Herbal Remedies

Herbal Remedy For Acne

Tea Tree Is A Herbal Remedy For Acne

Other names: Australian Tea Tree, Paperbark Tree, Punk Tree, Ti Tree  

Tea Tree Is A Remedy For
Tea Tree oil has demonstrated its medicinal value as an antiseptic and disinfectant. Because of these properties, it is used externally to treat many skin problems, including athlete’s foot, toenail fungus, acne, cold sores, diaper rash, scabies, insect bites, dandruff, and wounds. When prepared as a rinse, it may also help relieve sore throat, inflamed gums, and vaginitis.

   Some proponents recommend mixing a few drops of Tea Tree oil with a base oil and massaging it into sore muscles, or into sprains, strains, and arthritic joints. Advocates also say that few drops in a vaporizer inhaled as steam may relieve nasal congestion and sinusitis. Such uses, however, lack any scientific support.

   Similarly, aromatherapists recommend inhaling the scent of Tea Tree oil for many of the same bacterial, viral, and fungal disorders treated with external applications of the oil. However, it is unclear how the aroma can have the same effect as direct application to the infection, and no evidence exists to support this technique. In addition, aromatherapists suggest that inhaling the Tea Tree scent can relieve shock and hysteria, bronchitis, coughs, tuberculosis, and whooping cough, and contend that it can be used to boost the immune response against colds, flu, and chickenpox—but again without supporting evidence.

What Is Tea Tree; Why Tea Tree Works
Tea Tree is an evergreen that grows in tropical climates, most notably, Australia and New Zealand, where aborigines chew the leaves or crush them to make tea. Tea Tree oil, which has a strong distinctive smell, is steam distilled from the leaves. It is laced with compounds active against candida (yeast infection), a number of viruses and bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli , and various fungi. Its infection-fighting value is enhanced by its ability to penetrate the skin.

Avoid Tea Tree If…
Use with caution if you are prone to allergies. Tea Tree can cause contact dermatitis (skin irritation). Discontinue use if a rash develops.

Special Cautions
Never take essential oils internally. They are extremely potent and can be poisonous. Homemade Tea Tree oil preparations used to douche, rinse, or gargle should always be diluted with water. Do not swallow any form of Tea Tree, and keep it away from the eyes.

How To Prepare Tea Tree 
Tea Tree oil is manufactured as a standardized extract from the leaves of the plant. It is available in a variety of preparations, including gel, ointment, cream, and mouthwash forms, and as a pure essential oil.

Typical Dosage Tea Tree
Use only as directed by the package instructions. For instance, in the case of acne, a preparation of no more than 15 percent Tea Tree oil should be applied twice a day. For fungal infections, preparations of 70 to 100 percent can be applied full strength with a clean cotton swab twice daily. For a gargle or mouth rinse, use only a product identified as a mouthwash. Vaginal douching should be done under a doctor’s supervision with a preparation formulated especially for this purpose. When using the essential oil for aromatherapy, measure it in drops. Never take the oil internally.

Overdosage
Some signs of overdose include confusion, loss of consciousness, and coma. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical attention immediately.