Helpful home remedy
What you can use tea tree oil for – and when you should be careful
Tea tree oil has long been known for its versatile effects. But there are 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 can also be helpful when doing laundry, 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 cupboards at home. For good reason: it is almost an all-rounder and can be used in many different ways. We explain what it can do and when you should be careful.
Tea tree oil: history and content
The tea tree from which the valuable essential oil can be extracted is called Melaleuca alternifolia and grows in Australia. That’s where it is Tea tree oil has long been 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. It is also said to have a positive effect on the psyche, among other things. Tea tree oil is obtained by steam distillation of the leaves and twigs.
Pure tea tree oil has a clear to pale yellow color. It smells fresh and somewhat spicy, for some it has an unpleasant smell. The chemical compounds terpinene and cineole give the oil its healing properties. In order for this to fully develop, you should buy high-quality essential oil: It should contain at least 38 percent terpinen-4-ol and no more than three percent cineole. The latter can have an irritating effect on the mucous membranes in high doses.
Effects of tea tree oil
Tea tree oil Usually has an anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effect. According to “Apotheken Umschau”, in laboratory tests, tea tree oil inhibits the growth of bacteria, including acne pathogens. It is therefore said to be helpful for inflammatory skin problems such as pimples, acne or warts. There are also indications from experimental studies that the ingredients can render viruses such as herpes simplex viruses or skin fungi harmless. In natural medicine, tea tree oil is used for skin problems, warts, athlete’s foot and nail fungus or even 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 inflamed gums – or for gargling for sore throats. What makes it so suitable for these applications: Tea tree oil is very gentle on tissue.
In addition to the mentioned uses on the body, the psychological effects of tea tree oil are often highlighted. The ingredients in the oil are said to help relieve anxiety and make you feel more comfortable. The monoterpenes it contains 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 pure. However, you should be careful with this and test an area of skin beforehand to see whether skin irritation or allergic reactions occur. You are on the safe side if you do not use the oil pure.
- For blemished skin on the body: Add about ten drops of the oil 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: Drip a little tea tree oil into your cream or lotion for an anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, there is also finished cosmetic products with tea tree oil.
- For flaky, itchy or irritated scalp: 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 feel tired: Add about ten drops of tea tree oil to the bath water.
Tips for using tea tree oil for oral care
- For gargling: If the throat and nose or gums are irritated, add three to five drops of tea tree oil to a glass of water. But be careful: don’t swallow!
Other uses for tea tree oil
- Hygienically clean laundry: Add 20 drops to your washing machine to provide an antibacterial effect when washing laundry.
- For room care: Add about 20 drops to the cleaning water. Tea tree oil can also help curb the formation of mold in vulnerable rooms.
- To repel mosquitoes: Take a tea bag and soak it in some tea tree oil. Then place the bag on a plate and place it in the room you want to rid of mosquitoes. You can also put a few drops of tea tree oil on the bottom edge of open windows as a preventive measure. The essential oil deters the insects from entering through the window.
Can using tea tree oil be dangerous?
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 going to the doctor. But it can be helpful for many complaints. But be careful: allergic reactions may occur when used on the skin. It is therefore advisable to carry out a test on the skin before use – and to refrain from use if there are any abnormalities. It is also best to consult with your (dermatologist) whether you should use the oil pure or only diluted. You should always avoid contact with your 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 definitely taboo, as this use can trigger an asthma attack.
Further important information on the use of tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is currently not approved as a medicine in Germany. It is therefore not subject to the strict regulations that apply to pharmaceuticals. When purchasing, you should always pay attention to what is contained 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 to treat pets against ectoparasites such as ticks and fleas as well as against skin fungi. However, cat owners in particular should exercise caution: The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment warns, especially with repeated use or too high a dosage expressly protects against severe symptoms of poisoning,” it says on the “ESCCAP” website.
The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment also warns against use on the skin: “Concentrated tea tree oil is classified as harmful to health according to the self-classification by the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) and is assigned the R-phrases R 22 (harmful if swallowed), R 38 (irritating Skin) and R 65 (May cause lung damage if swallowed) as well as the symbol 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 added with antioxidants in order to avoid the oxidation of the terpenes as much as possible. “
Tip: In order to preserve the effect of the oil and minimize unwanted effects, it is best to store 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 it is best to use it highly diluted and not swallow it.
Sources used: “pharmacy magazine“/”ESCCAP” / Federal Institute for Risk Assessment
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