What is Tea Tree Oil? Basically, it is an oil obtained by steam distillation of the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a plant native to Australia.

Historically, the leaves were used as a substitute for tea, which is how tea tree oil got its name. The part used medicinally is the oil from the leaves.

The Tea Tree has a long history of traditional use. Australian aboriginals used Tea Tree leaves for healing skin cuts, burns, and infections by crushing the leaves and applying them to the affected area. The oils work as an antiseptic and antifungal due to terpenoids found naturally within the oil.

The first to recognize the unique qualities of the essential oil was a government chemist from Sydney, A. R. Penfold. In 1925 he announced the results of laboratory experiments that showed the oil was twelve times stronger than phenol (carbolic acid) which was then the universal standard for antiseptic substances. This led to further research and to the increasing use of the oil in medicine, dentistry and as a home remedy.

In 1930 a report in the Medical Journal of Australia’ commented on its non- toxicity and lack of irritancy. The report noted enthusiastically that tea-tree oil dissolved pus and left the surfaces of infected wounds clean so that its germicidal action became more effective and without any apparent damage to the tissues. ‘Dirty wounds, such as are frequently seen as the result of street accidents, may be washed or syringed out with a 10% watery lotion; the solvent properties will loosen and bring away the dirt which is usually ground in … healing will readily take place.’

In 1936 the same journal reported a very bad case of diabetic gangrene successfully treated with tea-tree oil. In 1937 it was pointed out that one of the outstanding features of the oil is that the presence of blood, pus or other organic matter actually increases the oil’s antiseptic powers by some 10 to 12 per cent.

During the Second World War tea-tree oil was issued in first aid kits to army and navy units in the tropical regions. At one point demand so outstripped supply that synthetic antiseptics had to be substituted. This, coupled with the fervent post-war interest in antibiotic drugs, led to a decline of interest in tea-tree, which persisted right up to the 1970s.

So what are the complete benefits of Tea Tree Oil? Most notoriously, people have used it for the following conditions:

* Acne

* Athlete’s foot

* Dandruff

* Vaginitis

* Thrush

* Periodontal disease

* As an antiseptic

* Boils

* Lice

* Eczema

* Psoriasis

* Yeast infection

There is dispute over whether Tea Tree Oil can be taken internally. Most packaging recommends against it, others claim in reasonable amounts it has various benefits. But taking it internally should only be by the advice of a professional.

So now you have heard of Tea Tree Oil. What are you waiting for, find some for your medicine chest.

Originally posted 2009-11-15 06:49:38. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Related posts:

1. Helath, Wellness & a Tea Tree
2. Helath, Wellness & a Tea Tree
3. Helath, Wellness & a Tea Tree

This wonder oil was only tested scientifically in the early 1920′s by Arthur Penfold and found to be around 12 times more powerful than carbolic acid and yet caused no harm to the skin. It was used extensively by the Australian Defence Force during World War Two but due to the discovery of synthetic drugs did not become popular again until the 1960′s.

Over the years it has proved itself as a natural antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory oil. One great development was that it was found to deep penetrate the skin cleaning it and encouraging the formation of scar tissue.

Some of the medical uses include healing blisters, reducing swelling from insect bites and stings, cleaning and healing abrasions and cuts, cures athletes foot and is very helpful in the healing of acne. It will cure a sore throat, cold sores, coughs and dental abscesses. It will solve most day to day first aid and medical problems.

It also lends to daily beauty care as putting drops in shampoo, body lotion, hand cream and in the bath will keep hair and skin clean and healthy. A couple of drops on toothpaste will prevent gum infections and bad breathe. It helps take the sting out of sunburn and softens corns and calluses.

Tea Tree Oil’s anti-bacterial properties also extend use in the household chores, making the house clean and healthy. Putting drops in the humidifier will clean, disinfect and refresh the air and putting drops in the dishwasher and washing machine will kill all the germs.

Tea Trees only grow in Australia. There are many brands that are from inferior trees and not from the genuine Tea Tree whose Botanical name is Malaeuca. The name Tea Tree was given by Joseph Banks the botanist who traveled with Captain Cook and collected the leaves to make herbal teas.

Your first purchase should be made from a Health Shop until you know how to define whether it is the genuine oil or an inferior oil as the results will obviously not be the same with an inferior product.

There are many excellent websites on the internet and many excellent books which will give you all uses of this wonderful oil. You will be amazed at the excellent results you obtain and will find it is truly a medicine kit in a bottle.

Originally posted 2009-11-23 08:42:18. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Related posts:

1. Helath, Wellness & a Tea Tree
2. Helath, Wellness & a Tea Tree
3. Helath, Wellness & a Tea Tree