Tea tree oil

Extracts of tea tree oil have been used for centuries to combat a number of internal and topical illnesses of the human body. The knowledge of the oil's uses was derived from Australia, where the tree grows and has been used for a long time by aboriginal people. Its current worldwide appeal is due to its effective medicinal properties, including its ability to stimulate the immune system when an infection is attacking the body.

Tea tree oil is very effective against viruses, bacteria, and fungal infections. It encourages the body to sweat, which has been recognized in natural healing as a valuable response to infection. It is also a very powerful astringent and a natural deodoriser for the skin. Extracts of the oil can be frequently found in facial and haircare products to combat oily skin and scalps. A bottle of tea tree oil can be put in a medical kit to treat cuts and scrapes, and can be applied neat on the skin to treat warts.

Though tea tree oil produces no harmful effects in most people, its potency may affect people with sensitive skin. A reaction to the oil would be the same as many allergies, which may include a red rash and itchy skin. If the essential oil is purchased, only a few drops should be used in bath and one to two drops in a room vaporiser. It should be used cautiously until one is certain that there is no adverse reaction.

Neat tea tree oil is also an effective treatment for cold sores. Putting a few drops on the blister at the first signs of sensation will halt the blister from forming. Some mix the oil with a little alcohol first. It can be used to treat the blisters from chickenpox and shingles as well.

Perhaps the most important feature of tea tree oil is its ability to act as an immuno-stimulant, effectively useful in debilitating illnesses such as glandular fever. It is also useful for people who easily succumb to infections or who recover slowly from illnesses. Tea tree oil can be valuable for colds, influenza and other infectious maladies. Though it may not completely arrest the onset of an illness, it helps to lessen its severity and ward off secondary infections.

There are many essential oils that work to prevent bacteria and viruses, but very few that are anti-fungal in nature. Tea tree oil cannot only effectively treat infections such as athlete's foot and ringworm, but is important in controlling thrush in the body, which can result in a number of symptoms. It does this by reducing the rate in which the organisms reproduce and helps to strengthen the resistance of the body against them.

These uses of tea tree oil are not exhaustive. Fortunately there is a large commercial market for the product, and you can test it out in toothpastes, lozenges, lotions and creams. If they contain pure extracts of the oil, these products can offer a safe way to reap the benefits of tea tree for home use.