Tea tree oil is one of the top-selling essential oils, for good reason. The scent is not pleasant to most people, though I have met a few people who enjoy it. On the other hand, it is not an unpleasant scent. The value of tea tree oil lies in its soothing and anti-microbial properties.
Native to: evergreen tree from Australia
Traditional use: prevent and treat infections, anti-septic, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral
Modern uses: acne, dandruff, cold sores, stings and bites, rashes, cuts and scrapes, and a whole host of other ailments.
Active ingredients: terpinen-4-ol
Do not take orally. Test small amount on skin prior to regular use. If rash occurs discontinue use.
My notes:
I have not met anyone who has had an adverse reaction to this oil. I was first impressed by tea tree oil when I used it on a cold sore five years ago. For most of my life a cold sore virus had hit me every fall at about the same time, but not anymore. I was so impressed by these results that I started using it at the first sign of any infection, and it has proved itself worthy over and over again. It instantly relieves the itch from a mosquito bites, prevents infection in minor wounds, eases the pain from burns and scrapes…the list of possibilities is endless. I now keep small bottles of it handy on my kitchen sink, in my purse, in my tackle box, and in my car.
Research: According to information at Wiki, tea tree oil is active against Staphylococcus aureus, a multi-faceted staph that is resistant to a number of antibiotics.
Considering my personal experiences with Tea Tree Oil I was disappointed to find an excerpt at the Mayo Clinic website that states that ”there is a lack of definitive available evidence for the use of tea tree oil,…and further study is warranted.” Let’s hope they find the time to do official studies and document some of the definitive evidence soon.
