Tea Tree Oil

      Tea tree essential oil is a time tested remedy for aiding coughs, bronchitis, infectious disease, muscle aches and pains, arthritis, rheumatism, eczema and wounds, and as a disinfectant.

      This information is in no way intended to be a substitute for modern medical care. Do not self-treat any medical complaint without the guidance of a licensed health care provider.

      I was first introduced to Tea Tree Oil, (Melaleuca alternifolia), by a lady friend of my mother, back in 1994 or 1995. This woman was just starting out in a multi-level marketing business that is based out of Idaho. She wanted me to become a marketing executive, and after learning more about the products, I joined.
      I have found nothing that compares to tea tree oil in medicinal benefits. It has been referred to as "the wonder from down under", with good reason!

      The Australian Standards Association has specified that the lowest quality of oil have at least 30% Terpinen 4-ol and less than 15% Cineole. (Cineole helps the oil to penetrate, but is somewhat caustic). There are two tea tree essential oils marketed by this company; the least expensive is 36% Terpinen 4-ol and 5% Cineole, while its more expensive oil is 40% Terpinen 4-ol and 3% Cineole, which is why I buy my tea tree oil from them. Currently the U.S. has no laws covering what the purity content must be regarding tea tree oil, there are companies that are marketing a a sub-standard oil that would be considered illegal by the Australian Standard Association. When purchasing tea tree oil, be careful to buy from a reputable company!

      Although there are over 300 known species of tea trees in Australia, only one, the Melaleuca alternifolia, is known to have substantial therapeutic properties. More than 50 rare, natural substances have been isolated from the essence of tea tree leaves. It is thought that it is the unique combination of these actual ingredients that make this essential oil so useful rather than any compound by itself. One interesting note is that tea tree oil is the only instance where a unique compound called viridflorene exists in nature. Two other compounds - Terpinen 4-ol and Cineole - are regulated by the Australian Standards Association to designate therapeutic quality.

      Tea tree oil has been around for centuries. The oil is painstakingly extracted from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree, which grows naturally in the swamps of New South Wales, Australia. The aborigines used the leaf from the tree and brewed it into a tea to cure whatever was ailing them. Legends say that in 1770, Captain Cook discovered the tea and took it to the ship to cure scurvy aboard. When it did just that, he knew he had found a wonderful product. He named the tree the Tea Tree. In 1922, Dr. A. A. Penfold did extensive studies on tea tree oil and found all the stories to be true, it even had a stronger healing ability than aloe-vera. In 1939, Australian soldiers were issued the oil in all first aid kits because of its natural antiseptic and fungicidal uses. After WWII, penicillin was discovered and tea tree oil was quickly forgotten by the modern world.

      Tea tree oil has an anesthetic benefit without numbness; it is anti-bacterial, killing bacteria after only 20 seconds exposure; it is a natural fungicide; it causes the necrotic tissue to slough and heals without scarring in just a couple of days; it penetrates into the deeper tissues, down into the connective tissue and muscles; it is a natural antiseptic; it is an effective solvent and therefore a natural cleanser, able to dissolve stains and resins.

      Tea tree oil helps to prevent infection in minor cuts, wounds, abrasions, athlete's foot, jock itch, yeast infections, minor burns, sunburn, insect bites, stinging nettles, chicken pox, herpes lesions, bleeding gums, canker sores, gingivitis, strep throat, mosquito repellent, strengthen the immune system, muscle aches and pains, bronchitis, shingles.... the list is almost endless!

      Because tea tree oil kills viruses, bacteria and fungi, it can heal internal and external infections. It is safe to use undiluted on the most sensitive and delicate parts of the body.

      To ease sore throat pain and inhibit inflammation, gargle a solution of 3-6 drops of tea tree oil in one glass of water.

      For cold sores; to relieve the discomfort and rid yourself of the cold sore within a day or two, apply one drop of tea tree oil directly to the emerging cold sore (as soon as it appears) 3 times a day.

      Bronchitis; put 5 drops of the oil on a damp, warm cloth; place the cloth on the chest and cover it with a dry hand towel. It is best to allow the compress to work overnight.

      Bleeding Gums: Moisten a cotton swab with tea tree oil and dab it on the affected area. You can also add a drop or two of the oil to your toothpaste on a regular basis for a healthier, cleaner mouth.

      Athlete's foot: After showering, dry between the toes well, using a hair dryer for an extra thorough job, and apply 2-3 drops of tea tree oil to the affected area. It is important to only wear socks made of natural materials, such as cotton or wool.

      Yeast infections: With tea tree oil, yeast infections are short lived. To use, moisten a tampon with 10-15 drops of tea tree oil and insert as directed. For best results, use this tea tree oil treatment daily for 3-5 days.

      For irritated skin, eczema or shingles: Mix tee tree oil with sweet-almond oil in a 1:9 ratio. Warm the mixture and apply it to the affected skin 3 times a day.

      For head lice: To eliminate head lice, massage the oil into scalp and hair, add a few drops of the oil on a fine comb and work well through hair. Let stand for ten minutes before shampooing.

      Spider and other insect bites: Use a combination of tea tree oil and lavender oils applied undiluted to the bite or sting. This will help clear up and sooth the bites.

      Boils: Apply the oil directly to the infected area every 2 hours for 8 days, if no improvement after 8 days, get to your doctor!

      Burns: Flush the burn immediately with ice cold water, pat dry. Immediately apply tea tree oil directly to the burn, cover gently with a soothing ointment.

      Chickenpox: Apply the oil directly to the vesicles using cotton swabs. Continue to apply the oil to new vesicles as they appear.

      Jock itch: Apply the oil directly to the affected area morning and evening. If irritation occurs or there is no improvement after a couple of days, see your doctor.

      Sinus congestion: Dab a few drops of the oil directly under the nostrils and onto sinus area.

      Warts: Apply the oil directly to the wart morning and evening.

      Joint and muscle aches: For pain relief, massage a few drops of the oil into the sore area.

      Hair care: If you have chemically treated hair (perm or color), I would not recommend adding tea tree oil to your shampoo. It WILL strip the color/perm from your hair in a matter of a couple of weeks or so, depending on how often you shampoo and what the oil/shampoo ratio is. However, if you don't like the look, this will get rid of it quicker! It will also get rid of dandruff.

      Animal Care: To help control fleas and ticks, add tea tree oil to your pet's shampoo in a 2:9 ratio. This will also add a luster to your pet's coat.

      Mosquito Repellent: To keep pesky mosquitoes (and other bugs) out of your house in summer, try using tea tree oil in a diffuser or a spray bottle of water (4 qt. of water and 10 drops of tea tree oil). If the medicinal smell of the pure oil is too strong for your taste, try the following mixtures instead:

or
      As a stain remover: I use the product sold by this company, so am not sure what strength should be used for your own mix. I do know that it can lift "tough, set in" stains and has saved many a garment from the trash bin. To make your own mix, I would experiment with un-usable garments first. This stuff is strong and if using the wrong concentration, could conceivably remove the color from the clothing.

      As I said earlier, I use the products made with tea tree oil, and therefore can vouch personally for many of the above mentioned treatments. I really can't say enough good things about tea tree oil. The skin lotion I use contains tea tree oil, and during the summer months, the bugs steer clear of me. I haven't had a mosquito bite when wearing the lotion yet. If you are interested in purchasing superior, eco-friendly products, or in starting your own risk-free business, email me


Magickal Information
Planet: Venus
Element: Air
Gender: Female

Confidentiality Statement: (for anyone who does not respect copyright and/or is confused regarding this issue) The information, data and schematics embodied in the document are confidential and proprietary, being exclusively owned by Ellen J. Lord (aka Purpleflame or Firefly). This document is being supplied on understanding that it and its contents shall not be used, reproduced, or disclosed to others except as specifically permitted with the prior written consent of Ellen J. Lord. The recipient of this document, by its retention and use, agrees to protect the same from loss, theft, or unauthorized use.

Sources:
      Information provided in this article is the result of research using (but not limited to) the following books and guides: Herbs for Health and Healing, Rodale; Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Scott Cunningham; Magical Herbalism, Scott Cunningham; The Complete Guide to Natural Healing, International Masters Publishers; Earthway, Mary Summer Rain; Teach Yourself Herbs, Susie White; Natural Beauty from the Garden, Janice Cox; Nature's Prescriptions, Editors of FC&A Medical Publishing, and The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies, Joe Graedon and Theresa Graedon, Ph.D