Meet Your New Best Friend: Tea Tree Oil!

Tea tree oil is my catch all, go to oil of choice for so many reasons.

I never leave home without a bottle in my purse or car, and wouldn’t dream of traveling abroad sans my tea tree oil.  My favorite brand is Desert Essence Please remember to buy from a reputable source that is sustainably aware for all of your oils.

Tea Tree oil, or melaleuca oil is nearly clear and smells a bit like camphor oil.  It come from the  leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree from Australia. When applied topically it’s antiseptic, anti fungal, antiviral and antibacterial.  Tea tree should never be taken internally as it can be toxic.  Studies have shown that Tea tree oil fights Staphylococcus aureus which also includes the dreaded MRSA.  What a gift Tea tree oil is to our life.

Some of my favorite ways to use Tea Tree Oil:

~When diluted, tea tree repels all sorts of creepy crawlers, especially mosquitoes.

~Stops bug bites from itching and prevents infection.

~Great for cuts and wounds as it promotes healing and prevents infections.  It also  knocks an infection in it’s tracks.

~If you ever have a spider or other bug bite, make a paste of yellow dock and tea tree oil and apply.  The yellow dock will pull out the poison and the tea tree will prevent the infection that often comes from the bite itself.

~Great for acne, apply sparingly as it can be very drying.

~Wonderful for any type of fungus infection.  Many suppositories include tea tree oil for women.  Also great for feet and nails.

~I use a few drops in a spray bottle to freshen the air and clean my counter tops and tile.

~Add a few drops to your washing machine and not only will your clothes will smell fresh but you’ll have the extra disinfecting power of tea tree behind you.

~Tea tree regenerates gum tissue and is an excellent addition to your toothbrush.  Spit it out and don’t swallow.

~Many mouthwashes contain tea tree oil as it fights bacteria which causes bad breath.

Please note, I am not a licensed medical practitioner, just a life long health advocate that does her home work and loves to share what has worked for my family and myself.

xo

Image Courtesy of Desert Essence.