From http://www.WebMD.com: "Tea tree oil comes from the Australian paperbark tree and has been used traditionally as a folk remedy by Australian aborigines. There are close to 300 varieties of Melaleuca alternifolia (the Latin name for the tea tree), but only one produces the medicinal oil...According to naturopathic and homeopathic doctor Asa Hershoff, DC, of Los Angeles and San Francisco, tea tree oil has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties..."
For months now, I have been using tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) exclusively to treat any number of skin issues. I use it on myself, my husband, and my children. I have watched tea tree quickly resolve minor infections. It helped to heal a boil that had been present for months and simply would not go away, but became irritated again and again. If the kids get scrapes or booboos that are dirty or have high infection possibilities, I apply tea tree as a preventative measure. And it works. It does not sting, like some EOs can (lavender, for example.) And a little goes a long way. Tea tree can be diluted if desired. Just add a couple of drops of tea tree to sweet almond oil, or any good carrier oil.
I was told by a holistic practitioner that it is important not to overdo essential oil application. She suggested applying an oil once or twice a day for one or two days, then taking a day or two off for rest, repeating as needed. I have followed that advice with good results.
I buy Tea tree oil from Young Living, whose prices tend to high but their products are all therapeutic grade. You can find it online at a number of places. It is probably available at Whole Food Markets and others.
For months now, I have been using tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) exclusively to treat any number of skin issues. I use it on myself, my husband, and my children. I have watched tea tree quickly resolve minor infections. It helped to heal a boil that had been present for months and simply would not go away, but became irritated again and again. If the kids get scrapes or booboos that are dirty or have high infection possibilities, I apply tea tree as a preventative measure. And it works. It does not sting, like some EOs can (lavender, for example.) And a little goes a long way. Tea tree can be diluted if desired. Just add a couple of drops of tea tree to sweet almond oil, or any good carrier oil.
I was told by a holistic practitioner that it is important not to overdo essential oil application. She suggested applying an oil once or twice a day for one or two days, then taking a day or two off for rest, repeating as needed. I have followed that advice with good results.
I buy Tea tree oil from Young Living, whose prices tend to high but their products are all therapeutic grade. You can find it online at a number of places. It is probably available at Whole Food Markets and others.
