Tea tree essential oil comes to us from the Australian tree Melaleuca alternifolia. Once considered useful only for brewing a spicy tea, the tree's leaves took on new significance in the 20th century. Researchers discovered the leaves' essential oil contains powerful yet gentle antimicrobial properties for wounds, fungal infections and general cleaning. In shampoos, tea tree oil's uses include fighting dandruff and fungal infections while promoting overall scalp health. Use commercial shampoos containing tea tree oil, or make your own by adding 10 drops tea tree essential oil to every 8 oz. of your favorite shampoo.
Reduces Dandruff
Tea tree oil shampoo helps reduce the itch and flaking associated with dandruff. A study conducted at the Department of Dermatology of Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Australia found that dandruff sufferers experienced significant relief from their conditions after using a shampoo containing 5 percent tea tree oil for four weeks. Researchers concluded that tea tree oil's antibacterial properties reduced the presence of the kind of yeast known as Pityrosporum ovale. The Mayo Clinic recommends daily use of tea tree oil shampoo to treat dandruff.
Combats Cradle Cap
In infants, the same condition which leads to dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, affects babies as a series of flaky patches on the scalp. Cynthia Olsen, author of the book "Australian Tea Tree Oil Guide," recommends massaging your baby's scalp with a vegetable oil blend, followed by a shampoo containing tea tree oil. Check with your pedestrian before using any topical herbal treatment, and make sure to keep the shampoo out of your baby's eyes.
Fights Head Lice
Few things strike fear into the hearts of parents and school nurses as much as the sight of head lice. Infestations spread quickly, especially in schools. Both children and adults can be infected; symptoms include itchiness and scabbing. In some cases the scabs lead to bacterial infections. Herbalists like Olsen and Barbara Griggs, author of "The Green Witch Herbal" recommend tea tree oil shampoos to combat the problem. Additionally, studies such as one conducted by the Department of Pharmacognosy at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, found that tea tree oil works by freezing the neurotransmitters of adult lice. Because lice resistance to traditional chemical formulas is a growing problem, herbal treatments are correspondingly on the rise. "The Green Witch Herbal" recommends using a commercial tea tree oil shampoo to which additional tea tree is added and leaving the shampoo on for 10 minutes before rinsing off. Use a fine-tooth comb to remove additional young lice and eggs, and wash clothing and bedding with detergent and hot water.
Treats Folliculitis
Folliculitis, the inflammation of hair follicles, occurs both on the scalp and on the body. Common causes include fungus or staphylococcus bacteria. People at risk for folliculitis include those with dermatitis, eczema, infected nasal passages and diabetes. Heat and humidity, tight clothing and unsanitary hot tubs may also contribute to folliculitis, according to Dr. Andrew Weil's website, DrWeil.com. He recommends shampooing with tea tree oil shampoo to treat the condition when it occurs on of the scalp and using the essential oil elsewhere on the body.
Promotes Healthy Hair
Along with treating specific problems like lice and dandruff, tea tree oil represents a good choice for overall hair strength, according to Olsen. By unblocking the sebaceous glands on the scalp, tea tree oil shampoo enables the release of your own moisturizing oils to treat dry hair and flush away flakes. A true all-around healer, tea tree oil also makes a good choice for those with oily hair because it helps treat fungal and bacterial infections which often plague those with overly-oily scalps.
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