Tea tree oil is an essential oil known for its medicinal properties. It is obtained after steam distillation of the tree Melaleuca alternifolia which is a native of New South Wales, Australia. It is antiseptic and antifungal in nature. Among the various 98 components in it, the most important is terpinen-4-ol , which accounts for most of antimicrobial properties of this oil. This is also major component as it between 30%-48% as per ISO standards.

The tea tree oil should not be confused with tea oil (the seasoning and cooking oil obtained from pressed seeds of the plant Camellia oleifera).

The tea tree shampoo can help to cleanse hair and scalp , it soothes a itchy dry scalp and control dandruff. It is an good antifungal agent due to effective in vitro against multiple dermatophytes. It is due to ability of shampoo containing 5% tea tree to treat Malassezia furfur, the common cause for these symptoms.

According to a study reported in Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology a study conducted on 126 persons using a shampoo containing 5% tea tree oil with mild to moderate dandruff found reduced symptoms after a 4 week trial. The author of this study believes that it helps kill the specific fungus involved in dandruff. The participants were asked to rate degree of itchiness, scaliness and greasiness of their scalps. They reported significant reduction in all these factors as compared to other group using placebo shampoo. No side effects were also reported in this study.

Dandruff is characterized by dryness, itchiness and flakiness of the scalp. Some studies suggest that it is a specific fungus called Pityrosporum ovale and some cases can be treated by antifungal medication like, ketoconazole, terbinafine and selenium sulfide. However the oil is beneficial for dandruff as it is an effective anti fungal agent.

The shampoo containing it can be used everyday without causing any imbalance in natural bacteria. It can be used by both sexes and all kind of hair whether natural or colored.

One can also add 2% tea tree oil in any natural shampoo (i.e. 2 cc in 98 cc of shampoo). This will help keep scalp bacteria free and avoid fungal problems. For dry hair 2% solution of tree oil in a moisturizing shampoo will help.

The Benefits of using shampoo containing it are:

• It stops dry, flaky and itch scalp condition.

• Clean beautiful hair

• Prevents and control dandruff.

• Minimise oil production and promotes healthy circulation.

• It is organic and contains no animal products or harmful chemicals.

Uses of Tea tree oil for Kids' Shampoo

Kids often suffer from a problem of head lice. Using a shampoo containing pesticide is not a solution. What parents don't realize while using these harsh chemicals is the health hazards of using them on children. Nit picking can be complicated sensory issue, it can also effect child's behavior. Adding few drops of tea tree oil to child's shampoo can help immensely. There are also shampoos available with tea tree oil for kids.

You will also find shampoos with it are also available for pets. It helps pets by to soothing dry skin, get relief from itching and in reducing dandruff flakes. It also helps to calm raw or sore skin due to flea and other skin problem.

So don't wait and try out a wondrous shampoo containing tea tree oil.