Tea tree oil is used in herbal remedies to treat a variety of conditions. Because of its antiseptic and anti-fungal properties, it is a popular holistic treatment for skin conditions such as ringworm, eczema and scabies. Tea tree oil can be purchased online or found in many natural or whole-foods stores.
What is Tea Tree Oil?
Tea tree oil is extracted from the leaves of the the tea tree, which is native to Australia. The aboriginals of Australia recognized its antiseptic qualities. The oil is light yellow and has a pungent scent. It contains many natural chemical compounds to make it useful in treating fungal, bacterial and viral infections, especially in the skin.
Is Tea Tree Oil an Effective Treatment?
Scabies is caused by a parasite that lives and grows in the skin. The Directors of Health Promotion and Education state that symptoms include severe itching that increases at night and thin lines of small red lines or blisters on the skin. According to Dr. Laurie Barclay, a 5 percent tea tree oil solution can be used to effectively kill the mite that causes scabies within hours.
Types of Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is rarely mixed with other types of herbal ingredients when produced commercially. However, different levels of strength can be found. It is important when purchasing the oil that you look for pure tree oil with no additives if you use it for the treatment of scabies. This type is most common, but check the label to be sure.
Treatment of Scabies
Tea tree oil can be applied directly to the affected area. Use a clean cotton swab or cotton ball to apply the oil once in the morning and once at night for three to four days. If you have sensitive skin, mix the tea tree oil with a carrier oil such grape-seed or olive oil. To do this, add 1 tsp. to 1/4 cup of the carrier oil and blend them. You will experience a cooling sensation after the application that can last 1/2 hour.
Precautions
Tea tree oil should not be ingested. Drinking the oil may cause severe toxicity in the body. Consult a qualified health-care professional before you begin any home remedy using essential oils that have not been tested by the FDA.
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