it was recommended that the amount of oil contained in animal products, such as cat shampoo, should not exceed 1%. It was advised to owners of cats with diabetes, epilepsy, metabolic or neurological disorders as well as young kittens not to use products containing this substance on their pets.
Tea tree oil for cleaning
On October 15, 2008 in General
Tea tree oil is known to be effective in household cleaning. As tea tree oil is a natural solvent, it cuts grease and stains while killing bacteria and germs. Tea tree oil can be added to cleaning products such as bathroom cleaners or laundry detergents, or you can make your own cleaning products using natural ingredients.
How to use tea tree oil for cleaning
Deodoriser
Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your laundry wash - this will help deodorise clothes and get rid of odours.
Disinfectant
Add one teaspoon of tea tree oil per load of laundry to disinfet items such as diapers, or to prevent fungal infections being transmitted.
All-purpose cleaning solution
Mix 15 drops of tea tree oil with 1 quart of water in a spray bottle. This can be used for general cleaning around the house, such as kitchen bench tops, etc.
Mould killer
Mix 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil with 2 cups of water in a spray bottle. Spray on mould-affected area and don’t rinse off.
Floor wash
Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with any cleaning solution - you can use this to wash floors or kitchen cabinets. Adding tea tree oil to your cleaning solution will increase the power of your clean, and will also add a wonderful scent to the area. Always make sure the room you are cleaning is well ventilated.
Insect repellant
Add 10-20 drops of tea tree oil to citronella - this will allow you to enjoy the outdoor life by repelling nasty insects.
Removing mildew smell
When washing bath towels, if you add a few drops of tea tree oil to your wash this will help remove that awful mildew smell.
If you try any of these cleaning ideas using tea tree oil, let us know how they worked for you by submitting a comment below.
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.