How do you use tea tree oil for bv
Use, Side Effects, Risks, and More
While tea tree oil has shown some promise in treating vaginal yeast infections, more research is needed to show its effectiveness. It may be an ingredient in over-the-counter suppositories.
Tea tree oil is an essential oil that has antifungal and antibacterial properties. It’s been used for hundreds of years to help treat skin infections and heal wounds.
Some people use vaginal tea tree oil suppositories as an alternative to over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription yeast infection medications.
Most studies in this area have been done on isolated strains of infection in a lab or on animals. That said, tea tree oil does show promise for humans, especially in treating drug-resistant yeast infections when in combination with other ingredients. However, essential oils such as tea tree oil should not be applied internally or directly to the skin.
Read on to learn more about how tea tree oil works, how to use an OTC suppository, potential side effects, and more.
Essential oils
While research suggests there are health benefits, the FDA doesn’t monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. It’s important to talk with a healthcare professional before you begin using essential oils and be sure to research the quality of a brand’s products. Always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.
Researchers in one 2021 study examined tea tree oil as a treatment for the common yeast infection strain Candida albicans. They looked at Pluronic® F-127, a medication for yeast infections that includes tee tree oil as the primary ingredient.
The researchers found that Pluronic® F-127 fought against resistant yeast infection strains and had beneficial bioadhesive properties which could help prevent future yeast infections.
When looking at the research as a whole, there are more mixed results. Tea tree oil may only be effective against certain strains, at certain concentrations, in combination with other essential oils, or as an ingredient in medications like Pluronic® F-127.
More studies are needed to determine if tea tree oil is the most effective essential oil or if other ingredients, such as boric acid, and essential oils in these medications play a bigger role in treating yeast infections.
Before you try tea tree oil suppositories, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with a doctor to get a proper diagnosis. They can also offer guidance on how to use suppositories and other remedies.
Premade suppositories can be found OTC at most drug stores or through online retailers like Amazon.com.
Popular brands include:
- Tea Tree Therapy
- Femallay Natural
The average dose is one suppository a day. You should insert a new suppository each day for up to six days.
Insert your suppository at the same time each day. Before bed may work best for your schedule.
While some folks claim you can also make your own suppositories, this is not recommended. Using essential oils, like tea tree oil, internally can increase your risk of adverse effects.
It may also potentially be dangerous, as the FDA does not monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils.
Other tips for using suppositories for a vaginal yeast infection:
- You may see an improvement in your symptoms in as little as one day. You should still take the full course of medication to ensure that the infection doesn’t return.
- In severe cases, store-bought treatment can be used twice a day for up to 12 days.
- Wearing panty liners or pads can help you manage any excess discharge from the suppository.
- You may need to use a backup birth control option while using oil-based suppositories. Oil can weaken latex condoms or diaphragms.
- If your symptoms don’t improve within a week, you may want to a doctor.
It’s important to note that most of the research does not support the use of tea tree oil suppositories against yeast infections. The more effective solution seems to be tablets taken through the mouth or vaginal suppositories with tea tree oil and other ingredients.
Some people also consider douching — cleaning out the vagina — with tea tree oil and water. However, many doctors advise against this practice.
Douching can upset your vagina’s natural environment and lead to further infection. Regular douching can also lead to difficulty getting pregnant. You should always talk with a doctor before trying this at home.
Essential oils should not be applied internally or directly to the skin because they can cause burns and irritation. They must be diluted with a carrier oil. Douching even with diluted tea tree oil may pose health threats.
Although many people are able to use suppositories containing tea tree oil to vaginal tissue with no issues, minor side effects are possible.
You may experience:
- itching at the insertion site
- watery discharge
- redness in the vaginal area
If you develop discomfort, discontinue use. Talk with a doctor if your symptoms continue after completing your treatment.
Essential oils such as tea tree oil should not be applied internally or directly to skin. This can cause irritation, burning, and other health issues.
Tea tree oil should never be swallowed or taken orally. Oral ingestion of tea tree oil is toxic. Tea tree oil is poisonous, as are other essential oils like eucalyptus essential oil. Consuming tea tree oil may cause a loss of muscle coordination, confusion, or other symptoms.
You can also use OTC or prescription antifungal medications to treat yeast infections. They come in creams, ointments, suppositories, or tablets. These treatments are often safe for use during pregnancy.
OTC medications are usually used for three to seven days.
Because there has been more research since 2015 on tea tree oil in combination with other ingredients to treat yeast infections, more brands have added tea tree oil as an ingredient to their prescription medication.
These brands include:
- poloxamer 407 (Pluronic® F-127)
- butoconazole (Gynazole-1)
- clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin)
- miconazole (Monistat 3)
- terconazole (Terazol 3)
These medications may cause burning or irritation in and around the vagina.
Some contain oil, so you may also need to use an alternative form of birth control to prevent unwanted pregnancy as oils may weaken condoms.
Single-dose medications, like fluconazole (Diflucan), are taken orally. They’re also prescription-only. If the first dose doesn’t work, a doctor may prescribe a second dose to take three days later.
It’s also possible that suppositories containing tea tree oil won’t have any effect on your symptoms, regardless of how long you use it. It could even lead to further irritation and discomfort.
You should always check with a doctor before using an alternative remedy, especially if it’s used internally. They can discuss your individual risk of side effects and complications, as well as advise you on use.
You should also consult a doctor if your symptoms don’t improve within the week or become more severe.
While tea tree oil has shown some promise in the treatment of yeast infections, more studies are needed to show its effectiveness.
Tea tree oil may be used as an ingredient in vaginal suppositories purchased over the counter for treating a yeast infection. Tea tree oil should never be taken orally.
If a yeast infection lingers or gets worse after using this therapy, it may be best to consult with a doctor.
Use, Side Effects, Risks, and More
While tea tree oil has shown some promise in treating vaginal yeast infections, more research is needed to show its effectiveness. It may be an ingredient in over-the-counter suppositories.
Tea tree oil is an essential oil that has antifungal and antibacterial properties. It’s been used for hundreds of years to help treat skin infections and heal wounds.
Some people use vaginal tea tree oil suppositories as an alternative to over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription yeast infection medications.
Most studies in this area have been done on isolated strains of infection in a lab or on animals. That said, tea tree oil does show promise for humans, especially in treating drug-resistant yeast infections when in combination with other ingredients.
However, essential oils such as tea tree oil should not be applied internally or directly to the skin.
Read on to learn more about how tea tree oil works, how to use an OTC suppository, potential side effects, and more.
Essential oils
While research suggests there are health benefits, the FDA doesn’t monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. It’s important to talk with a healthcare professional before you begin using essential oils and be sure to research the quality of a brand’s products. Always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.
Researchers in one 2021 study examined tea tree oil as a treatment for the common yeast infection strain Candida albicans. They looked at Pluronic® F-127, a medication for yeast infections that includes tee tree oil as the primary ingredient.
The researchers found that Pluronic® F-127 fought against resistant yeast infection strains and had beneficial bioadhesive properties which could help prevent future yeast infections.
When looking at the research as a whole, there are more mixed results. Tea tree oil may only be effective against certain strains, at certain concentrations, in combination with other essential oils, or as an ingredient in medications like Pluronic® F-127.
More studies are needed to determine if tea tree oil is the most effective essential oil or if other ingredients, such as boric acid, and essential oils in these medications play a bigger role in treating yeast infections.
Before you try tea tree oil suppositories, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with a doctor to get a proper diagnosis. They can also offer guidance on how to use suppositories and other remedies.
Premade suppositories can be found OTC at most drug stores or through online retailers like Amazon.com.
Popular brands include:
- Tea Tree Therapy
- Femallay Natural
The average dose is one suppository a day. You should insert a new suppository each day for up to six days.
Insert your suppository at the same time each day. Before bed may work best for your schedule.
While some folks claim you can also make your own suppositories, this is not recommended. Using essential oils, like tea tree oil, internally can increase your risk of adverse effects. It may also potentially be dangerous, as the FDA does not monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils.
Other tips for using suppositories for a vaginal yeast infection:
- You may see an improvement in your symptoms in as little as one day. You should still take the full course of medication to ensure that the infection doesn’t return.
- In severe cases, store-bought treatment can be used twice a day for up to 12 days.
- Wearing panty liners or pads can help you manage any excess discharge from the suppository.
- You may need to use a backup birth control option while using oil-based suppositories. Oil can weaken latex condoms or diaphragms.
- If your symptoms don’t improve within a week, you may want to a doctor.
It’s important to note that most of the research does not support the use of tea tree oil suppositories against yeast infections. The more effective solution seems to be tablets taken through the mouth or vaginal suppositories with tea tree oil and other ingredients.
Some people also consider douching — cleaning out the vagina — with tea tree oil and water. However, many doctors advise against this practice.
Douching can upset your vagina’s natural environment and lead to further infection. Regular douching can also lead to difficulty getting pregnant. You should always talk with a doctor before trying this at home.
Essential oils should not be applied internally or directly to the skin because they can cause burns and irritation. They must be diluted with a carrier oil. Douching even with diluted tea tree oil may pose health threats.
Although many people are able to use suppositories containing tea tree oil to vaginal tissue with no issues, minor side effects are possible.
You may experience:
- itching at the insertion site
- watery discharge
- redness in the vaginal area
If you develop discomfort, discontinue use. Talk with a doctor if your symptoms continue after completing your treatment.
Essential oils such as tea tree oil should not be applied internally or directly to skin. This can cause irritation, burning, and other health issues.
Tea tree oil should never be swallowed or taken orally. Oral ingestion of tea tree oil is toxic. Tea tree oil is poisonous, as are other essential oils like eucalyptus essential oil. Consuming tea tree oil may cause a loss of muscle coordination, confusion, or other symptoms.
You can also use OTC or prescription antifungal medications to treat yeast infections. They come in creams, ointments, suppositories, or tablets. These treatments are often safe for use during pregnancy.
OTC medications are usually used for three to seven days.
Because there has been more research since 2015 on tea tree oil in combination with other ingredients to treat yeast infections, more brands have added tea tree oil as an ingredient to their prescription medication.
These brands include:
- poloxamer 407 (Pluronic® F-127)
- butoconazole (Gynazole-1)
- clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin)
- miconazole (Monistat 3)
- terconazole (Terazol 3)
These medications may cause burning or irritation in and around the vagina. Some contain oil, so you may also need to use an alternative form of birth control to prevent unwanted pregnancy as oils may weaken condoms.
Single-dose medications, like fluconazole (Diflucan), are taken orally. They’re also prescription-only. If the first dose doesn’t work, a doctor may prescribe a second dose to take three days later.
It’s also possible that suppositories containing tea tree oil won’t have any effect on your symptoms, regardless of how long you use it. It could even lead to further irritation and discomfort.
You should always check with a doctor before using an alternative remedy, especially if it’s used internally. They can discuss your individual risk of side effects and complications, as well as advise you on use.
You should also consult a doctor if your symptoms don’t improve within the week or become more severe.
While tea tree oil has shown some promise in the treatment of yeast infections, more studies are needed to show its effectiveness.
Tea tree oil may be used as an ingredient in vaginal suppositories purchased over the counter for treating a yeast infection. Tea tree oil should never be taken orally.
If a yeast infection lingers or gets worse after using this therapy, it may be best to consult with a doctor.
Tea tree - how it is obtained, uses, composition and useful properties
Cosmetics marked "tea tree" are in great demand in Asia, but not so popular in Russia yet. In this article, we will tell you what tea tree is, what it has to do with tea, and how to use its oil for the benefit of yourself and loved ones.
Healing plant native to Australia
When the British captain James Cook first landed on the shores of Australia, he, according to the good old English tradition, wanted to drink tea.
And then, according to legend, he came up with the idea, instead of tea leaves, which were not at hand, to brew the leaves of some useful local plant. The choice fell on the Melaleuca alternifolia tree, which was very popular with the natives. Obviously, the captain liked the new drink. And he, without thinking twice, decided to call the tree "tea" (very nice logic). Under this name, it was included in all European botanical books, although in fact it belongs to the myrtle family.
What did the Australians do with the tea tree?
They crushed and steeped the leaves and used them for dressings. Thus, the inhabitants of Australia got rid of coughs and colds, treated wounds and various skin diseases.
Two and a half hundred years have passed since Cook's sea voyages, but the tea tree is still considered a medicinal plant, and its essential oil (not to be confused with the usual!) is used in many areas where the use of antibacterial and antiseptic agents is required.
What contains tea tree oil
Tea tree essential oil is added to many cosmetic products. Here is just a small list of products containing this component:
- soaps and shower gels,
- shampoos and balms,
- face and body creams,
- face gels and lotions,
- face masks and hair,
- mouth rinses,
- toothpastes,
- household cleaners,
- air fresheners,
- hand sanitizers.
How is tea tree essential oil obtained?
Just like any other essential oil, the factory takes a lot of clean, fresh leaves from the Melaleuca alternifolia plant and steams them. The result is an oily distillate, an almost or completely colorless liquid with a strong camphor smell. Tea tree oil goes on sale both in pure form and in diluted form - most often 5% and 15%. It's always the essential oil, not the regular one.
11 ways to use tea tree oil
The plant itself is just a tree: an excellent building material (the natives preferred to use it on boats).
Flowers, fruits and bark are not of great value, and the most important thing that Melaleuca has is leaves. However, they are rarely used in their natural form today, but the essential oil obtained from them is considered a very valuable product.
Tea tree oil has four main effects:
- antibacterial;
- antiseptic;
- antifungal;
- antiviral.
Tea tree oil contains a number of compounds, including terpinen-4-ol, which kill bacteria, viruses and fungi. Terpinen-4-ol also increases the activity of white blood cells, which help fight germs and other foreign invaders. These properties make tea tree oil a valuable natural remedy for treating bacterial and fungal skin conditions, preventing infections, and promoting healing.
And more...
Acne treatment
Tea tree oil can be a powerful weapon against acne, which ruins the lives of a huge number of people. Several studies have shown that it helps to reduce both the amount of inflammation on the face and the overall severity of the disease.
To use the power of tea tree against acne, you can buy ready-made cosmetics containing this component or use homemade recipes.
How to use: a few drops of oil can be dropped into your favorite cream or diluted with water (4 drops in half a glass of water, applied with a cotton pad to problem areas once a day). In its pure form, tea tree essential oil can only “burn” pimples pointwise, but in no case should you smear the entire face.
Here and below we mean 100% undiluted tea tree essential oil. If you have oil with 5% or 15% Melaleuca alternifolia in stock, the dosage is calculated differently (you need to increase its amount).
Dandruff Control
Research has shown that tea tree oil can eliminate mild to moderate dandruff associated with the yeast Pityrosporum ovale. For this, it is optimal to use shampoos containing 5% essential oil. In people with dandruff who used this shampoo daily for four weeks, the condition improved significantly (by 40%).
How to use: is best left to the professionals and buy a special shampoo, but you can also just add 4-5 drops of oil to 1 serving of your regular shampoo.
Treatment of fungal diseases
Tea tree oil has the ability to kill a variety of yeasts and fungi. Most research has focused on the fungus Candida albicans, which commonly affects the skin, genitals, throat, and mouth. In addition, there is evidence that terpinen-4-ol enhances the activity of the common antifungal drug fluconazole.
Pediculosis treatment
According to research by Italian pharmacists, tea tree oil can be used to treat head lice. The essential oil is especially effective against living individuals; for eggs, it is recommended to supplement therapy with traditional preparations containing nerolidol.
Suggested use: Use this method with caution when treating children with head lice. Their skin is more sensitive than adults and the oil can cause an allergic reaction.
Relief of symptoms of contact dermatitis
Tea tree oil in some cases relieves the symptoms of skin diseases, in particular contact dermatitis, which occurs when the skin comes into contact with an allergen.
Application tip: The easiest way to deal with this problem is to use special oil-based creams. However, if these are not readily available, you can make your own remedy by mixing 10 drops of tea tree oil with one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and one tablespoon of coconut oil.
Decontamination of minor scratches
Tea tree oil can be used to treat and disinfect minor cuts and abrasions to reduce the bacteria that contribute to infection. In addition, the oil helps reduce inflammation and triggers the activity of white blood cells, which play an important role in the healing process.
Directions for use: Apply a few drops of oil to a fresh dressing to stop the growth of disease-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation.
It is best to drip between layers of gauze without allowing the oil to come into direct contact with the skin. But, if the oil is already diluted (5 drops per teaspoon of olive or coconut), you can safely lubricate the cut with it.
Help with dental problems
Diseases of the teeth and gums can be treated not only with traditional medicines, but also with herbal ingredients. According to medical research, dental gel or toothpaste containing tea tree oil may be helpful for people with a predisposition to cavities or chronic gum disease.
How to use: If you don't have a special gel, you can make your own tea tree oil mouthwash. To do this, dilute 1 drop of oil in a glass of water. Shake before use. Avoid swallowing.
Hand sanitizer
Using tea tree oil as a natural hand sanitizer helps fight many of the germs that cause colds, flu and other illnesses. In an antiseptic that contains this substance, there may be much less other, less natural ingredients.
Insect Repellent
Insect control becomes a real problem during the warmer months and we often lean towards natural remedies over chemical ones. Tea tree helps in this case too. Its oil has been proven to be an excellent insect repellent, in some cases even more effective than standard insecticides or repellents.
How to use: Mix 1 cup of water and 20 drops of oil, add to a spray bottle and spray on a pest-infested area. You can also spray clothes and skin directly (only for the face, as we remember, the proportions should be “thinner”).
Sweat odor control
Tea tree oil's antibacterial action helps control sweat-related odor. Sweat itself does not smell, however, when the sweat glands meet with bacteria on the skin, that very unpleasant odor arises. Tea tree oil is a natural alternative to traditional deodorants and antiperspirants.
Room disinfection
Tea tree oil's antibacterial properties make it easy to disinfect bathroom tiles, windows, floors and other surfaces.
Directions for use: There are a number of ready-made detergents, but if you don't like them, we recommend adding 20 drops of oil to a mixture of water (1 cup) and apple cider vinegar (1/2 cup). The resulting product is most conveniently sprayed from a spray bottle, shaking it before use. Also, a few drops of oil added to the humidifier will make the air itself fresher and at the same time help to conduct an aromatherapy session.
What you need to know about tea tree oil before using it
Even the most beneficial product can have contraindications, and tea tree oil is no exception.
The main thing to remember is that essential oil has nothing to do with virgin oil. Essential oils of many plants can only be used externally. With tea tree in this regard, everything is very strict. The permissible maximum is rinsing with water with a small amount of oil. Swallowing tea tree oil is strictly prohibited (unless, of course, you want to earn indigestion and an altered state of consciousness).
The second important warning in general applies to all new products that you are going to put on the skin: first test, then use. Before you start using tea tree oil recipes, make sure you are not allergic to it. To do this, just put one drop on the forearm and wait for a day. If there are no redness and rashes, you can safely experiment.
Another obligatory point concerns the concentration of the essential oil. In its pure form, it has very strong properties and can cause burns to the skin and mucous membranes, even if you are not allergic to it. Be sure to dilute it with water or other neutral oils. Apply with extreme caution to mucous membranes (this is permissible, but only at a low concentration of the substance).
Do not use oil on burns. Avoid contact with eyes.
Be healthy!
application, benefits, harm, reviews of cosmetologists
This is a wonderful natural antiseptic that stimulates cells, removes external inflammation from the skin.
Especially suitable for women with combination and oily skin types.
Benefits of tea tree oil
Tea tree oil contains about a dozen useful natural elements. The main ones are terpinene and cineole, they are responsible for the antimicrobial function. With wounds and burns, they dry the skin and have an astringent effect.
Tea tree oil is great for treating skin conditions such as herpes, ringworm, eczema, furuncolosis or dermatitis. The skin recovers and renews due to the antiseptic and antifungal effects on the dermis.
With regular use of etherol, the skin acquires a gentle whitening effect, pimples and acne disappear.
Etherol also stimulates metabolic processes in the deep layers of the skin and promotes cell regeneration.
Perfectly tones them and restores their firmness and elasticity.
Etherol is harmful to the skin if used in large quantities. To feel the benefits of the oil, 1 drop of oil is enough for the first time. Gradually, the dose increases to 5 drops, but no more.
The ratio of its main components - terpinene and cineole - plays a very important role in the composition of tea tree oil. The level of their concentration depends on many factors. For example, from the region where the tea tree grows and storage conditions. With a large amount of cineole, the oil irritates the skin. The perfect combination of these components: 40% terpinene accounts for only 5% cineole.
How to choose tea tree oil
For quality tea tree oil, go to the pharmacy. Pay attention to the color of the ether, it should be pale yellow or olive, with a tart-spicy aroma.
Refer to the instructions for the ratio of terpinene to cyneon.
The birthplace of the tea tree is Australia, so if this region is indicated in the manufacturers, feel free to take a bottle, even if you have to overpay a little.
The oil bottle must be dark glass. In no case do not take oil in plastic packaging or in transparent glass.
Tea tree oil is used in drops, so it is better to immediately take a bottle with a dispenser - pipette or dropper. Also check that the cap has a first opening ring, as is the case with many medicines.
After purchase, check that no fatty solvents have been added to the oil. Leave a drop of oil for an hour on a white piece of paper. If there is an obvious greasy stain, the product is of poor quality.
Storage conditions. Etherol is afraid of light and oxygen, so it is best to keep it in a cool and dark place. The less oil remains, the faster it oxidizes, so choose small bottles of 5-10 ml.
Tea tree oil application
Tea tree oil is used in the fight against wrinkles and in the treatment of bacterial skin diseases: acne, rashes and others.
Tea oil is used in its pure form, applied pointwise to problem areas using sterile cotton swabs.
So it is added to ready-made creams and masks. Diluted with distilled water and other vegetable oils.
The main rule: when mixing tea tree oil, do not heat, and do not add warm components to it.
If you have dry and sensitive skin, after applying cosmetics with tea tree oil, additional skin nutrition is recommended.
Can it be used instead of a cream
Tea tree oil for the face is used only in conjunction with creams. Use in its pure form is possible only with spot cauterization of problem areas: rashes, herpes, acne and fungi.
If the oil is to be applied to a large area of the skin, it is diluted with additional ingredients such as water or other vegetable oils.
Reviews and recommendations of cosmetologists
- Tea tree oil is recommended for women with combination and oily skin, because it normalizes the production of sebaceous glands. It also speeds up the healing of abrasions and cuts. In its pure form, it is applied in the treatment of acne and post-acne - unpleasant spots and scars.
