For oily skin, a gentle tea tree oil moisturizing shampoo will help cleanse the scalp of bacterial and fungal irritations and help to disperse dead skin cells.

     Tea tree oil mixed with other essential oils is especially good as a scalp treatment for relieving dandruff. Medical professionals list infection, poor diet, blood circulation and inadequate nerve stimulation as some of the causes of dandruff. A yeast that lives on the scalp, Pityrosporum ovale, and a fungus called trichoplyton spp also contributes to dandruff conditions. While there are many anti-fungal and bacterial soaps and shampoos on the market, tea tree oil offers a natural alternative. A recent study indicates that a pharmaceutical grade of a tea tree oil in low concentrations helps to eliminate bacteria and fungus on the scalp, as well as Pityrosporum ovales. There have also been reports that by massaging the oil into the scalp, new hair growth is promoted.

     When my grandchildren were little, my daughter called and asked if she could use the tea tree oil as a treatment for cradle cap. I suggested that she take one part of pure oil and mix it with ten parts of another oil, such as almond oil. She could gently massage the oil into the baby's scalp and leave it on for a few minutes, then follow up with a tea tree shampoo. My daughter called back a few days later and reported that the cradle cap was gone!

     It seems that at the beginning of every school year there is an outbreak of head lice among school children. The head lice, appearing as small grayish white specs, bite and puncture the scalp, causing pain and itching. The problem may persist due to the hatching of new eggs approximately every two weeks. Since head lice is contagious, it can be widespread. Head lice is often transmitted by combs, brushes, hats, bed linens, etc. I once spoke to a Dallas school nurse who voiced concern regarding the use of chemically-based shampoos  the standard treatment for children's head lice. She expressed a great deal of interest in being able to offer tea tree oil as a natural substitute.

     The following treatment for removal of head lice is recommended: Add five to ten drops of pure tea tree oil to a shampoo and wash the child's hair, massaging the mixture thoroughly into the scalp. Do this every day until the eggs are removed. In between shampoos, a few drops of the oil can be massaged into the scalp. Do not rinse out. To help sterilize and prevent further lice infestation, brushes, combs, bedding and towels may be soaked in a tea tree oil solution of 1/4 oz. of oil added to a tub of water. You may also spray a dilution of tea tree oil in the clothes hamper to help control infestation.

     Dermatitis, dry skin, fungus, corns, and athlete's foot are just a few skin problems that we all face at one time or another. Generally, dry skin brushing and using a body lotion with tea tree oil added will help to repair and smooth the injured skin. Bathing in tea tree oil is therapeutic and soothing for tired muscles. Add ten drops of the oil to a warm tub and soak for twenty minutes. It is not necessary to use much oil; I once had a call from a woman who added an entire ounce to her tub, sat in hot water and her skin turned bright red. Remember, a little goes a long way.

     Tea tree oil has been known to penetrate to the cellular level. Try adding ten drops of pure oil to your favorite day or night cream to help moisturize and smooth skin.

     According to C.J. Puotinen in Nature's Antiseptics, holding a dilute solution of tea tree oil in your mouth for as long as possible before swishing and spitting it out will help with bleeding gums, inflammation or infection in the mouth.