Helpful home remedy
What you can use tea tree oil for – and when to be careful
Tea tree oil has long been known for its versatile effects. But there are also a few things to consider when using it.
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Tea tree oil is known as a versatile home remedy: It can be used on skin and hair, but it can also be helpful for washing clothes, for example. What you should know about the all-rounder and what you should definitely pay attention to.
Tea tree oil is one of the home remedies that many people have in their closets at home. For good reason: It is almost an all-rounder and can be used in many ways. We explain what it can do and when to be careful.
Tea tree oil: history and content
The tea tree from which the valuable essential oil can be extracted is called Melaleuca alternifolia in technical terms and grows in Australia. There is that Tea tree oil long known as a home remedy. It is said to have come to Europe through James Cook, but it was not until 1925 that its antiseptic, bactericidal and fungicidal effects were scientifically proven. But the oil is not only supposed to help with some skin problems. Among other things, it should also have a positive effect on the psyche. The tea tree oil is obtained by steam distilling the leaves and branches.
Pure tea tree oil is clear to pale yellow in color. It smells fresh and a bit spicy, for some it has an unpleasant odor. The chemical compounds terpinene and cineole give the oil its medicinal properties. So that this can develop completely, you should rely on high-quality essential oil when buying: It should contain at least 38 percent terpinen-4-ol and no more than three percent cineole. The latter can be irritating to the mucous membranes in high doses.
Effect of tea tree oil
Tea tree oil usually has anti-inflammatory and wound healing effects. According to “Apotheken Umschau”, tea tree oil inhibits the growth of bacteria in laboratory tests, including acne pathogens. It should therefore be helpful for inflammatory skin problems such as pimples, acne or warts. From experimental studies there are also indications that the ingredients can render viruses such as herpes simplex viruses or skin fungi harmless. In naturopathy, tea tree oil is therefore used for skin problems, warts, foot and nail fungus or herpes. However, there are no medical studies that prove these effects.
The home remedy can also be used for colds or as an additive in mouthwashes for inflammation of the gums – or as a gargle for inflammation in the throat. What makes it so suitable for these applications: Tea tree oil is very gentle on tissue.
In addition to the above-mentioned uses on the body, the psychological effects of tea tree oil are often emphasized. The ingredients of the oil should help to alleviate anxiety and contribute to feeling better. The contained monoterpenes additionally support the effect. Tea tree oil is said to have a pleasant effect on negative feelings such as listlessness or listlessness and states of exhaustion. These effects have not been proven either.
Tips for use on skin and hair
Important: Many bottles say that you can also use the oil neat. However, you should be careful with this and test a skin area beforehand to see whether it is causing skin irritation or allergic reactions. You are on the safe side if you do not use the oil pure.
- Against blemished skin on the body: Add about ten drops of the oil as an additive to the bath water.
- For massage: Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with pure vegetable oil (such as avocado or almond oil).
- As cosmetics: drop a little tea tree oil in your cream or lotion for an anti-inflammatory effect. There is also finished cosmetic products with tea tree oil.
- If your scalp is flaky, itchy, or irritated: Add about five drops of the oil to the shampoo and wash your hair as usual. Also ready-made shampoo with tea tree oil can help with such complaints.
- For tired, sore or unpleasant smelling feet: Add ten to 20 drops of the oil to the foot bath.
- If you are tired: add about ten drops of the tea tree oil to the bath water.
Tips for Using Tea Tree Oil for Oral Care
- To gargle: If the ear, nose and gums are irritated, three to five drops of tea tree oil can be put into a water glass. But be careful: do not swallow!
Other uses of tea tree oil
- Hygienically clean laundry: add 20 drops to your washing machine for an antibacterial effect when washing laundry.
- For cleaning the room: add about 20 drops to the cleaning water. Tea tree oil can also help to curb the formation of mold in endangered rooms.
- To drive away mosquitoes: Take a tea bag and soak it with a little tea tree oil. Then put the bag on a plate and place it in the space you want to keep mosquitos out. You can also put a few drops of tea tree oil on the lower edge of the open window as a preventive measure. The essential oil will keep the insects from entering through the window.
Can tea tree oil use be dangerous?
So tea tree oil seems to be a real all-rounder. Of course, it is not a miracle cure and cannot magic away negative feelings or replace a visit to the doctor. But it can be helpful for many complaints. But be careful: it can happen that allergic reactions occur when used on the skin. It is therefore advisable to do a test on the skin before use – and to refrain from using it in the event of any abnormalities. In addition, it is best to discuss with your (skin) doctor whether you should use the oil pure or only diluted. You should definitely avoid contact with the eyes – as with other essential oils. It is expressly not suitable for consumption.
Furthermore, medicinal plants that contain essential oils must not be used in the area of the nose and mouth of infants and small children. This can lead to shortness of breath. People who suffer from asthma should also check with their doctor whether they can use tea tree oil. Inhaling essential oils is taboo in any case, as this application can trigger an asthma attack.
Further important information on the use of tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is not yet approved as a medicinal product in Germany. It is therefore not subject to the strict regulations that apply to pharmaceuticals. When buying, you should always pay attention to what is in the bottle and, if necessary, speak to your doctor. Furthermore, pet owners should be careful: “Care products with tea tree oil are offered in Germany for the treatment of pets against ectoparasites such as ticks and fleas as well as against skin fungus. Cat owners in particular should, however, exercise caution: The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment warns especially if they are used repeatedly or too high a dosage expressly against severe symptoms of intoxication “, says the website of” ESCCAP “.
The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment also warns against use on the skin: “According to self-assessment by the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), concentrated tea tree oil is classified as harmful and with the R-phrases R 22 (harmful if swallowed), R 38 (irritates Skin) and R 65 (can cause lung damage if swallowed) as well as the symbol Xn (harmful to health) (IFRA Labeling Manual 1, 2001). These hazard warnings can also be found on the safety data sheets of the raw material suppliers. ” The institute therefore advises: “The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment recommends limiting the concentration of tea tree oil in cosmetic products to a maximum of one percent. Cosmetic products containing tea tree oil should also be protected from light and treated with antioxidants in order to avoid the oxidation of the terpenes as far as possible. “
Tip: In order to maintain the effect of the oil and to minimize undesirable effects, it is best to keep the bottle in the folding box so that the light-sensitive tea tree oil is better protected from oxidation. In addition, you should generally use it six months after opening it and, if possible, use it very diluted and not swallow it.
Sources used: “pharmacy magazine“/”ESCCAP“/ Federal Institute for Risk Assessment
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