Tea tree oil VS Apple cider vinegar

Tea tree oil

Overview:

 Melaleuca alternifolia is a plant native to Australia. The leaves of this plant are steam-distilled to produce tea tree oil, an essential oil. Tea tree oil got its name because, historically, the leaves were used as a replacement for tea. The oil from the leaves has medicinal properties.

For generations, people have used tea tree essential oil, also known as melaleuca oil, to cure wounds and other skin issues. The oil can be used topically or combined with other skin care products and creams.

Tea tree oil is available as a pure essential oil. It can also be found in personal care items, including cleansers, toners, body washes, gels, lotions, and other treatments, especially those meant to prevent or treat acne.

 Note: Tea tree oil is only for topical usage and should not be consumed.

Benefits of tea tree oil

 According to PubMed Central, tea tree oil includes chemical compounds, such as terpinen-4-ol, that have been demonstrated to kill specific bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

 Below are a few benefits of tea tree oil

1. Has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties

 In Australia, the oil has been used as a remedy for about 100 years, primarily for skin disorders, and it is used now to treat various conditions.

 According to PubMed Central, tea tree oil could reduce inflammation because of a significant amount of terpinen-4-ol present within, a substance with anti-inflammatory qualities.

Terpinen-4-ol has been shown to reduce inflammation in oral infections in animal studies. Tea tree oil administered topically to people reduced histamine-induced skin inflammation and was more effective than paraffin oil.

Most people know tea tree oil for its antimicrobial properties. According to studies by PubMed Central, the oil’s capacity to harm bacterial cell walls is what gives way to its broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. However, more research is required.

2. Promotes glowing skin

The best oil to use for skin is tea tree oil. It gives your skin a beautiful, glowing appearance and is extremely good for your skin. The abundance of antioxidants helps in smoothing and reducing dryness in the skin.

3. Prevents lice and dandruff

Tea tree oil has antiseptic qualities that help eliminate lice, white flakes, dead scalp skin, and dandruff. Additionally, it serves as a cleanser and conditioner that treats lice and soothes dry scalp.

Apply a few drops of tea tree oil diluted in coconut or almond oil on your hair daily for the most incredible effects.

4. Helps treat acne 

Tea tree oil’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial qualities make it a powerful acne treatment. According to the National Centre for Biotechnology Information, it is just as effective as Benzoyl Peroxide. It is said to reduce inflammation, edoema, and redness.

It enters the pores and eliminates toxins. Additionally, it lessens and lightens scars. The skin’s natural oil balance is restored with tea tree oil. For effective results, you can apply a gel containing tea tree oil.

5. Treats fungal infections

Fungal infections of the nails are frequent yet challenging to treat. Using tea tree oil alone or along with other all-natural therapies can help eliminate nail fungus.

You can apply a few drops of tea tree oil directly to the affected region or combine it with equal amounts of coconut oil.

6. Treatment for athletes foot

According to PubMed Central, athletes foot (tinea pedis) symptoms can be treated by applying a tea tree oil cream topically.

A lotion with 10% tea tree oil seemed to lessen the symptoms as successfully as the antifungal drug tolnaftate 1%.

When using a 50% tea tree oil lotion, 68% of participants saw a noticeable reduction in their symptoms, and 64% completely recovered.

7. Helps with contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a type of eczema brought on by coming into contact with an allergen or irritant. Researchers compared the efficacy of tea tree oil, zinc oxide, and clobetasone butyrate as contact dermatitis therapies.

Results indicate that compared to other therapies, tea tree oil was more successful at reducing allergic contact dermatitis. It had little impact on irritating contact dermatitis, though.

Remember that some people may develop allergic contact dermatitis from tea tree oil alone.

8. Promotes oral health

According to research by PubMed Central, tea tree oil combats the germs that lead to oral inflammation and disorders, including tooth decay and bad breath.

All you need to do is put a drop of tea tree oil in half a cup of water and swish it in your mouth for 30 seconds. This way, it works as a chemical-free mouthwash.

9. Manage dandruff

Mild to moderate yeast-related dandruff can be treated with 5% tea tree oil.

Compared to a placebo, dandruff sufferers who used a shampoo containing 5% tea tree oil daily for four weeks experienced significantly less irritation and greasiness overall.

Participants didn’t encounter any adverse effects.

Note: Tea tree oil is a natural remedy and may cause allergies and reactions in some people. Make sure to do a patch test and consult with your doctor before you decide to use it.

Side effects of tea tree oil  

Tea tree oil may have side effects depending on how it is used.

The two most typical approaches to use are:

• Topical application
• Inhalation

Side effects of topical applications

Tea tree oil can irritate the skin when applied topically, primarily if improper dilution or larger amounts are used. Tea tree oil skin irritation can present with the following symptoms:

• Redness
• Dry or scaly skin
• Itching
• Burning sensation

Tea tree oil may cause an allergic reaction in some people. This condition is known as allergic contact dermatitis, which may result in itchiness, swelling, and rash on the skin.  

These reactions are frequently linked to using older or poorly stored tea tree oil, but fresh tea tree oil can produce the same skin reaction.

Side effects of inhalation

Tea tree oil is used in aromatherapy as well. This technique involves either inhaling steam or using a diffuser to inhale the oil. Too much or prolonged inhalation of tea tree oil may cause the following symptoms:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Vertigo

Side effects of internal consumption

You should never consume tea tree oil internally. If you drink it, it might be poisonous and even fatal. Symptoms of ingestion include:

• Fatigue
• Confusion
• Uncoordinated movement (ataxia)
• Loss of consciousness

Ways to safely apply tea tree oil 

For safe dilution and application, follow these steps.

• 12 drops of carrier oil should be added to 1 to 2 drops of tea tree oil. Use extra caution while applying oils to your face, though. Any oil-based product has the potential to make acne worse.
• Perform a small patch test on the inside of your elbow before applying diluted tea tree oil to your face.
• The symptoms of sensitive skin or an allergic reaction include itching, redness, swelling, and burning.
• Wash your face with a mild cleanser for acne-prone skin before using the oil.
• Apply diluted tea tree oil to your blemishes by gently dabbing it with a cotton ball or pad.
• If it agrees with your skin, repeat this routine every morning and night for the best results.

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

Overview

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is a frequently used home remedy. People have been using Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) for years in cooking and medicine.

ACV is said to have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

Additionally, there is evidence that it might provide health benefits like:

• Helping you lose weight
• Decreasing cholesterol
• Reducing blood sugar
• Alleviating diabetic symptoms

Regarding the nutritional information, diluted ACV has little fibre, nearly no fat, very few carbs, and very few calories per serving.

This makes it a fantastic way to enhance the flavour of food without adding calories or additional salt.

Below are the health benefits of ACV

1. Helps manage diabetes

It is believed that ACV can help people with diabetes control their blood sugar levels.

According to studies from PubMed Central, consuming vinegar after a meal high in carbohydrates can increase insulin sensitivity by up to 34% and dramatically lower blood sugar levels.

However, if you’re taking medication to control diabetes, you should see a healthcare provider before consuming ACV.

2. Aids weight loss

According to studies by PubMed Central, they have found that vinegar can make people feel more satisfied, and this may result in consuming fewer calories and losing weight.

For instance, one study found that consuming vinegar with a high-carb breakfast boosted participants’ feelings of fullness, resulting in them consuming 200–275 fewer calories the rest of the day.

Additionally, in 12-week research of 175 obese individuals, daily use of ACV resulted in decreased belly fat and weight loss.

• Taking 1 tablespoon (15 ml) resulted in a 1.2 kg weight loss
• Taking two tablespoons (30 ml) resulted in a 1.7 kg weight loss

This study found that including 1 or 2 teaspoons of ACV in your diet can aid in weight loss. Additionally, it can help you lose belly fat, lower your blood triglycerides, and lower your body fat percentage.

Several human studies have looked into the impact of vinegar on weight loss, and this is one of them. Although the study was extensive and the findings are encouraging, more research is required.

3. Helps preserve food

Like other kinds of vinegar, ACV works well as a preservative. Vinegar has been used for thousands of years as a pickling agent to preserve foods.

It works by raising the food’s acidity, which disables its enzymes and kills any microorganisms that could otherwise spoil it.

You may find many recipes for food pickling or preservation using ACV online.

4. Acts as a deodoriser

It is well known that ACV has antimicrobial capabilities. As a result, it’s frequently claimed that ACV can get rid of unpleasant odours.

You can test these claims by making a deodorising spray by combining one part ACV with one part water.

You may also make a foot soak similar to this by combining ACV, water, and Epsom salts. Eliminating the microorganisms that cause odour may help eliminate unpleasant foot odour.

5. May improve skin health

According to PubMed Central, ACV is a popular treatment for skin diseases like eczema and dry skin.

The skin has a mildly acidic pH by nature. Thus, topical use of ACV may assist in restoring the skin’s average pH balance and enhancing the barrier function. On the other hand, alkaline cleansers and soaps may aggravate eczema and exacerbate symptoms.

In principle, ACV’s antibacterial characteristics should aid in preventing skin infections related to eczema and other skin diseases.

Some people use ACV that has been diluted as a toner or face wash. It is supposed to be able to eliminate microorganisms and prevent spots.

6. As a mouthwash

ACV is commonly mentioned as a beneficial substitute for over-the-counter mouthwashes. Although there hasn’t been any research investigating its efficacy, its antimicrobial qualities may aid with bad breath.

If you use ACV as mouthwash, thoroughly dilute it with water (1 tablespoon for every cup, or 240 ml, of water, is standard). Otherwise, the acidity of the vinegar may harm your teeth.

Side effects of ACV  

Sadly, there are some side effects associated with using ACV.

While ingesting small amounts is typically okay and healthy, doing so in excess can be harmful and even fatal.

1. Stomach empties more slowly

ACV may slow the rate at which food leaves the stomach and enters the lower digestive tract, which could delay the bloodstream’s ability to absorb nutrients.

The symptoms of gastroparesis, a common condition that affects persons with diabetes, could worsen due to excessive ACV consumption.

Gastroparesis signs and symptoms include nausea, bloating, and heartburn. Because it’s challenging to forecast how long food will take to digest and absorb, timing insulin with mealtime can be very difficult for persons with type 1 diabetes and gastroparesis.

Ten patients with type 1 diabetes and gastroparesis were the subject of one controlled study. Compared to drinking regular water, water with two tablespoons (30 ml) of ACV lengthened the time food stayed in the stomach.

However, more recent studies are required to comprehend how ACV affects blood sugar levels entirely.

2. Digestive issues

Some people may get unpleasant digestive issues from using ACV.

According to research conducted on humans and animals by PubMed Central, acetic acid and ACV may increase feelings of fullness and reduce hunger, which would naturally reduce caloric intake.

However, one controlled study indicates that under some circumstances, indigestion may cause a decrease in appetite and food consumption.

Another study found that those who drank beverages containing 25 grams of ACV felt less hunger and more nausea.

3. Tooth enamel erosion

It has been demonstrated that acidic foods and drinks can harm tooth enamel.

Although studies on soft drinks and fruit juices have attracted extensive attention, some evidence suggests that vinegar’s acetic acid may also harm dental enamel.

In one experiment conducted by PubMed Central, wisdom teeth were immersed in kinds of vinegar with pH ranges between 2.7 and 3.95. After 4 hours, the vinegar caused a 1–20% loss of minerals from the teeth.

It is important to note that this investigation was conducted in a lab rather than in the mouth, where saliva helps to buffer acidity. However, some proof is that excessive vinegar consumption may lead to teeth erosion.

4. Skin burns

When applied to the skin, ACV can burn because it is powerfully acidic.

In one instance, a 14-year-old girl with two moles removed via an internet-based protocol ended up with erosions on her nose after applying a few drops of ACV.

Additionally, there are several anecdotal stories online of burns brought on by ACV on the skin.

5. Low potassium levels

There have been instances of ACV causing or aggravating low potassium levels, according to Dr Robert H. Shmerling, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts.

Hypokalemia is the medical term for low potassium. Mild hypokalemia may have no symptoms. However, moderate or severe hypokalemia can result in paralysis and muscle weakness, which can impact various body parts.

6. Drug interactions

Several drugs may interact with ACV, including:

• Diabetic medications-. Consuming vinegar, insulin, or insulin-stimulating drug can result in dangerously low potassium or blood sugar levels.
• Digoxin (Lanoxin) – Digoxin causes a decrease in blood potassium levels when taken. It may cause deficient potassium levels if combined with ACV.
• Diuretics- When you take some diuretics, your body excretes potassium. Avoid taking these drugs with a lot of vinegar to prevent potassium levels from dropping too low.

Ways to safely consume ACV

 By following these basic guidelines, most people can take ACV in appropriate amounts without risk.

• Limit intake- Depending on your tolerance, start with a small dose and gradually increase it to a daily maximum of 2 teaspoons (30 ml), diluted in water.
• Rinse your mouth after use- Once you’ve consumed it, rinse your mouth with water. Wait 30 minutes before brushing your teeth to prevent further enamel damage.
• If you have gastroparesis, avoid it – Avoid using ACV or use no more than one teaspoon (5 ml) in a salad dressing or glass of water.

Conclusion

According to research, tea tree oil may be beneficial for acne breakouts that are mild to moderate. If you are sensitive to benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, tea tree oil may be an over-the-counter (OTC) choice for treating acne, even if it might not be as effective.

You might require prescription medicine if over-the-counter acne treatments don’t help. A dermatologist can assist you in getting the finest care possible. Treatment choices could be:

• Retinoids
• Antibiotics used orally or topically
• Antiandrogen treatment
• Contraceptive tablets

Even while tea tree oil shouldn’t replace your existing acne therapy, it might be a good supplement.

On the other hand, some websites and supporters of natural medicine claim that ACV offers extraordinary health advantages, such as increasing energy and treating disease.

Unfortunately, there isn’t any evidence to support most health benefit claims. Nevertheless, some research indicates that it might have certain advantages, such as encouraging weight loss, reducing blood sugar levels, and destroying microorganisms.

If you don’t take it in large doses, ACV seems safe. ACV works as a natural hair conditioner, skin care product, and cleaning agent, among other uses that are unrelated to health.

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