Showing posts with label Tea Tree. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tea Tree. Show all posts

Thursday, 8 January 2015

Natural and healthy ways to manage head lice using essential oils


While our children are in school with their heads near their peers in “deep concentration” lice can enjoy easy passage from one person’s hair and scalp to the next. Head lice love the close quarters of classrooms and enjoy having children bring them home to infect the whole family through pillow sharing, sharing of hair accessories and even from their beloved stuffed animals!
Essential oils are a fast, effective and natural way to both prevent and treat head lice.
Some simple methods we can use at home are to wash everything, making sure it gets time in the dryer as heat can kill lice. Bagging stuffed animals and other bedroom toys where lice can live, and then leaving the bag to sit somewhere hot or cold for 2 weeks can help break the life cycle and kill off the lice. Treating our person starts with purchasing a good quality metal head lice or nit comb. This is needed to brush through hair daily to remove the lice and nits from the hair. This needs to be done for a good week until there are no visible signs of eggs in the hair. If one person in the family has head lice it is recommended that all members of the family be treated.

Essential oils that prove to be effective for head lice in children are:


Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Eucalyptus radiata (Eucalyptus radiata)

Lemon (Citrus limonum)
Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)


Please pay special attention to the variety specified in the above list, as it’s important to use the correct variety of essential oil on children.
Sometimes Rosemary essential oil is mentioned in conjunction with head lice, however I do not recommended this essential oil for young children and since it is also not to be used on anyone who is prone to seizures, I do not recommend using this oil for head lice.

To make your own oil blend to massage into your child’s hair follow this general guide line:

Into 1 ounce (30ml or 2 TBSP) coconut oil add 3-6 drops essential oil for children 5 years and older.

You can choose any combination of essential oils from the list above.  Then apply a few drops of this mix onto their scalp and hair (avoiding the eyes) then wrap hair in a plastic bag to keep the head warm and sit for 30 minutes with the oil mix in the hair. After 30 minutes brush the hair thoroughly with the nit comb, rinsing the comb in soapy water between each stroke through the hair. Then blow-dry the hair using the heat setting, as head lice are heat and light sensitive. Do this treatment multiple days until there are no visible eggs caught in the comb. Adding a few drops of this mix to your shampoo also helps and is a good prevention to head lice.
Keep in mind that you can get a custom aromatherapy blend from a certified aromatherapist to help target head lice and create a pleasant blend for preventative use throughout the school year. Also if your child has developed an irritated and red scalp from the head lice then an aromatherapist can custom blend an oil to help soothe the scalp.

Evoke aromatherapy has the pure essential oils needed for lice prevention and can custom blend products for the prevention and treatment of head lice. To inquire email: info@evokearomatherapy.com

Thank you! :)
Evoke Aromatherapy
May we live with love in our heart and actions


A picture slide show featuring head lice
http://www.medicinenet.com/head_lice_pictures_slideshow/article.htm 

Thursday, 3 July 2014

Tea Tree Essential Oil

Tea tree essential oil is incredibly popular. But what is tea tree oil good for? A lot actually! The oil is well studied and has many proven benefits. See these benefits of tea tree oil for acne, skin, hair and more.

tea tree oil
Quick Glance at Tea Tree Oil

Pros: Tea tree essential oil is anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and insecticidal. That makes it perfect for skin, acne, pimples, hair, lice and more.

Cons: Tea tree oil is toxic if accidentally ingested. And, if you use it on your pets, it can cause depression, weakness and muscle tremors.

Precautions: Always check with your doctor before using tea tree oil especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.



Tea Tree Oil Properties

Here are a few properties of tea tree essential oil.

Name:

The botanical name for tea tree is Melaleuca alternifolia.

It's really important to verify this name before buying tea tree essential oil since you might see Melaleuca oil or tea oil for sale. You should know they are not the same as tea tree.

Melaleuca oil could be from tea tree, cajeput (Melaleuca cajuputi) or niaouli (Melaleuca quinquenervia) or some combination of the three. And tea oil is from the Camellia sinensis or Camellia oleifera plants (which are used for cooking).

That's why it's so important to verify the botanical name of the oil you're buying. You have to make sure you're getting exactly what you want.

Color & Scent:

Tea tree oil has a colorless to pale yellow color. And it smells a little like camphor.

Compounds:

Over 60 compounds have been identified in tea tree essential oil. They include: terpinen-4-ol (which makes up roughly 40% of the oil, gamma-terpinene (20%), alpha-terpinene (10%), 1,8-cineole, also known as eucalyptol (7%), alpha-terpineol (5%), alpha-pinene (4%), p-Cymene (4%), sabinene (2%), limonene (1%), ledene (or viridoflorene, 1%), aromadendrene (1%), and delta-cadinene (1%).

It is clear tea tree oil is loaded with terpenes and these give the oil some incredible benefits for skin, hair and more.


Tea Tree Oil Benefits

Here are just some of the many benefits of tea tree oil.

1. Tea tree oil may be anti-cancer
cancer badge

Tea tree oil has proven benefits against cancer and tumor cells.

One 2004 study clearly demonstrated these benefits. It tested tea tree oil on human melanoma cells. Now, melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can get very resistant to conventional cancer treatments and drugs. So the study tested both normal and drug resistant melanoma cells.

The results were amazing! They showed that tea tree oil with concentrations as low as 0.02 to 0.03% actually killed the cancer cells. And it was more effective on the drug resistant cells!

But remember this is an in vitro study and not a clinical trial. So while tea tree oil has amazing benefits for cancer cells in the lab, your body may react differently and more clinical work is needed to definitively say tea tree can help fight cancer.

You should note though, the study identified terpinen-4-ol as the main compound responsible for these effects.


2. It is antimicrobial
antimicrobial icon

Tea tree oil exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. That means the oil fights off bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa.

This great article (2006) lists several studies and further evidence proving the oil's antimicrobial nature.

The article showed tea tree oil was bactericidal and bacteriostatic even at very low concentrations. This means you only need a little tea tree to kill bacteria and stop them from multiplying. Even the vapors of the oil are strong enough to inhibit bacteria. It's that powerful!

Tea tree oil also fights yeasts, dermatophytes and other fungi. And it stops them from creating and releasing spores. So it can kill and control any unwanted fungi and mould you have. Oh and the vapors work on them too!

Terpinen-4-ol, alpha-terpineol and 1,8-cineole are the main compounds responsible for the antimicrobial nature of tea tree oil. But there are other compounds like alpha-pinene that contribute too. So the oil has several active ingredients fighting off microbes. This makes it harder for bacteria and viruses to become resistant to tea tree.

These tea tree oil benefits are just awesome!


3. Tea tree oil is great in soap

Since it is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial oil, you can use tea tree oil in soaps and hand washes.

In fact, a 2004 study showed mixtures containing 5% tea tree oil were much better to use than regular soft soap in keeping hands clean and hygienic in a hospital environment.


4. It's anti-inflammatory

There is tremendous research validating these benefits of tea tree oil. And terpinen-4-ol is the main anti-inflammatory compound in the oil.


5. Tea tree oil for acne
face icon

Tea tree's antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties help it fight acne.

A 2007 study actually compared a 5% tea tree oil gel to a 5% benzoyl peroxide lotion for treating mild to moderate acne. You probably know benzoyl peroxide is the main active ingredient in most acne products.

The study showed both were great at reducing inflamed acne. But benzoyl peroxide was more effective and left the skin less oily than tea tree oil. It doesn't end there though!

Tea tree was better at preventing scaly skin, itchiness and dryness than benzoyl peroxide. And it also caused far less side effects than the peroxide. So the researchers recommend tea tree oil for acne or rather as a suitable treatment option for mild to moderate acne.

And these are proven benefits of tea tree oil for acne! Not hearsay!


6. Tea tree oil for hair and dandruff too
hair icon

One of the (many) causes of dandruff is a yeast-like fungus. And given tea tree's broad spectrum antimicrobial properties, it should work to curb dandruff.

A 2002 study investigated this. It asked 126 participants to wash their hair either with a 5% tea tree oil shampoo or a placebo every day for a month.

The group that used the tea tree shampoo saw their dandruff decrease by 41%. Whereas the placebo group saw only an 11% reduction. The tea tree users also experienced less itchiness and greasiness of their hair. The study therefore recommends a tea tree shampoo as an effective means for dealing with dandruff.


7. Tea tree oil kills and repels bugs
insecticide icon

I used a home-made tea tree, eucalyptus and citronella oils spray to take out a very large spider once. It was the biggest freakin' spider I ever saw; about the size of my hand (no exaggeration!). From the first spray, it started to cringe and run around. Of course, I screamed like crazy but I had to get it out. After a bit more spray (and a lot of eeks and shudders from me), it curled up and died.

R.I.P. scary spider!

The spray repels bugs too like ants, mosquitoes and more. I spray it on my skin and clothes before going out. It works! And it smells like the oils. It isn't like the commercial bug spray with their terrible smell. And it doesn't have those questionable, endocrine disrupting chemicals.

So why does tea tree oil work so well on bugs? The answer is in the terpenes. Insects and spiders hate the stuff. And you know, tea tree oil is loaded with a lot of terpenes.


8. Tea tree oil for lice

It's not just for the common bugs. Tea tree oil is effective for uncommon critters too. There's a 2012 study in the Parasitology Research (Journal) that proved tea tree oil was very effective against head lice.

At just 1% concentration (1 drop per teaspoon of solution), tea tree caused all the head lice under study to die within 30 minutes. It was also pretty effective against the lice eggs.

So use tea tree oil for lice! It both repels and kills them!


9. And there's more
Because tea tree essential oil is antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory, it can be used to treat many skin and respiratory problems. So you can use tea tree oil for:
  • eczema
  • skin infections (e.g. herpes)
  • rashes
  • wounds
  • warts
  • sores
  • blisters
  • burns
  • nail fungus
  • colds
  • sore throat

Tea Tree Oil Side Effects and Precautions

You have seen the tea tree oil benefits so you know just how powerful the oil is. You must be careful when using the oil. Here are some of tea tree oil side effects and precautions you should be aware of:

  1. Don't ingest tea tree essential oil. It is toxic. There are cases where human and animal poisonings have occurred. So don't drink it and don't give it to your pets either.

  2. Don't put undiluted tea tree oil on your skin. It must be diluted with a carrier oil. An ideal ratio is about 2 to 3 drops of essential oil to 1 teaspoon of carrier oil (2-3%). Or 7 to 8 drops of essential oil to 1 tablespoon of carrier oil. You could consider any of these oils as your carrier.

  3. Always do a skin patch test if it's the first time you're using the essential oil. A simple dab of tea tree - carrier oil mixture (see point 2 for mix details) behind the ear or on the hand is fine.

    Monitor the spot for a few hours before washing it off. If the area is red or irritated, you may be sensitive or allergic to tea tree oil. Don't use it if you are. If the area is normal, then go forth with tea tree oil! (Here's a more detailed how-to guide for doing a patch test).

  4. Decide before giving it to your boys. There’s a study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, which suggested one young boy developed breasts as a result of using a gel and shampoo containing tea tree and lavender essential oils. No other study has been done to confirm, verify or invalidate these findings.

    In fact, the study was met with several comments from the scientific community questioning its thoroughness and completeness. The comments noted popular ingredients in these types of products and in plastic bottles (e.g. phthalates) are known hormone disruptors and could potentially be the root cause of the breast enlargement.

    I'm personally skeptical of the study and agree with the comments. So I suggest you read both the study and the comments (in the links above) before deciding whether or not to give it to your boys.

  5. Don't use it on your pets. Some reports show dogs and cats experience depression, weakness, and muscle tremors after having tea tree oil rubbed on their skin.

  6. Consult your doctor if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Tea tree essential oil is considered safe to use while pregnant. However, you should still get the all clear from your doctor before using this oil.

Get Tea Tree Essential Oil:

Tea Tree ORGANIC Essential Oil 10 ml


What's next?

Return to:
- Essential Oils Listing
- Carrier Oils Listing

Friday, 6 September 2013

If I Could Only Pick Two Essential Oils for My First Aid Kit



I would pick lavender, tea tree (melaleuca)  if I could only choose two bottles for my first aid kit. The picture below will explain why.


Click to enlarge the picture.



Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.


Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:
If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide. 


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Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. 
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.




Monday, 26 August 2013

Melaleuca Alternifolia ~ Tea Tree


Tea tree has been used by the Australian aborigines for a long time. 

Origin 
Tea tree is originally from Australia

Aroma
Tea tree has a very antiseptic aroma. The top note is camphor-like, litte woody, sharp, clean and fresh. The middle note is sweeter, less camphoraceous, spicy, pleasant and woody. The base note is medicinal, woody, little spicy and sharp. It is a neutral oil emotionally that promotes cleansing and purity.


Indications, therapeutic actions and traditional uses
According to Battaglia, tea tree is active against all three categories of infectious organism such as fungi, viruses and bacteria. He says it is also a very effective immune-stimulant and as such it will increase the body's ability to respond to invading organisms. These properties gives tea tree a wide range of applications. 

According to Battaglia, tea tree  makes a great addition to a first aid kit. For example:
  • Dirty wounds may be washed out with a tea tree solution.
  • Athlete's foot, vaginitis, cradle cap, and nail infection may be washed  frequently with a 2.5% tea tree solution.
  • For sore throat, add 10 drops of tea tree to a glass of water and gargle to help clear throat.
  • Add to vaporizer and inhale for congested nasal passage and respiratory infections.
  • Add tea tree to massage oil or to a bath for muscular aches and pain.

According to Battaglia, tea tree is very effective for the treatment of acne and pimples when combined with lavender. It can be mixed in a 1% dilution with a light oil such a jojoba or apricot. Massage into face and then wipe off. He says it can also be added to shampoo and used in the treatment of dandruff. For head lice Battaglia suggests to apply directly to the affected parts and leave for half an hour before washing it out. The head lice treatment needs to done for 10 days at a two day intervals. Dab on pure tea tree oil for insect bites and stings.


According to Gary Young, tea trea is indicated athlete's foot, fungal infections, respiratory infections, bronchitis, rash, gum disease, sore throat, tonsillitis, and vaginal thrush. He says it may also help acne, candida, cold sores, inflammation, warts, viral infections, ingrown nails and wounds. 

Safety
Keep out of reach of children. Consult a healthcare practitioner prior to use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.


Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.


Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:
If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide. 


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Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. 
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.





Sources:

Gary Young, ND (2006). Essential Oils, Integrative Medical Guide. Essential Science Publishing
Salvatore Battaglia (1995). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. The Perfect Potion Pty Ltd

Monday, 11 March 2013

Essential Oils & Head Lice



I got a message from our homeschool charter that it was discovered that some children had head lice. Fortunately my children have not participated in any classes for the last couple of weeks so we are safe. Having lice is not fun, they are insects that live on people's heads and suck their blood. Unfortunately they are extremely contagious. 

Drug resistance
When we lived in Wales and my children attended public school they often had problems with head lice at their school. It seemed like I received several letters each month telling me they found head lice on yet another child. Luckily, my children got head lice once when we lived there and they were nice enough to pass it on to me too. I learned that the head lice are becoming drug resistance, so no wonder the head lice keeping coming back to schools and other places. Hopefully people will realize the wonderful power of natural remedies since they don't cause drug resistance.

What I did
Back in Wales I used tea tree and rosemary for head lice. I added it to shampoo as well as to the final rinse after shampooing. I also mixed the essential oils with vegetable oils and applied to the scalp and covered with a disposable shower cap and left overnight. 

Studies
According to the Essential Oils Integrative Medical Guide, cinnamon leaf, anise seed, tea tree (Melaleuca), peppermint, nutmeg, and red thyme used in shampoo and rinse solutions have showed effectiveness against head lice according to studies in Iceland. 

The Essential Oils Integrative Medical Guide also lists the following oils for head lice:
Eucalyptus radiata, lavender, peppermint, thyme (thymus vulgaris,) and geranium.


Remember to use good judgement and don't hesitate to seek medical help when you think it is needed. This information is not meant to prescribe or diagnose, it is only for information and education purposes only.


Thanks for reading!



Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.


Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:
If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide. 

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Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. 
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.






Sources:
Connie and Alan Higley, (Twelfth Edition, revised 2010). Reference Guide for Essential Oils. Abundant Health
Gary Young, ND (2006). Essential Oils, Integrative Medical Guide. Essential Science Publishing
The Essential Oils Desk Reference. (Fifth edition 2011). Life Science Publishing
Valeri Ann Worwood, (1991). The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy. New World Library, San Rafael, CA


Wednesday, 27 February 2013

Essential Oils & Allergies


The weather here in California has been lovely the last few days and I have enjoyed sitting outside soaking up some sun. Spring is the time when we feel awake and start living again after a long winter. If you suffer from allergies you probably don't enjoy the spring as much as you would like to. You probably suffer from congestion, have watery eyes, runny nose, earaches, and headaches. I know many people that have reduced their suffering by using natural remedies for their allergies. If you haven't tried natural remedies for your allergies yet, then it might be time to give it a try.


Triggers
As most of us know allergies can be triggered by many different things such as environmental chemicals, pollen, food, insect bites dander and dust. People with allergies may suffer from the following:
  • Cramps, diarrhea, vomiting
  • Dermatitis, rashes
  • Itching lips, swelling of the tongue or lips
  • Wheezing and labored breathing
Essential oils may be helpful
Essential oils may be of  help when suffering from allergies but it is also important to look into what is causing the allergy. Looking into the underlying causes of your allergy is important, my post Do You Have Allergies? will give you other natural tips to consider when suffering from allergies.



What we used on our dog
We managed to get our dog's congestionunder control with the help of frankincense, but we also changed her diet. We put a couple of drops of frankincense  on our hands and rubbed them together, then cupped them over her nose so that she could inhale the oil. It was an instant relief from her congestion. Our dog preferred frankincense since it also calmed her from the panic attacks she had when she couldn't breath. 




"An allergy is a damaging immune system response to a substance that does not bother most people." Reference Guide for Essential Oils


Antihistamines
According to the Reference Guide for Essential Oils,  Roman Chamomile, lavender and Melaleuca (tea tree) have antihistamine properties. It is important to avoid chamomile if you're allergic to the ragweed.  Studies how that luteolin- 7-orutinoside in peppermint  has antihistamine properties.

The Reference Guide for Essential Oils writes that patchouli, elemi (rashes), eucalyptus, melissa - Lemon Balm (skin and respiratory), and spkikenard are other single oils used for allergies.

    What we do for allergies:
    • We apply lavender to the sinuses to work as an antihistamine.
    • We apply to bottom of feet.
    • We put 2 or more drops into the palm of our left hand, rub clockwise with the flat palm or the right hand. Cup our hands together over the nose and mouth and inhale deeply. Don't touch your eyes!
    • We apply oils to a cotton ball, tissue, or handkerchief and place in the air vent of the car. Make sure you don't use any synthetic materials. 
    • Rub 2 or more drops on our wrists, chest, neck, or under the nose and ears. (Indirect inhalation)

    Before you leave:

    I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.



    Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

    Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:
    If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide. 


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    Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. 

    Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.





    Sunday, 24 February 2013

    Antiviral Essential Oils


    It is very useful to know what kind of oils are antiviral, especially this time of the year when the flu is still going around. If you haven't already stocked up on a couple of antiviral essential oils it may be a good time to do so. Antiviral essential oils "inhibit or stop the development, function, or replication of an infection- causing virus." (Reference Guide for Essential Oils)

    Essential oils can be used in so many ways. The awesome thing is that you can use them as prevention so you don't have to wait until you get sick. You will have the greatest protection if you use them before you're exposed to the virus.

    There are many essential oils with antiviral properties and I'm only going to share the ones I like to use.


    According to the Reference Guide for Essential Oils, Melissa, also known as Lemon Balm, has shown some of the strongest antiviral activity. The book also states that oils high in limonene such as lemon, grapefruit, orange, tangerine, palo santo may also be very effective antiviral agents.


    According to the Reference Guide for Essential Oils, these oils also have antiviral properties:
    Eucalyptus blue (Eucalyptol natriol azul), Eucalyptus globulus,  helichrysum, clove, cinnamon bark, manuka, ravensara, oregano, myrrh, cypress, Melaleuca/tea tree, lavender, pine, clary sage, Niaouli (Melaleuca quinquenervia), sandalwood, bergamot, and clary sage. 


    Keep in mind that some oils such as clove, cinnamon, thyme and oregano are very strong and can cause skin irritation. These hot oils should not be applied directly on the skin but can be applied on the bottom of the feet.


    Wildcrafting Wednesday Featured Blogger Award

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    Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils.

    Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:
    If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide. 



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    -
    Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. 
    Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.