
Dry hair requires a gentle, non-detergent based product; a 2% solution of tea tree oil in a moisturizing shampoo will help to unblock sebaceous glands and encourage the flow of the body's own moisturizing oils, while clearing away unsightly dead skin cells.
For oily skin, a gentle tea tree oil moisturizing shampoo will help cleanse the scalp of bacterial and fungal irritations and help to disperse dead skin cells.
Tea tree oil mixed with other essential oils is especially good as a scalp treatment for relieving dandruff. Medical professionals list infection, poor diet, blood circulation and inadequate nerve stimulation as some of the causes of dandruff. A yeast that lives on the scalp, Pityrosporum ovale, and a fungus called trichoplyton spp also contributes to dandruff conditions. While there are many anti-fungal and bacterial soaps and shampoos on the market, tea tree oil offers a natural alternative. A recent study indicates that a pharmaceutical grade of a tea tree oil in low concentrations helps to eliminate bacteria and fungus on the scalp, as well as Pityrosporum ovales. There have also been reports that by massaging the oil into the scalp promotes new hair growth.
Treatment for cradle cap: one part of pure tea tree oil and ten parts of another oil, such as almond oil, avocado or olive oil. Gently massage the oil into the baby's scalp and leave it on for a few minutes, then follow up with a tea tree shampoo.
Head lice among school children: Add five to ten drops of pure tea tree oil to a shampoo and wash the child's hair, massaging the mixture thoroughly into the scalp. Do this every day until the eggs are removed. In between shampoos, a few drops of the oil can be massaged into the scalp. Do not rinse out. To help sterilize and prevent further lice infestation, brushes, combs, bedding and towels may be soaked in a tea tree oil solution of 1/4 oz. of oil added to a tub of water. You may also spray a dilution of tea tree oil in the clothes hamper to help control infestation.
More people are becoming susceptible to viral conditions such as cold sores. Cold sores can be controlled by applying a few drops of pure tea tree oil onto the infected area at the onset. The oil will help to keep the cold sore from manifesting.
Dermatitis, dry skin, fungus, corns, and athlete's foot are just a few skin problems that we all face at one time or another. Generally, dry skin brushing and using a body lotion with tea tree oil added will help to repair and smooth the injured skin. Bathing in tea tree oil is therapeutic and soothing for tired muscles. Add ten drops of the oil to a warm tub and soak for twenty minutes.
Tea tree oil has been known to penetrate to the cellular level. Try adding ten drops of pure oil to your favorite day or night cream to help moisturize and smooth skin.
After shaving or waxing, apply several drops of the oil to the newly waxed or shaved area. It helps to cut down redness or swelling. A lotion containing a few drops of tea tree oil will also work well. Ingrown hairs can be eliminated by massaging the oil into the skin
Many dentists use tea tree oil as a mouthwash and for sterilizing cavities before filling. Studies have shown that washing the mouth out twice a day with a few drops of tea tree oil will help to inhibit the growth of bacteria, and reports state that gum bleeding has been greatly reduced and plaque controlled. Reports indicate that using tea tree oil in dental hygiene and in surgery show it to be an extremely effective antiseptic.
Holding a dilute solution of tea tree oil in your mouth for as long as possible before swishing and spitting it out will help with bleeding gums, inflammation or infection in the mouth.