|
|
 Australian Tea Tree Oil There is one product that I absolutely refuse to live
without-Australian Tea tree oil. The healing properties of this oil in
my personal skin care regimen are endless and necessary. What is Tea
Tree Oil?
Tea
tree oil or melaleuca oil is a clear to very pale golden color
essential oil with a fresh camphoraceous odor. It is taken from the
leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia which is native to the northeast
coast of New South Wales, Australia. The oil has beneficial medical
properties (including antiseptic and antifungal, antibacterial action),
and is also believed to have beneficial cosmetic properties. Tea tree
oil is usually used diluted, as reactions are common with pure tea tree
oil, and it can cause irritation in dilution as well.(thanks wikipedia)
Tea
tree oil has become a popular natural ingredient in all kinds of
shampoos, face soaps and ointments because of its amazing healing
powers.
This skin miracle comes from Australia, where over 300 species of tea trees naturally grow.
Aboriginal tribes in Australia have known of the tea tree's healing qualities for thousands of years.
Australian
aboriginals have known the secret to healthy glowing skin for
centuries. They used tea tree oil to soothe skin and to heal cuts, and
now you can use tea tree oil too!
They boiled the leaves of the tea tree to make tea and antiseptic poultices that treated cuts, wounds, and skin infections.
One
legend even describes a magical lagoon where native people bathed to
heal their burns, cuts, and skin disorders. Tea trees surrounded the
pool, and the fallen leaves created a natural healing bath.
Luckily
we do not have to travel all the way to Australia! It is now easily
available in the form of an essential oil and has many amazing benefits!
According
to naturopathic and homeopathic doctor Asa Hershoff, DC, of Los Angeles
and San Francisco, tea tree oil has antibacterial, antifungal, and
antiviral properties and stimulates the immune system.
Tea tree oil
has been used to treat mouth ulcers and abscesses, conjunctivitis,
acne, boils, impetigo, psoriasis, dandruff, vaginitis, thrush, septic
wounds, cuts and abrasions, carbuncles, pus-filled infections, and
ringworm. It is also said to ease the pain of burns and hemorrhoids and
help rid the hair and body of lice and ticks.
As with any
essential oil, please use properly and sparingly to avoid any
irritations or overdoses-and if you are pregnant please be sure to
consult your doctor before use!
As a general disinfectant: Soak in a bath once a week with 10 drops for about 20 minutes.
To
spot treat acne: dab one drop directly on the blemish at bedtime or
morning. It is highly concentrated and one drop is all that is needed.
The anti fungal properties will cleanse and help to speed up healing
time.
To help a cold, cough , or congestion: add 2-3 drops to
boiled water and create a steam remedy by placing your head over the
bowl of water. Use a towel over your head to keep steam in. Do this for
about 10 min. If symptoms persist for more than 5 days -consult your Dr.
For
canker sores and tooth infections:add 3 drops in a cup of warm water
and gargle twice a day. Be careful not to swallow this solution. It
will not replace the dental care from your dentist but it will help to
cleanse until you can see your Doctor.(Extra care should be exercised
when Tea Tree Oil is taken internally. Overdosing on Tea Tree Oil can
result in diarrhea, vomiting, impaired immune function, excessive
drowsiness, sleepiness, confusion, poor coordination, and even coma. If
you notice any of these symptoms of overdose, seek medical attention
immediately.
To rid hair of Lice or dandruff: You can add
10-15 drops to your daily shampoo or apply directly to hair. Putting it
directly on the scalp is not necessary in treatment of lice, put a few
drops on a fine tooth comb and work through the hair.
Foot
soak: Due to the anti-fungal properties this oil makes an excellent
foot treatment. Add a few drop to olive oil or in a foot spa to relieve
sore feet and fungal problems.
You can find Tea Tree Oil at
almost all of your local health food stores and many online locations.
Make sure you are getting pure oil as some makers will have additives
even though it states it may be 100%
These natural remedies are in no way intended to replace the care of your Doctor. Back to Articles |
|
