Helpful home remedy
What you can use tea tree oil for – and when you should be careful
Tea tree oil is known as versatile home remedies: it can be used on skin and hair, but can also be helpful when washing the laundry.
Tea tree oil is one of the home remedies that many have in the closet at home. For good reason: it is almost an all -rounder and can be used in a variety of 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 obtained is called Melaleuca Alternifolia in the technical language and grows in Australia. That is there has long known as a home remedy. James Cook is said to have come to Europe, but it was not until 1925 that his antiseptic, bactericidal and fungicide effects were scientifically proven. But the oil should not only be able 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 water vapor distillation of the leaves and branches.
Pure tea tree oil has a clear to pale yellow color. It smells fresh and a little spicy, for some it has an unpleasant smell. The chemical compounds of terpins and cineol give the oil its healing effect. In order for this to develop completely, you should rely on high-quality essential oil when buying: it should contain at least 38 percent terpine-4-ol and not more than three percent cineol. The latter can have a mucous membrane in high doses.
Effect of tea tree oil
As a rule, anti -inflammatory and wound healing effect. In laboratory tests, tea tree oil inhibits the growth of bacteria, according to “pharmacies Umschau”, including acne pathogens. It should therefore be helpful for inflammatory skin problems such as pimples, acne or warts. Experimental studies continue to provide evidence that the ingredients can viruses such as herpes simplex virus or skin mushrooms harmless. In naturopathy, tea tree oil is therefore used for skin problems, warts, foot and nail fungus or herpes. However, there are no medical examinations that show these effects.
In addition, the home remedy can be used for colds or also act as an addition in mouthwash when inflammation of the gums – or for gurgling in the event of inflammation in the throat. What it makes so suitable for these applications: tea tree oil is very tissue -protecting.
In addition to the applications mentioned on the body, the mental effect of tea tree oil is often emphasized. The ingredients of the oil should help to alleviate fears and contribute to feeling more comfortable. Contained monoterpenes also support the effect. Tea tree oil should have a pleasant effect, for example, in the case of negative feelings such as pleasure or drivelessness and exhaustion. These effects are also not proven.
Tips for use on skin and hair
Important: It says on many vials that you can also use the oil pure. However, you should be careful and test it beforehand on a skin area whether there are any skin irritation or allergic reactions. You are on the safe side if you don’t use the oil pure.
- Against impure skin on the body: Add about ten drops of the oil as an addition to the bathing water.
- To the massage: Mix some drops of tea tree oil with pure vegetable oil (such as avocado or almond oil).
- As a cosmetics: drop a little tea tree oil into your cream or lotion to achieve an anti -inflammatory effect. There are also .
- With scaly, 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 symptoms.
- In tired, wounds or uncomfortably smelling feet: add ten to 20 drops of the oil to the foot bath.
- When tensed: Put around ten drops of tea tree oil into the bathing water.
Tips for using tea tree oil for oral care
- For gargling: In the case of irritation of the ear, nose room or gums, three to five drops of tea tree oil can be placed in water glass. But be careful: don’t swallow!
Other uses of tea tree oil
- Hygienically clean laundry: Add 20 drops to your washing machine to achieve an antibacterial effect when washing the laundry.
- For space care: Put around 20 drops in the wiping water. Tea tree oil can also help to contain the formation of mold in endangered rooms.
- To drive out 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 room you want to free from mosquitoes. You can also prevent some drops of tea tree oil on the bottom of the open windows. The essential oil stops the insects from penetrating the window.
Can the use of tea tree oil be dangerous?
So tea tree oil seems to be a real all -rounder. Of course, it is not a miracle cure and cannot conjure up negative feelings or replace the walk to the doctor. However, it can be helpful for many symptoms. But be careful: there may be allergic reactions when used on the skin. Therefore, it is advisable to take a test on the skin before use – and to refrain from using the use. In addition, it is best to discuss with your (skin) doctor 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 may not be used in infants and toddlers in the area of nose and mouth. This can lead to shortness of breath. People who suffer from asthma should also clarify with the doctor whether they can use tea tree oil. Inhaling with essential oils is in any case taboo, since this application can trigger a asthma attack.
Further important information on the use of tea tree oil
Tea tree oil has not yet been approved as medicinal products in Germany. It is therefore not subject to the strict regulations that apply to medicines. When buying, you should always pay attention to what is included 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 mushrooms. Above all, cat owners: Inside, caution should show: The Federal Institute for Risk Evaluation expressly warns in particular when using repeated use or too high dosage, according to the website of” EscCAP “.
The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment also warns of use on the skin: “After self-classification, concentrated tea tree oil is classified as harmful to health after self-classification by the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) and with the R-phrases R 22 (harmful to swallow), R 38 (stimulates the skin) and R 65 (can cause lung damage) and the symbol XN (harmful) Provided (IFRA LABELLING Manual 1, 2001). The institute therefore advises: “The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment recommends that the concentration of tea tree oil in cosmetic means to limit a maximum of one percent. Tea tree oil should also be protected from light and moved with antioxidants in order to largely avoid the oxidation of the terpenes.”
Tip: In order to maintain the effect of the oil and minimize unwanted 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 best use it and do not swallow.
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MAF
Source: Stern
I’m Caroline, a journalist and author for 24 Hours Worlds. I specialize in health-related news and stories, bringing real-world impact to readers across the globe. With my experience in journalism and writing in both print and online formats, I strive to provide reliable information that resonates with audiences from all walks of life.
