Tea tree essential oil is an excellent addition to your medicine kit with its powerful antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. It is a good antiseptic oil to carry while traveling because of its many uses for cuts, wounds, cold sores, colds, coughs, sinuses, insect bites, repelling insects, mouth wash and as a rub for sore muscles. The other important action of tea tree that makes it good for travelers and those at home both, are its immunostimulating properties. At the first sign of a cold or other infectious disease, take a hot bath with three to ten drops of the essential oil. Tea tree oil increases your body’s ability to respond to invading organisms.
Tea tree oil (sometimes called ti tree) comes from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree. It has a harsh medicinal scent, similar to eucalyptus. It is in fact in the same family as eucalyptus trees, Myrtaceae. It is indigenous to Australia and was a folk remedy of the Aborigines for centuries.
Some impressive scientific studies have been done on tea tree oil and it has proven itself repeatedly as an effective fungicide and antibacterial and as effective against candida yeast and staph infections. In one study 5% tea tree oil gel was compared with that of a 5% benzoyl peroxide lotion for acne. Both treatments significantly reduced the acne and were considered equally effective, although the tea tree had slower onset; it had fewer side effects.
It is not considered a skin irritant and can be used straight on the skin by most people. Some people and children are more sensitive, so proceed cautiously, you may need to dilute it in a carrier oil. Do not take tea tree oil internally.
Tea tree oil can be used for cold sores, applying it full strength at the first sign of the tingle. It can also be mixed with a little alcohol (such as vodka) before applying. It is also useful for chicken pox, shingles and genital herpes. It can be used on warts. It is good for ringworm, athlete’s foot and nail funguses. It is effective against Candida albicans overgrowth, use it in baths, massage and local application.
It can be used in a steam inhalation for sinus, bronchial and throat infections. A few drops in warm water for a mouthwash can be used for gingivitis and periodontal disease. You can even add it to your pet’s shampoo to kill ticks and fleas.
Tea tree is an ingredient in many commercial products such as shampoos, creams, toothpaste, lozenges and many others. It is a useful, effective remedy that has many applications and uses.