Tea tree oil is an extract obtained by steam distillation from leaves of the evergreen tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), a shrub that is indigenous to Australia. For centuries, aboriginal Australians have known and made use of its healing powers. Tea tree oil has a host of therapeutic and restorative properties that provide a number of benefits for hair.
Prevent and Treat Dandruff
According to the Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, massaging tea tree oil into the scalp can help to prevent and treat dandruff, relieving symptoms such as itching and scaling. In a December 2002 article, the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology reports on a study demonstrating that 5 percent tea tree oil appears to be an effective and well tolerated treatment for dandruff. Tea tree oil has anti-fungal properties that act against the yeast Pityrosporum ovale, which has been associated with dandruff.
Scalp Ringworm
Tea tree oil helps treat and prevent scalp ringworm, a skin condition that affects children. Scalp ringworm is caused by fungal micro-organisms called dermatophytes, which infect scalp tissue and cause crusty, flaky patches to form. Tea tree treats has a strong anti-fungal action that kill of the dermatophytes.
Head Lice
In her book "Australian Tea Tree Oil First Aid Handbook," Cynthia B. Olsen writes that tea tree oil can be used to eradicate head lice and get rid of their eggs. She suggests adding 10 to 20 drops of tea tree oil to 1 oz. shampoo, massaging this into the infested hair and rinsing it out after 10 minutes. Repeat this regimen once a day until the hair is clear of lice and eggs.
Antiseptic
In the book "The Green Pharmacy," James A. Duke, Ph.D. notes that tea tree oil contains compounds called terpenes, which have a deep-penetrating, disinfecting action on the scalp. This herbal action helps to treat and prevent scalp infections. Its antiseptic action also serves to unclog the hair follicles, promoting hair growth.
Cradle Cap
In a 1998 article in "Making Scents Magazine," author Cynthia Olsen writes that tea tree oil can be used to treat cradle cap. Cradle cap is a condition that affects infants and is characterized by crusty, flaky skin on the baby's scalp. She suggests getting rid of cradle cap by gently massaging a solution of one part tea tree oil and 10 parts of almond oil into the baby's scalp for a few minutes and then washing it off with tea tree shampoo.
References
- "The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine;" Jacqueline L. Longe; 2004
- Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology: Treatment of Dandruff With 5 Percent Tea Tree Oil Shampoo
- "Australian Tea Tree Oil First Aid Handbook: 101 Plus Ways to Use Tea Tree Oil;" Cynthia B. Olsen; 1999
- "The Green Pharmacy;" James A. Duke, Ph.D.; 1997
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