Tea Tree Oil Info » cuts and scrapes

Manuka Essential Oil – An Australian Tea Tree Alternative

admin — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 02:02:00 +0000

One of the greatest healing gifts from the New Zealand plant world is, without question, the Manuka tree.

Manuka (botanically known as Leptospermum scoparium and sometimes known as ‘New Zealand Tea Tree’) is a highly medicinal plant with healing properties that were originally discovered and harnessed by the country’s indigenous Maori people, and later became of great importance to the country’s early European settlers.

Due to its concentrated potency, Manuka essential oil, which is extracted from Manuka leaves, is a wonderful alternative to the essential oil of Australian Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia). Some reports have even suggested that Manuka essential oil is 20 times more powerful than its Australian counterpart.

Whether it is 20 times more powerful or not, Manuka essential oil is wonderful for fungal skin infections (eg. athlete’s foot, ringworm and nail fungus) and has excellent antibacterial properties which make it useful for acne spot treatment or a wonderful natural first aid remedy to cuts and scrapes.

To help treat sinus problems, respiratory illnesses and allergies, the Maori people used to (and intact tribal communities quite possibly still do) boil fresh Manuka leaves in water then inhale the vapors. It was also typically used as a poultice – that is, freshly crushed Manuka leaves were wrapped around wounds or diseased skin to enhance healing and prevent infection. In addition, Manuka shoots were consumed to treat dysentary, and a warm, pain-relieving infusion made from the leaves and bark was massaged into rheumatic joints and aching muscles.

Whether these traditional remedies were highly effective is difficult to confirm, however modern science has positively validated the potent healing properties of Manuka, in particular the constituents of its essential oil.

In fact, scientific analysis of organic (or wild harvested) Manuka essential oil has shown up to 30% concentration of potent anti-microbial constituents, testing active against a broad range of micro-organisms that cause infections of the skin. Manuka essential oil has also tested 15 times stronger than Australian Tea Tree oil against Staphylococcus and Streptococcus bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant strains.

For at home applications, some common uses for Manuka Essential Oil are:

Fungal infections (ringworm, athlete’s foot) - 3-4 drops of undiluted Manuka essential oil to affected area twice daily, using cotton tip. Continue applying 1 week after symptoms clear.

Dandruff/itchy scalp - Mix in 5-8 drops of Manuka essential oil into normal amount of shampoo for 1 application. Apply to scalp and leave on 5 minutes before thoroughly rinsing.

Acne Spot Treatment - 2-3 drops of undiluted Manuka essential oil on a cotton tip. Apply to acne blemish twice daily.

Cuts/Abrasions - 4-5 drops of undiluted Manuka oil to affected area, using cotton tip. Reduces healing time and helps prevent infection.

Insect Bites/Stings - 3-4 drops undiluted Manuka oil on cotton tip. Apply to affected area to relieve itch and help reduce inflammation.

As with all essential oils, there are always some contraindications for Manuka. If in doubt, always consult with a certified aromatherapy professional. Manuka essential oil should be avoided in pregnancy and lacation due to its spasmolytic (muscle-relaxant) activity.

Deanna is the owner of Alchemilla, a natural skin care and organic aromatherapy company based in Oregon, United States.

Originally posted 2009-11-23 08:42:33. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Essential Oils – 10 Powerful Uses For You and Your Home

admin — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 02:01:26 +0000

Essential oils are the amazing natural extracts of plants, trees and grasses from all over the world. When the leaves and plant materials are steam distilled then the resulting liquids have many powerful uses. These highly aromatic oils can be used in aromatherapy, for alternative medicinal purposes and for use in many areas of your home for some very positive results.

Here are my top ten tips for using these luxurious oils:

1. Chamomile is a wonderful aroma therapeutic oil. The soothing effects of lavender become apparent when used to quiet a nervous personality, including those of pets and horses. A larger dose also induces a deeper, more restful sleep for everyone.

2. Tea Tree Oil is from Australia and it has many uses. It can be used to rid the body of a fungus or rash. It soothes burns including sunburn and also relieves bee stings.

3. Lavender is rivalled only by Tea Tree Oil for its usefulness. Due to its aromatic and therapeutic nature, a good use for lavender essential oil is in the bath. Lavender is inherently antiseptic, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory, which is why it is an excellent treatment for minor burns, cuts and scrapes. The oil also helps prevent scarring caused by minor burns, but do not pour the oil into open wounds.

4. Peppermint Oil is one aromatic herb that can be identified by most people. It has been a favoured morning sickness remedy for centuries because not many products relieve nausea as well. Try it also when someone is experiencing motion sickness.

5. Eucalyptus is a popular remedy for tension headaches. Everyone gets a bit tense occasionally, and a dab of oil rubbed on the temples will quickly relieve the stress causing the pain, or the vial of oil may be held under the nose so it can be inhaled. It is also antibiotic and an antiseptic oil, and perfect for use in the vaporizer during cold and flu season.

6. Citronella is the best known insect repellent. Make a hair rinse of the oil and water to repel head lice, and a diluted spray of water and oil will repel fleas from pets and carpet. : A tiny dab of lavender essential oil, used undiluted on an insect bite relieves the itch quickly, and a dab behind each ear not only smells nice but acts as another natural insect repellent.

7. Rose oil is delightful, all-around fragrance oil for the home. Put a single drop of oil in the washer while it is filling with water and add a couple drops to a dishcloth and toss it in the dryer. Doing this will lend a pleasant, light aroma to the clothing.

8. Rosemary is an anti-inflammatory essential oil and also stimulates physical and mental clarity. Rosemary is good to use in muscle rubs and it also soothes arthritis.

9. Cinnamon is a formidable fungicide. Fungal infections like athletes foot and ringworm are no match for lavender’s powerful action. It is also a powerful antiviral. Be sure to buy cinnamon oil and not cassia.

10. Neroli oil has a reputation for inducing relaxation and deep, recuperative sleep.

The pure oil should never be ingested, and should not be used neat (pure and undiluted) on your skin. However, use them safely and essential oils have many exciting uses around your home for very little cost.

Mark Miles writes for the UK based essential oils store the Crafty Jungle. A trusted family run online shop providing high quality fragrance oils and essential oil burners to Europe and worldwide.

Originally posted 2009-12-29 06:58:09. Republished by Old Post Promoter

How to Use Tea Tree Oil for Acne

admin — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 01:59:54 +0000

Although most natural acne treatments that work come in the form of internal vitamin supplements, tea tree oil is an all-natural treatment that can produce great results with just a topical application. Mainly used as a spot treatment, tea tree oil has gained a reputation as the natural alternative to benzoyl peroxide, giving many of the same clear skin benefits with generally milder side effects.

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Tea tree oil originates from the leaves of the Australian Melaleuca Alternafolia Tree. For years it has been used as a natural disinfectant, killing harmful bacteria in cuts and scrapes without the stinging that accompanies alcohol. It’s also been known to help sooth pain and speed the healing of small wounds. More recently, its antibacterial properties have been found to be a potent weapon against acne.

As an acne treatment, tea tree oil is usually used either as a concentrated spot treatment, or a diluted face wash. In my experience, using 100% tea tree oil as a spot treatment is the most effective route. Applying a few drops of tea tree oil directly to acne spots can kill the underlying bacteria and dry up the inflamed region, sometimes as quickly as overnight. Most users find that the drying is not as severe as with other acne products that use benzoyl peroxide, and tea tree oil will not bleach your clothing either (plus it’s less expensive, and a small amount will last much longer).

Click for All Natural Cure For Stopping Acne In 3 Days!

Tea tree oil is most effective in high concentrations, so you’re better off using a small amount directly on trouble spots, rather than diluting the concentration and using it all over, although users with highly sensitive skin may find dilution necessary. As with any topical treatment, you don’t want to over-dry and irritate your face, or clear skin will be even harder to maintain.

As effective as tea tree oil is at eliminating current acne blemishes, like all topical treatments it cannot really help with preventing new acne from forming under your skin. Tea tree oil also has a rather strong alcohol-like smell, so it may be best to use it only at night before bed. These factors aside, tea tree oil is an excellent alternative if you’re looking for a natural spot treatment that is more gentle on your skin than benzoyl peroxide. Combined with internal natural acne products (for acne prevention), you will have a natural regimen that eliminates spots quickly and maintains clear skin in the future.

Click for All Natural Cure For Stopping Acne In 3 Days!

More Clear Acne Naturally Tips and other Related Resources:

Acne No More – is a natural acne remedy by Mike Walden. His guide for permanently curing acne is said to give miraculous results in less than 7 days. Mike Walden claims that Acne No More documents a natural and holistic, clinically proven method that he developed over the course of 7 years. A method that he says has thousands of satisfied customers to date.

Acne Free in 3 Days – is a leading acne removal remedy authored by Chris Gibson that claims to completely remove acne, pimples, and zits in a 3 day process. The primary benefits as stated by the Acne Free in 3 Days website are that the process is safe, inexpensive, and all natural. It is also claimed by Chris Gibson that in most cases, acne can be cured in only 3 days.

Mr. X Acne Cure – is an eBook written by a 25 year old British man who calls himself “Mr. X”. Mr. X claims to have had chronic acne since he was a teenager and tried every prescription acne treatment available to no avail. Only after extensive research on the effects of food on the body did Mr. X claim to have cracked the acne code. It’s a simple process to cure your acne once and for all at a fraction of the cost of any other alternative. It’s quicker, easier, safer, and it has worked for thousands of people.

Originally posted 2009-11-26 09:42:32. Republished by Old Post Promoter