For thousands of years, different civilizations have used plant extracts for their health benefits. Nowadays, essential oils serve as alternatives to Western medicine. Tea tree oil is no exception, offering myriad health benefits, especially for the hair and skin. It helps to clean the hair, keep it strong, reduce dandruff, and help get rid of skin infections, acne, and athlete’s foot. 

What Is Tea Tree Oil?

Tea tree oil comes from the Melaleuca alternifolia plant, which is native to Australia. It is commonly used as a pure essential oil in various skin and hair care products. Tea tree oil exhibits antimicrobial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties, which is why it has gained so much attention in the health and beauty world. It is an effective acne and dandruff fighter because many of the same bacteria that tea tree oil fights on the face exist on the scalp. 

When it comes to using tea tree oil on the hair and scalp, make sure that you use an essential oil, not a fragrance oil. Fragrance oils do not offer the same health benefits as essential oils, which are obtained via hydrodistillation, steam distillation, pressing plants, or dry distillation. Fragrance oils are manufactured in a lab in most cases, so avoid those if you want to reap the following hair care benefits. 

May Cleanse The Scalp

Looking to get your scalp extra clean? Tea tree oil’s antimicrobial properties may be able to fight harmful germs that live on the scalp, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Health experts say that these microorganisms can disrupt the normal function of the scalp’s glands. Additionally, an overgrowth of bacteria, including staphylococcus or strains of streptococcus can cause folliculitis, cellulitis, or impetigo, all of which increase the risk of hair loss. 

Fights Dandruff

Dandruff is usually caused by yeast that infects the scalp. The antibacterial and antifungal properties in tea tree oil have been proven to treat the source of dandruff. Participants in one study used a tea tree oil shampoo for one month. By the end of the month, the participants that used the tea tree oil shampoo showed a 41% improvement in dandruff symptoms. Researchers also noted that tea tree oil’s antimicrobial properties were effective at relieving the itchiness associated with dandruff. This is because tea tree oil fights the flake-forming yeast.

May Stimulate Hair Growth

Inflammation of the scalp happens to be one of the leading causes of hair loss. Researchers attribute the anti-inflammatory properties in tea tree oil to the antioxidant content. By reducing inflammation in the scalp, tea tree oil helps foster a healthy environment for new hair to grow. Unfortunately, there isn’t a direct link between tea tree oil and new hair growth. However, there is evidence that by improving scalp health and reducing dandruff, new hair can be healthier and thicker. A 2013 study found that a mixture of tea tree oil and minoxidil (brand name Rogaine) was more effective at increasing hair thickness, count, and weight than minoxidil alone. 

So Long To Head Lice

Tea tree oil contains terpinen-4 and 1,8-cineole, both of which exhibit insecticidal properties. In fact, these compounds have an ability to kill lice in the nymph and adult life stage. They also prevent lice eggs from hatching. Terpinen-4 and 1,8-cineole dissolve the gummy texture and loosen up existing eggs from the hair shaft. At that point, you can comb the lice out of your hair. One study found that tea tree oil was an effective holistic treatment for getting rid of lice.

How To Use Tea Tree Oil For Hair

You can use tea tree oil in a couple ways on your hair and scalp. You can use it in its pure essential oil form, or as an active ingredient in shampoo or conditioner. Because tea tree oil is highly potent, you have to minimize the risk of irritation by diluting it with a carrier oil before topical application. As with any other new ingredient in your skin care, test a small skin patch before applying to your whole head. You can also add a couple drops of tea tree oil to your palm before dispensing your favorite shampoo into your hand. Massage into your scalp and feel the tingle that stimulates the scalp.

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Head lice infestations are common. They affect an estimated 6 million to 12 million people each year! This week, Dherbs CEO AD Dolphin walks you through the Facts and Fiction about LICE! Can You Drown Lice?!

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If there’s one word that describes an itchy scalp, it has to be the word “annoying.” You cold say that the problem is a real head scratcher! While many people attribute common itchiness to dandruff, that may not be the only reason for scalp irritation. It’s very possible that fungal infections like ringworm or types of inflammation are to blame. The main objective is to stop the itch, but you have to know what the cause is in order to remedy the problem. 

Itchy scalp is very common, so please don’t think that you’re alone if you experience this. More often than not, the causes are fairly harmless and you can address the issue. Occasionally, experts may not be able to diagnose the problem immediately. Understanding the symptoms and monitoring when they first occurred, however, can help determine the cause. Continue reading to learn about common causes that trigger itchy scalp. 

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that causes raised, red, scaly patches on the skin. Occasionally, they can also occur on the scalp, resulting in intense itching. If psoriasis is the culprit, the itching will most likely be concentrated in one area. If you notice scaly, red patches then you can identify the problem. People with psoriasis can often benefit from discussing the issue with a dermatologist, as over-the-counter shampoos may be necessary. 

Dandruff

Dandruff affects about 50% of Americans and there are some telltale signs that indicate this condition. If you experience dry, itchy scalp with white flakes, you know that dandruff is the cause. A yeast-like fungus, Malassezia, is the common cause of dandruff, but hair products are occasionally to blame. Yeast naturally lives on the scalp, but problems arise when too much yeast exists. Although there are many over-the-counter shampoos and regular anti-dandruff shampoos, you can also experiment with natural remedies. Click here to learn about natural remedies for dandruff. 

Head Lice

People think that lice can only occur in children, or that they only get them in school. As it turns out, lice can creepy crawl their way onto anyone’s scalp. Lice love clean hair, contradicting the belief that they only occur in people with poor hygiene. If you look closely near the scalp, you can typically see tiny eggs on individual hair strands. They look similar to dandruff flakes, but they differ in that they adhere to the strands. Sometimes, you can see lice moving around the head, but they are difficult to spot. You have to carefully comb them out of the hair with a special comb before using a shampoo that contains pyrethrins/pyrethrum. This compound works to get rid of lice by attacking their nervous system, not your nervous system.

Contact Dermatitis

People who are sensitive or allergic to certain materials can easily develop contact dermatitis. Latex, nickel, or certain types of makeup can easily irritate the skin and cause a rash or itchy, inflamed skin. When it comes to itchy scalp, however, most dermatologists agree that the culprit is paraphenylenediamine (PPD), which is an ingredient in some hair dyes. When you stop using the material that causes the irritation, things typically clear up. If the problem persists, you may need to talk with a doctor or dermatologist. 

Ringworm

Ringworm, Tinea wapitis, is a common fungus that can infect the scalp and other parts of the body. It extends deep into the hair follicle and causes round patches that can increase in size over time. The rash is commonly itchy and can appear raised or stubbly. If ringworm is the cause of itchy scalp the fix often comes in the form of some anti-fungal medication. Because the organism goes into the hair follicle, anti-fungal medications that you take orally will resolve the issue. Before prescribing the medication, a doctor will have to determine if ringworm is the actual cause. 

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There’s nothing like being outside on a summer evening. Maybe you are sitting by a lake with some friends, having a romantic picnic in a park, or watching the sunset in your backyard. Everything is going swimmingly, until you start smacking yourself because mosquitos have found you out. They are on the hunt and you are an easy target. These little pests can carry harmful diseases, so it is wise to protect yourself when you can. That’s why you want to have a great mosquito repellent on hand.

The thing about most mosquito repellents is that they are replete with chemicals, the worst of which is DEET. Sure, it keeps the mosquitos off you, but at what cost? Rather than poisoning your skin, you can go the all-natural route and make your own chemical-free repellent. If you are wondering how this natural repellent works, the mosquito-repelling properties can be attributed to the two primary ingredients below.

Citronella Essential Oil

One of the most common uses of this essential oil is to keep insects away. It is particularly effective against mosquitos, but can also repel lice and fleas. Additionally, the antiseptic properties in citronella essential oil help to eliminate infections, while the anti-inflammatory properties have a sedative effect on inflammation. You can also use it in small doses to make natural deodorants.

Neem Oil

Neem oil is a safe and excellent mosquito repellent. According to the Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association, when 2% neem oil was mixed with coconut oil and applied to the exposed skin of volunteers, it completely protected them from mosquito bites for twelve hours.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons neem oil
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon virgin coconut oil
• 10-15 drops citronella essential oil

Instructions

• Mix all of the ingredients together in a small glass jar that has an eyedropper top.
• Make sure to use it sparingly. A little goes a long way. Rub a few drops on the exposed skin.

Note: If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, do not use neem oil because it is an abortifacient.

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Various skin conditions can cause an itchy rash to appear, and Scabies is one of those conditions.  Scabies is a skin infestation that is the result of a burrowing mite called Sarcoptes scabiei.  The itching and rash will occur wherever the mite burrows in the skin.  Scabies is a contagious skin condition that can easily spread through close personal contact.  It is a fairly common condition that affects millions of people around the world every year.

Symptoms of Scabies

After a person is exposed to the Scabies mite, it can take anywhere from 2-6 weeks to experience symptoms.  If the person has had Scabies before, it will take about 1-4 days for symptoms to arise.  The common symptom is a pimple-like rash that is itchy, especially at night.  The most common places that the rash occurs in kids are the head, face, neck, hands, and soles of the feet.  Adults can experience the rash on the wrist, elbow, armpit, nipples, penis, waist, buttocks, or between the fingers. Common symptoms include:

• Itchy, bumpy rash on the skin
• Sores (these will occur if the person keeps scratching the rash)
• Thin burrow tracks (which are made up of blisters on the skin)

What Causes Scabies?

The Scabies mite is microscopic and can’t be seen with the naked eye.  When the female mite burrows beneath the skin, she makes a tunnel in which she lays her eggs.  After the eggs hatch they head to the skin’s surface, where they mature, multiply, and spread to other areas of the body or other hosts via close physical contact.  Common causes include:

• Physical contact with an infected person
• Sharing clothes or bedding with an infected person
• Weakened immune system
• Sexual intercourse
• Daycare centers or schools (because many germs and viruses get passed around in these places)

Natural Remedies

• Because intense itching is a common symptom for people with Scabies, a cold soak can provide relief and stop you from itching, which can spread the virus.  If itching is uncontrollable, try placing an ice pack on the affected area.  This will only provide temporary relief as the cold helps to numb the area.
• Neem oil has been known to kill Scabies mites, and it also prevents their ability to grow and continue populating.  It is a botanical pesticide that contains antibacterial and antifungal properties, which help to eradicate bacteria that is in the skin.  Massage neem oil to the affected area and wait a few minutes before taking a bath.  Continue doing this once a day for a couple weeks to prevent the infection from spreading.
• Cayenne pepper can help alleviate the pain associated with Scabies.  The active ingredient, capsaicin, helps reduce pain when applied to the skin.  You can mix 1 cup of cayenne pepper in a lukewarm bath and soak in it until the water gets cold.  Make sure not to get the water in your eyes as the pepper will cause your eyes to burn.  Do this once a day until Scabies is gone.
• Since turmeric has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, it can help relieve the symptoms of Scabies. Take 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder and mix it with a few drops of fresh lemon juice to make a thick paste. Rub this paste on the affected area, leave it on for an hour, and then wash it off with lukewarm water.  Do this every day until you see improvement.
• Since coconut oil is an incredible moisturizer and has antimicrobial properties, it can help reduce the symptoms of Scabies if applied to the affected area(s).  For best results, mix a little coconut oil with a few drops of either tea tree oil, clove oil, neem oil, rosemary oil, or anise seed oil.  The combination of coconut oil and one of these oils can help prevent further infestation and aid in the elimination of the virus.
• Because aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties, it is commonly used to reduce the symptoms of Scabies. Applying the aloe vera to the affected area(s) helps to restore your skin’s pH balance and relieve itching and irritation.  Like coconut oil, aloe vera also has moisturizing and antimicrobial properties.
• Onion can be a beneficial remedy because it contains quercetin, which can help soothe the skin.  The sulfur compounds, in combination with the quercetin, can help eradicate the Scabies mite and help prevent the infection from spreading.  Take an onion, blend it, and apply the juice to the affected area.  Leave this on for a couple hours.  Rinse every couple hours and continue to reapply the juice. Do this until symptoms subside.

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