Tea tree oil is used as an alternative health treatment for scalp and hair conditions due to its antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. It is used to treat dandruff, dermatitis of the scalp and to unclog hair follicles, resulting in healthier hair. A study reported in the "Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology" confirmed that using a 5 percent tea tree oil shampoo reduced dandruff in a significant number of patients due to its antiviral action against Pityrosporum ovale yeast, thought to be the cause of dandruff. Tea tree oil can be drying, which is why this recipe includes a moisturizing rinse after the tea tree oil shampoo treatment.
Step 1
Pour 1 1/2 cups of boiling water over the chamomile tea bag in the measuring cup. Allow to cool. Remove the tea bag.
Step 2
Pour the organic castile soap into the 8 oz. plastic bottle. Add 2 tsp. of tea tree oil and 5 drops each of rosemary and lavender essential oils, plus 1/4 cup chamomile tea and 1/2 tsp. of the olive oil. Shake to combine.
Step 3
Shampoo your hair as usual with the tea tree shampoo you have made. Rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of the shampoo.
Step 4
Blend the remaining 1/2 tsp. of olive oil and the aloe vera gel into the remaining chamomile tea. Stir vigorously to disperse the oil through the tea and pour immediately through your hair. Massage your scalp and run your fingers through your hair from the roots to the ends to be sure the oil and aloe vera are distributed evenly.
Step 5
Dry your hair with a towel, comb through and allow to air dry.
Tips and Warnings
- You can substitute other essential oils for the rosemary and lavender oils, according to your preference. If you want to leave a little tea tree oil on your scalp and hair, add 5 drops to the chamomile rinse.
- Never apply tea tree oil directly to the skin without diluting it. Allergies to tea tree oil have been reported. Do a patch test 24 hours before the first time you use tea tree oil. Put a drop on the inside of your arm and cover it with a bandage. Wait for 24 hours to see if there is an adverse reaction such as rash, swelling, itching or inflammation. If you have an adverse reaction, do not use tea tree oil products.
Things You'll Need
- 2-cup glass or plastic measuring cup
- 1 chamomile tea bag
- 4 oz. organic castile soap
- 8 oz. plastic bottle with flip-top lid
- 2 tsp. tea tree oil
- 5 drops rosemary essential oil
- 5 drops lavender oil
- 1 tsp. olive oil, divided
- 1 tsp. aloe vera gel
References
- "Earthly Bodies & Heavenly Hair: Natural and Healthy Personal Care for Every Body"; Dina Falconi; 1997
- "J Am Acad Dermatol"; Treatment of Dandruff With 5% Tea Tree Oil Shampoo; Satchell AC, Saurajen A, Bell C, Barnetson RS; Dec. 2002
- "Adverse Drug React Toxicol Rev"; Adverse and Beneficial Effects of Plant Extracts on Skin and Skin Disorders; Mantle D, Gok MA, Lennard TW; Jun. 2001
- "Adverse Drug Reactions and Toxicological Reviews"; Adverse and Beneficial Effects of Plant Extracts
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