Tea Tree Oil - Healing And Helpful

Tea tree oil is a natural product which is well known for its healing properties. It has a long history of use as an antiseptic, antifungal and antibacterial. From treating skin irritations like acne and pimples, dandruff, rashes and sunburn; to helping heal insect bites, stings and minor cuts and abrasions. It is also effective at addressing foot odours and foot fungus, head lice and ticks on pets. Plus, it makes a great cleaning agent and can be used in a variety of applications to freshen and clean around the home.

Tea tree oil is a volatile essential oil obtained by steam distillation of the freshly harvested foliage of an Australian Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia). The oil, a complex of over 100 naturally occurring compounds, is a clear and colourless-to-pale yellow liquid with a characteristic odour.

Australian aborigines used tea tree leaves to wrap wounds to promote faster healing. The oil was even included in the kits of World War II soldiers fighting in the tropics, where its ability to treat infections, wounds and tinea earned it the nickname "first aid in a bottle".

Tea Tree Oil Uses:

Tea tree oil is a favourite in many households for its versatility and practical uses around the home. In this article you'll find some of the applications that the oil can be used for.

Health Solutions...

Tea tree oil can help control and heal pimples by killing the bacteria which cause inflammation. First, wash your face well and then dab directly onto the pimples - for very sensitive skin use only 15% solution. Repeat at least twice daily.

To ease the pain and itching of insect bites and stings, apply the oil directly onto the area being careful not to rub in. Repeat as necessary.

To help relieve an itchy, flaky scalp, add approximately 12 drops of tea tree oil to your regular shampoo. Alternatively, add 12 drops to your regular shampoo and comb though with a fine tooth comb to help remove head lice.

For minor cuts and abrasions, soak some cotton wool in tea tree oil and gently dab the wound, repeating as necessary.

Also great for soothing minor burns - including sunburn, first, cool the affected area with a cold water compress, and then apply a few drops of the oil with some moisturising lotion to help aid the healing process.

Skin irritations such as scaling, flaking and itching from rashes may be soothed by massaging a few drops of tea tree oil (added to a lotion or a carrier oil such as olive oil) into the affected area daily.

For splinters, apply a few drops of the oil to the wound to help, heal and prevent infection.

Foot Care...

The feet are a breeding ground for bacteria, and common complaints can include foot odour, fungal infections of the toenails and athlete's foot (tinea).

To combat foot odour, bathe feet in a solution of one capful of tea tree oil and warm water. Sprinkle the oil in shoes to freshen and eliminate odours.

For tinea and other fungal infections, wash and dry feet thoroughly. Apply tea tree oil directly in between toes or on the affected area to help kill bacteria and speed healing. Repeat as necessary.

Pets...

To clean, deodorise and disinfect pet quarters, add a capful of tea tree oil to wash liquid, to help remove unwanted bacteria and odours.

To eliminate ticks on pets simply place 2 drops of tea tree oil directly on to the tick and wait a few minutes for the parasite to die. Then carefully remove the tick with tweezers, ensuring the head is removed. Wash the wound with a solution of 10% tea tree oil mixed in warm water and apply the oil directly 3 times a day until the wound is healed.

For the relief of insect bites and itching on pets, apply 10% solution of tea tree oil onto the bite and ensure the animal is prevented from licking the affected area.

Household Uses...

For floors, hard surfaces, kitchen and bathroom cleaning, add one capful of the oil to your wash liquid to help remove unwanted bacteria and odours.

To disinfect and freshen your laundry wash add 5 drops of tea tree oil to the rinse cycle.

Remove mould and mildew with tea tree oil by combining it with 200mL of white vinegar into a spray bottle. Shake the bottle well before each use and spray on problem areas. (Do not rinse).

To freshen and disinfect toilets and drains add one capful of tea tree oil to help kill germs and remove unwanted bacteria.

Wash and deodorise your rubbish bins by using one capful of the oil and warm water with two drops of detergent.

As can be seen there are many applications and natural uses for tea tree oil. Of course, like with any other treatments, you should always read the label and use only as directed - and if symptoms persist consult your doctor.