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How I Fixed Dry Eyes with a Diluted Tea Tree Oil Eyebrow Scrub

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28 thoughts on “How I Fixed Dry Eyes with a Diluted Tea Tree Oil Eyebrow Scrub

  1. Hello my name is Alan and i was just curious as to how to do a tea tree oil scrub. and how to keep the oil from getting in to the eye it’s self? Can anyone shed some light on this for me?

    thanks, Alan

    1. Alan,

      On one of my figure tips (ususally the middle or index finger)I place a drop of Castor Oil and then one drop of 100% Tree Tea Oil and mix them together with my fingers. I then rup the mixutre into my eyelashes, eyebrows, and checks. I place full strength TTO on my eyebrows and inside my nose also. The mites seem to catch on fast to the TTO being placed on the eyelashes and will migrate to other areas. I have been using this technique for 5 days now (twice a day) and have responsed very well to it. One caustion never place the TTO along on your eyelids because it does burn. Castor Oil, even when it gets in the eyes does not irritate them.

      I even takes baths with the TTO. I drop 20 drops of TTO in my water.

      Funny side note: When you place the mixture on your eye lids you can actually feel the little creaturs wiggle and even jump unto your nose or attempt to make it to your lashes. Thus, make sure to place the mixture on nose and eyebrows.

      Another little trick I learned: The mites like to be in the dark. Thus, I place myself in complete darkness for a while and then with a little off light to to make the mixture I place the Castor Oil and TTO mixture on my eyes. Wow. you really feel them scramble after that!

  2. I’ve written to Matt to ask for more details about how he did this. Tea tree oil does sting and you should not get it in your eyes, so I’m not sure, but I’ll share the answer here when he writes back. I’ve been using “Desert Essence – Thoroughly Clean Face Wash with organic Tea Tree Oil and Awapuhi”. It includes many different oils. I put it on with my eyes closed in the shower and leave it on for a minute each morning before rinsing. When I open my eyes even a little, it stings. The % of tea tree oil is not listed on the bottle.

    1. Xeno,

      Regarding Tree Tea Oil

      On one of my figure tips (ususally the middle or index finger)I place a drop of Castor Oil and then one drop of 100% Tree Tea Oil and mix them together with my fingers. I then rup the mixutre into my eyelashes, eyebrows, and checks. I place full strength TTO on my eyebrows and inside my nose also. The mites seem to catch on fast to the TTO being placed on the eyelashes and will migrate to other areas. I have been using this technique for 5 days now (twice a day) and have responsed very well to it. One caustion never place the TTO along on your eyelids because it does burn. Castor Oil, even when it gets in the eyes does not irritate them.

      I even takes baths with the TTO. I drop 20 drops of TTO in my water.

      Funny side note: When you place the mixture on your eye lids you can actually feel the little creaturs wiggle and even jump unto your nose or attempt to make it to your lashes. Thus, make sure to place the mixture on nose and eyebrows.

      Another little trick I learned: The mites like to be in the dark. Thus, I place myself in complete darkness for a while and then with a little off light to to make the mixture I place the Castor Oil and TTO mixture on my eyes. Wow. you really feel them scramble after that!

    1. On one of my figure tips (ususally the middle or index finger)I place a drop of Castor Oil and then one drop of 100% Tree Tea Oil and mix them together with my fingers. I then rup the mixutre into my eyelashes, eyebrows, and checks. I place full strength TTO on my eyebrows and inside my nose also. The mites seem to catch on fast to the TTO being placed on the eyelashes and will migrate to other areas. I have been using this technique for 5 days now (twice a day) and have responsed very well to it. One caustion never place the TTO along on your eyelids because it does burn. Castor Oil, even when it gets in the eyes does not irritate them.

      I even takes baths with the TTO. I drop 20 drops of TTO in my water.

      Funny side note: When you place the mixture on your eye lids you can actually feel the little creaturs wiggle and even jump unto your nose or attempt to make it to your lashes. Thus, make sure to place the mixture on nose and eyebrows.

      Another little trick I learned: The mites like to be in the dark. Thus, I place myself in complete darkness for a while and then with a little off light to to make the mixture I place the Castor Oil and TTO mixture on my eyes. Wow. you really feel them scramble after that!

      1. i have had crawling on my head and ruled out lice and also have red inflamed eyes, i used some tea tree oil 100% in some shampoo and washed my eye lids with that, after i was wiping these white things out of my eyes, how long does it take to get rid of these bugs. is there anything else i can use on my scalp as it burns or will the burning go away

  3. One of the most interesting things on your site is all the comments and we have enjoyed reading everyone’s thoughts and comments. Most people who have a site do not get near the traffic that you do; I guess it is because they do not have the personal contact that you have.

  4. I strongly advice against using pure (100%) tea tree oil on your eye lashes. This will certainly get some of the stuff into your eyes and this really burns like hell….and harm your eyes. You will have to dillute tea tree oil with another basic oil (e.g. castor oil) down to a percentage of (way) less than 50%. Tea Tree oil does not dissolve in water.

  5. I have been struggling with extreme eye discomfort for at least two years now. Very red eyes, burning, feeling of something in the eye and it has been almost intolerable in the last year. I have gone to the doctors and told my eyeballs are fine. I have gone to the eye specialist and told to use artificial tears. I have used visine, two types of artifical tears, hot compresses, omega 3 pills, and home remedies for pink eye. My eyes felt like they were being scratched everytime I looked around or blinked. I stumbled onto demodex as a possible cause for my eye discomfort and onto TTO as a possible remedy.
    After one eyescrub with TTO I have to say that the result has been nothing short of miraculous. The feeling of relief has been almost immediate. I have not been able to blink without discomfort for so long that to finally have freedom of burning and pain is overwhelming.
    I have done two eye scrubs on the first night and one on the second as I just haven’t been able to believe the relief I am feeling.
    I purchased almond oil and TTO. I use a q tip and put several drops into the palm of my hand. I then dip the other end of the q tip into the TTO and mix it in my palm. With my eyes closed I use a new q tip and wipe the end of a dipped q tip back and forth over my eye 6 or 7 times. I also do my eyebrows. I leave my eyes closed and after approx 5 minutes I put a clean washcloth under lukewarm water and hold it to my eyes gently removing the TTO/almond oil application. I rinse the cloth and wipe gently several times. Hot water on the cloth intensifies the burning of the TTO mixture so stick to luke warm. When my eyes are eventually opened it does burn considerably as it seems impossible to avoid getting some into the eyes. It does subside however and the relief is worth all of it.
    I intend to do this once a week. I have washed all of the bed sheets and discarded all makeup and purchased new.
    I cannot believe this. I want to shout this to the world however I fear people will think I am crazy.
    So grateful for the relief.
    Merry Christmas. 🙂

    1. I would also like to add that I gently wipe the face cloth over my forehead, nose, and cheek area as I am sure that the small amount of TTO is helpful to the facial area if demodex is a problem for me in the first place.

    2. Awesome Kim! Thanks for sharing this. I got into the habit of taking flax oil daily for years, which is good overall and also kept my eyes feeling better, but the tea tree oil shampoo I found may have really done the trick. I haven’t been really bothered by dry eyes in a long time. I’m glad I avoided the eye drops. The eye doctor I talked to years ago was certain I would get worse and worse and would eventually have a torn cornea and I’d go blind. That eye surgeon who diagnosed me said “no one has ever been cured of dry eye syndrome”. I told her I’d be the first, then. There are different causes, but some people find real lasting relief without drugs. Just get rid of the demodex, right? I may go back for another test to see if I’ve actually improved my tearing. This type of sharing is why the Internet must remain open!

      1. Hi, my doctor advised to get tea tree shampoo for a lid scrub, but the t tree oil was the last ingredient. Do you have the name of the shampoo you use. Thanks sheila

      2. I use just a bit of “Desert Essence Natural Refreshing Tea Tree Oil Mouthwash” on my face, especially the eyebrows. This seems to clear up my dry eyes, but they get worse the day after. If you want the straight oil, buy doTerra melaleuca essential oil and dilute that.

  6. Had to share this and not sure anyone will see it sinec the thread is so old but
    I tried everything – still the eyelids remained crusty
    Today – I tried ICE on the lids!
    Within minutes great relief – and removes the crust also….so we’ll see

    Put your hats and pillow cases in the microwave for about a minute to kill any critters that might be finding their way into your facial hairy areas
    Good luck!!

  7. I am an 81-year-old male who has been treated for glaucoma for the past 20 years, and last fall (Oct 2011) the eye doctor took me off my prescription eye drops, saying: “it looks like your eye pressure has stablized, so let’s see if you can go without the eye drops.”

    I went back for an eye examination in early August 2012 (last month) to get a certificate from the doctor for renewal of my driver’s license. She told me the exam showed I had 20/30 vision in the left, and 20/40 vision in the right eye, sufficient to satisfy DMV vision requirements, so I was able to renew my license.

    But she also told me I was developing cataracts in both eyes, and she wanted to have me back the end of August for “more definitive” examination before recommending cataract surgery.

    I was shocked, and decided to research natural treatments for cataracts so to avoid surgery if possible. I found that Castor Oil eye drops will “dissolve” cataracts over time if used regularly for about 2 to 3 months at bedtime each night.

    I followed this regimen every night, putting two drops of pure Castor Oil in each eye at bedtime and then went into the eye clinic August 31st for my “more definitive” tests. The doctor was incredulous! She said the test results showed 20/20 vision in both eyes and no evidence of cataracts. She asked what I had been doing, and I told her about Castor Oil. She was dumbfounded. But there was no discussion of cataract surgery at that time.

    Now I am wondering if I added a tiny drop or two of Tea Tree Oil along with the Castor Oil, would that enhance the treatment and continue to ward off cataracts going forward.

    I may try it, but am reluctant to do this without some more research.

    However, I wanted to tell your visitors about the Castor Oil treatment. Cataract surgery is the most frequently performed eye surgery in America today and a real money maker for the eye doctors. But what if it was not necessary and folks discovered these natural remedies they could do themselves! Revolutionary!

    I see well now, without my glasses. And guess what, they renewed my driver’s license to the year 2020!!!

    1. I meant to tell your visitors that I have been consuming 3 tablespoons of Flaxseed Oil, well blended into 6 tablespoons of low fat organic cottage cheese and 1 tablespoon of fresh ground flaxseeds, every morning for the past 4 years. I credit this protocol with the improvement in my vision that impelled the doctor to discontinue my glaucoma medicine. Google the “Budwig Protocol” for more on this flaxseed oil/cottage cheese procedure and the science behind it.
      It really works in all parts of the body, including the eyes.

    2. This is a follow up in 2026 to the claim of caster oil being the cause of your reversal of cataracts. Here’s what I found:

      Low-dose sterile castor oil aids dry eyes. Castor oil drops (in sterile, low-dose formulas) lubricate and stabilize tears, reducing blur from dry spots on the cornea. This can boost Snellen chart scores even if the cataract itself persists. Better wetting might subtly alter corneal curvature or reduce aberrations, sharpening focus for some time. Early cataracts (nuclear sclerosis) sometimes slow spontaneously; if his timing overlapped, it could appear causal. If you have before/after slit-lamp photos or OCT scans showing lens clearing (vs. just clearer cornea/tears), that would settle it. I’d genuinely love to see data proving drops can do what surgery does. I found several sites saying they wished it worked, but there is no evidence of that, even in 2026.

      “Castor oil has become very popular in recent years for its reported health benefits, driven in part by trends on social media platforms like TikTok. Some have attempted to capitalize on this by promoting castor oil eye drops as a cataract cure. Unfortunately, the science just does not back this up. In fact, castor oil eyedrops may actually contribute to eye discomfort and blurred vision for some people.”
      https://www.northfloridavision.com/blog/post/2025/07/14/The-Truth-About-At-Home-Cataract-Remedies.aspx

      “When used properly, castor oil eye drops might indirectly help reduce cataract symptoms by improving function in other parts of the eye in the following ways:

      Relieving dry eyes caused by allergies, infections and natural dryness

      Increasing blood circulation in the eye

      Helping maintain tear film

      Aiding in meibomian gland function”
      https://www.allaboutvision.com/treatments-and-surgery/remedies/castor-oil-for-cataracts/

      “Castor oil, derived from the seeds of the castor bean plant, has a long history in traditional and folk medicine. Recently, the resurgence of castor oil as a potential solution for eye-related issues has gained traction, thanks to influencers showcasing their experiences on TikTok.

      Many TikTok influencers have uploaded videos showing the application of castor oil around their eyes. Some suggest that the benefits of castor oil include improved vision and reduced eye dryness. Some even claim that castor oil is effective in treating certain eye conditions such as cataract and glaucoma.
      Various community reports have claimed that castor oil has antimicrobial activity and is effective in stimulating uterine contraction and promoting lipid metabolism. However, to date, castor oil has only obtained FDA approval as a stimulative laxative [5].

      Castor oil, which is widely available in grocery stores, may contain additives, such as preservatives or fragrances. These additives can be potentially harmful, mainly when applied to sensitive areas like the eyes or skin. Using castor oil with additives on the skin may result in irritation, redness, or allergic reactions, especially for individuals with sensitive skin. The delicate skin around the eyes is particularly susceptible to irritation, and exposure to additives in castor oil could lead to discomfort or inflammation.

      Using castor oil on the eyes may cause irritation, redness, or allergic reactions.

      Moreover, if the oil comes into contact with the eyes, it may increase the risk of eye infections. In some cases, putting castor oil directly on the eyes can damage the transparent, dome-shaped cornea [9]. Additionally, commercially available castor oil has not been adequately sterilised; hence, using it as an eye drop increases your risk of eye infections.

      Another common side effect of using castor oil as an eye drop is blurry vision, as it creates an oily layer over the tear film and ocular surface. ”
      https://www.drchelvinsng.com/natural-remedies-and-eye-health-fact-or-fiction/
      See:
      https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21562-cornea

  8. I’m not sure if a lot of these posts are scammers trying to increase Tea tree oil sales. I have red itchy eyes and was tempted to try TTO but my friend who is a pharmacists was horrified I’d put anything that strong near my eyes, even at 50% it can damage the eyes and burn. I’m a little upset because I thought I’d found a cure, however I’m too worried about the damage tea tree oil could do. An eye specialist can literally pick the mites out of the lashes with miniture tweezers and a microscope.

    1. I’ve used Desert Essence tea tree oil mouthwash on a cotton swab on my eyebrows and eyelids. It worked with one application, so it would not increase sales of tea tree oil products. That makes me laugh anyway because the stuff is so cheap.

      Try it, but don’t be an idiot and get the tea tree oil liquid in your eye. Demodex mites are tiny. Just squeeze the cotton first to make sure no drops of liquid can fall into your eye. Keep your eye closed when you apply it to your eyelid. Have a wet washcloth standing by. I’d only do this with the mouthwash, not with pure TTO. If you fear that you might damage your vision, just put it in your eyebrows, not your eyelids. Then see if your dry eye problem improves dramatically.

      Or you could pay a doctor to pluck the mites I guess… never thought of that. Then wash all your bedding, towels, etc so you don’t get reinfected.

      There are several different causes of dry eyes. Fat free diets may be one cause. You also need to get enough healthy fats/oils every day.

      Long term exposure to pollution can cause your immune system to become too active and start attacking the wrong thing, your own cells. If that is the case you need clean food, air and water plus time to heal. Go organic and grow your own food if the cost is an issue.

  9. Dianne’s post in 2010 is right on the spot.

    So… I had eyelash issues for a long time. You name it I got it at one time followed by ophthalmologist appointment. Then 2-3 weeks later the symptoms would return. After doing research on the demodox mite, revelation. It takes 2-3 weeks for demodox mites to mature to adults. My eye doctor visit turned out to be temporary relief.

    Here were my symptoms in addition to the demodex/Blepharitis symptoms:
    1. eyelashes or eyebrow hair falling off into eyes or easy to pull
    2. on a pulled eyelash there is a white dot where there should be follicle
    3. chronic itchy watery eyes that dry eye/allergy drop could relieve.
    4. tug or massage/rub your eyelashes agitates irritation in localized segments along your eyelashes. Which spirals into an itchy/relief cycle

    My Treatment:
    I started Tea Tree Oil treatment I followed Diane’s post in 2010. I started with Tea Tree shampoo, soap products and then oiling the eyelashes. For the oil mix I do:

    1 drop Tea Tree Oil and 3 drops Burt’s Bee Baby Oil, basically 25% dilution.
    (Probably should use Castor oil, but didn’t, no excuse)

    With Q-tips and fingers, I applied this mix to my eyebrows, nose and cheeks then work my way to the eyelashes. The first time I used this mix, it stung and irritated certain segments of my eyelashes. Diane’s was right again. I can almost hear those mites scream when in contact with the tea tree oil. I was able to really trace the itchiness move along the eyelashes, then it settled in a few minutes. Then it would be itchy again and settle. It was crazy. In addition to the irritation, I felt the effects of the tea tree oil. Depending on who you are, its like adding BenGay to sore muscles. It may feel hot or cool. Avoid adding the mix to your eyes, you will feel definitely feel the effect. If you do happen to get it in the eyes, flush with water immediately to lessen sting. And avoid the tear ducts. Focus on the eyelashes.

    I repeated this treatment every day with improving results until the 3rd day to find out that the mites come out at night. So before bed, add the mix 1 and 3 mix.

    Other effects, red eyes from tea tree oil seeping onto the eyes. Flush with water again to lessen sting.

    Resolution in 7 days.

    Disclaimer: This is not for everyone. This is what I did as a last resort after numerous visits to my ophthalmologist to get satisfying relief.

    Cheers and Good Luck

  10. How do dust mites surivive up to six months without food?

    ChatGPT says: Dust mites’ impressive survival without food stems from their biology and environmental adaptations. They primarily feed on human skin flakes but can endure extended fasting periods.

    Survival Mechanism
    Dust mites enter a dormant state during food scarcity, slowing their metabolism to conserve energy. Their bodies, about 75% water, rely on passive moisture absorption from humid air rather than active feeding. [dustmiteallergysolutions.com] https://www.dustmiteallergysolutions.com.au/blogs/dustmiteblog/dust-mites-your-every-question-answered

    Key Adaptations
    Water balance: Supracoxal glands on their legs pull vapor from air at 65%+ relative humidity, preventing desiccation without food. [pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5156485/
    Low energy needs: As tiny arachnids (0.2-0.3 mm), they require minimal sustenance; adults live 4-6 weeks normally but stretch to six months fasting. [dustmiteallergysolutions.com] https://www.dustmiteallergysolutions.com.au/blogs/dustmiteblog/dust-mites-your-every-question-answered
    Fecal efficiency: They lack an anus but excrete concentrated pellets, minimizing waste and water loss. [pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5156485/

    Limits and Control
    Survival drops sharply below 50% humidity, where they dehydrate in weeks. Regular vacuuming reduces populations indirectly by limiting skin flakes, though full eradication needs humidity control below 50%. [entomology.mgcafe.uky] https://entomology.mgcafe.uky.edu/ef646)

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