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Tea Tree Oil
(Melaleuca
alternifolia)
What
is tea tree oil traditionally used to cure?
Tea tree oil is an antiseptic and it seems to kill bacteria, virus and
fungus. It is traditionally used to treat warts,
ear ache, eye
infection, pimples (acne condition), athlete's foot, toenail fungus,
thrush (yeast infection
in the mouth), vaginal infections, scabies,
head lice, dust mites, ringworm, genital herpes, bad breath, dandruff,
gingivitis,
body odor, burns, skin
tags, cuts, canker sores and leg ulcers.
What evidence is there of
using tea tree oil to cure various health conditions?
There are scientific studies to show that this oil can be helpful
in
treating acne (pimples), head lice, scabies, dust mites, toenail fungus
infections and athlete's foot. It is also suggested for use as a mouth
rinse for gingivitis and bad breath. (Add few drops of oil in a cup of
water, gargle and spit out.)
Can
you
use it to kill head lice, scabies and mites?
A study showed that tea tree oil was effective at killing head lice.
Tea tree oil made in an alcohol solution was used on the first day. On
the second day, rinse the hair in a tea tree oil in vinegar mixture.
A research study showed that it was effective at killing dust mites.
We
also found another study that showed that a 5% tea tree oil solution
applied to the skin for 3 hours can kill scabies. These are all very
good news for those wishing for a natural cure for
these annoying problems.
What are some side effects
of using this oil?
NEVER ingest tea tree oil! Essential oils such as tea
tree
oil can cause serious harm and danger to your body if you drink them.
Avoid using pure 100% tea tree oil even on the skin as side effects
reported include skin irritation, allergic reaction, eczema, burning,
stinging, redness and dryness. Lowering the concentration will reduce
the side effects you experience.
How effective is it for
treating acne
(pimples)?
Research studies show that using 5% concentration seems
to be as good as non-prescription Oxy-5 products. Unlike Oxy-5
products, tea tree oil did not irritate the skin as much.
Is it safe to use tea tree
oil as a douche?
Studies of using this oil for treating bacterial vaginal infection
have been done. A 200 mg tea tree oil vaginal suppository have been
used
once daily for 5 days.
There are no studies to determine whether
a douche formulation would be effective in curing vaginal
infections.
Start with a dilute solution first (0.4% strength or 0.4 mL tea tree
oil in 100 mL of solution) and adjust as required upwards.
Pharmacist
Tom's recommendations:
Tea tree oil holds promise for use in killing bacterial, virus, fungus
(yeast), head lice and scabies. It can be a good addition to any
first-aid kit. Be aware that tea tree oil could irritate the skin when
applied so always start with a lower strength first before moving up to
a higher strength.
Related topics that may be of
interest to you
Get
rid of warts
How to cure yeast infection
naturally
Bacterial vaginosis treatment
using natural and home remedies
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Tree Oil
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