Tea Tree Essential Oil

Tea tree essential oil is well known for its powerful antiseptic properties. It has been used by the aborigines for centuries for that purpose. It is the base of many commercial products such as lozenges, toothpastes, creams, and lotions. It actively combats all three categories of infectious organisms: fungi, viruses, and bacteria. The essential oil is extracted from the leaves of the native Australian plant melaleuca alternifolia. It can be a very pale yellow or colorless with a strong medicinal smell.

Tea tree increases the body's ability to respond when threatened with an infection. If used at the first sign of a cold or flu, it efficiently fights the infections which reduces the severity of the illness and helps prevent secondary infection. Add a few drops to a bath or mix with a carrier oil to massage chest and neck areas. When using in a bath for a child, dilute with a carrier oil first. When used in steam inhalations, it can be effective in treating sinusitis and catarrh.

It is effective in treating certain skincare conditions. When used neat (undiluted oil directly on the skin), it is helpful in treating cold sores, chickenpox, and shingles. Dab a drop on with a Q-tip at the first burning sensation preceding the blister. Though uncommon, it can cause skin irritation in some people. It is also used in skin-washes for acne.

Tea tree is a very powerful antifungal as well. Add a few drops to flaxseed oil (rub into the scalp) to treat dandruff. It is also used in treating athlete's foot, ringworm, and toenail fungus.

The essential oil is also good as an insect repellent. Place a drop on insect stings or bites to prevent or treat infection. It also fights a number of parasites, including the mite that causes scabies and head lice. Adding a few drops to your shampoo is a good preventative measure against head lice.