Melaleucca: Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil or Melaleucca is a tree from Australia and has been used for thousands of years by the native aborigines.

Tea tree essential oil (EO) is a very well -known essential oil for its powerful antiseptic properties.

Do not confuse the Melalucca or tea tree with the tea plant Camellia sinensis where black and green tea comes from; it definitely is not the same.

There have been numerous medical studies documented about tea tree’s ability to kill many strains of bacteria, virus and fungi.

Even back in 1923, Dr. Penfold researched tea tree oil and found it 12 times more effective at killing bacteria than standard hospital disinfectants of that time, which was carbolic acid.

How is Melalucca Processed

The leaves of the Melalucca alternifolia, or Tea tree plant are steam distilled to extract the essential oil. It has a fresh, woody and earthy aroma. Medicinally, it is cleansing and purifying,

It actually purifies as it heals and is an EO that should be a requirement for every household’s medicine cabinet.

Tea tree essential oil is a powerful killer of all sorts of bacteria. It is non-caustic to the skin, non-toxic to the body and produces no negative side effects. Inhaled it can cleanse and purify the respiratory system.

Tea tree oil should be used only externally. It is almost 5 times stronger than other household antiseptic.

Health Benefits of Tea Tree Essential Oil

  1. Boosts and stimulates your immune system, your circulation and hormone system.
  2. Best antimicrobial for controlling bad bacteria and parasites.
  3. Gets Rid of viral infections by breaking up the cyst that forms around a virus….that is why they are usually hard to get rid of.
  4. Acts like an expectorant. Use when exposed to colds, flu or with congestion and bronchitis.
  5. Can be used as an effective insect deterrent and killer, rub on skin to stop mosquitos, fleas or lice from biting.
  6. Good for acne since it removes toxins; it is a sudorific substance, so it increases sweating to pull out toxins, cleaning the pores and skin of excess chemicals and dirt.
  7. Use as a deodorant.
  8. Inhibits fungal diseases like athlete’s feet and toenail fungus.
  9. Tea tree oil is a great cleansing essential oil to add to your wash, just add about 6 drops of oil to your detergent before you pour it into your machine. It also will help keep your machine clean from odors.
  10. Great for wounds due to the antibacterial nature and healing capabilities.

 

Recipes with Tea tree Oil:

Acne Face Wash

Mix 5 drops of Tea tree essential oil with 2 teaspoons of raw honey. Rub on the face, leave it on face for one minute, and then rinse off.

Essential Oil Blend for Infections and Cuts

Blend 10 drops of both Lavender and Tea tree oil in a small jar. (Optional to use some carrier oil)

Clean the cut or wound first and then add a drop or two on the wound, cover with a bandage. Repeat daily as needed. A study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology has found that besides clearing infections, tea tree is effective on staph and MRSA infections.

Tea tree oil is a strong substance; some people may have an allergic or rash reaction to this essential oil.

 

References:

https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-tea-tree-essential-oil.html

https://draxe.com/tea-tree-oil-uses-benefits/

 

Cindy Burrows, B.S., M.T., Herbalist, is a Natural Health Consultant helping individuals start health programs to improve their life, wellness and happiness. Cindy is a speaker, writer and entrepreneur of several businesses.

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