Tea tree oil is known as a versatile household remedy: it can be used on skin and hair, but it 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. With good reason: It is almost an all-rounder and can be used in many 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 in technical jargon and grows in Australia. There it is long known as a home remedy. James Cook is said to have brought it to Europe, but it was not until 1925 that its antiseptic, bactericidal and fungicidal effects were scientifically proven. But the oil should not only be able to help with some skin problems. It is also said to have a positive effect on the psyche. Tea tree oil is obtained by steam distillation of the leaves and twigs.
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 healing properties. In order for this to develop fully, you should buy high-quality essential oil: it should contain at least 38 percent terpinen-4-ol and no more than three percent cineol. The latter can have an irritating effect on the mucous membranes in high doses.
effects of tea tree oil
usually has an anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effect. 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. There are also indications from experimental studies 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, athlete’s foot and nail fungus or even herpes. However, there are no medical studies that prove these effects.
In addition, the household remedy can be used for colds or as an additive in mouthwashes for inflammation of the gums – or to gargle with inflammation in the throat. What makes it so suitable for these applications: Tea tree oil is very gentle on tissue.
In addition to the mentioned applications on the body, the psychological effects of tea tree oil are often emphasized. The ingredients in the oil are said to help alleviate anxiety and make you feel better. 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 are not 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 on 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.
- Against impure skin on the body: add about ten drops of the oil to the bath water.
- For the massage: Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with pure vegetable oil (e.g. avocado or almond oil).
- As cosmetics: Drop a little tea tree oil into your cream or lotion for an anti-inflammatory effect. There is also .
- For flaky, itchy or irritated scalp: add about five drops of the oil to the shampoo and wash your hair as usual. Also can help with such problems.
- For tired, sore or unpleasantly smelling feet: add 10 to 20 drops of the oil to the foot bath.
- If you are 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 your throat and nose are irritated or your gums are irritated, three to five drops of tea tree oil can be added to a glass of water. But beware: do not swallow!
Other uses of tea tree oil
- Hygienically Clean Laundry: Add 20 drops to your washing machine for an antibacterial effect when doing laundry.
- For room care: Put about 20 drops in the cleaning water. Tea tree oil can also help curb the formation of mold in at-risk rooms.
- To repel mosquitoes: Take a tea bag and soak it with 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 lower edge of the open window 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 ailments. 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 if you notice any abnormalities. In addition, it is best to discuss with your (dermatologist) doctor whether you should use the oil pure or only diluted. As with other essential oils, you should always avoid contact with your eyes. 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 with essential oils is taboo in any case, as this application can trigger an asthma attack.
Other important notes 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 medicinal products. When buying, 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 in particular with repeated use or too high a dose, specifically from severe symptoms of poisoning,” says the ESCCAP website.
The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment also warns against use on the skin: “According to self-classification by the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), concentrated tea tree oil is classified as harmful and has the R phrases R 22 (harmful if swallowed), R 38 (irritating to the skin). skin) and R 65 (may cause lung damage if swallowed) and the symbol Xn (harmful) (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 antioxidants should be added to prevent 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 usually use it up six months after opening and ideally use it very diluted and not swallow it.
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Source: Stern
