Tea Tree Oil

I recently picked up some nasty bug from somewhere. Several of my friends have picked up bugs, too. And it's not even flu season! Therefore, I think the topic of Tea Tree oil is appropriate for today. I think this is one of my favorite oils just because I think it smells so good. I don't know how to describe it but it smells...clean. And fresh.

Tea Tree Oil's botanical name is Melalueca Alternifolia. The oil is derived from distillation of the twigs and leaves from the tree which is native to Southeast Queensland and New South Wales, Australia.

So what's the big deal about Tea Tree oil? First, it's not a tree that grow tea. That's what I thought when I was young and first heard the phrase. It's pretty much a miracle oil, in my humble opinion.

• It's antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral. These are all the "anti's" you want in your life! Let's talk about antiviral. Viruses are pests, am I right? They can live in almost any condition. Why? Because they develop sort protective barrier around them, called a cyst. Some viruses are smart enough to create new cysts every time they're activated in order to trick our immune systems.Meet the reason for the common cold virus. Turns out Tea Tree oil is something that can rupture this cyst in some viruses and helps cure viruses like mumps, influenza, measles, pox and the common cold. If you're suffering from a cold, cough, congestion or bronchitis, drop a drop of Tea Tree oil on your pillowcase. Or rub it directly on your chest for relief. (Test a little area first to be sure it's not an aggravating oil for your particular skin.) Otherwise, use in a diffuser. 

• Your immune system can benefit from inhaling Tea Tree oil. It's a stimulant oil, increasing hormonal secretions, blood circulation as well as your immune system to protect you from many types of infections.

• It's a sudorific. That's a fancy word for it makes you sweat. We get toxins in our bodies and one of the natural ways we release them is through perspiration. Tea Tree boosts this mechanism. So if you're feeling yucky, hop in the bath and put about 15 drops or so in the water. Add some Lavender for its relaxation properties and you'll begin to feel better. Just being submerged in the water with oils helps me to feel better. 

• It relieves muscle pain. How? Because of that stimulant property, it increases blood circulation and is also an anti-inflammatory. The blood flow speeds up healing and helps new tissue to grow. 

• While we're on the subject of increased blood flow, Tea Tree can be helpful as a hair product. Dandruff is caused by dry skin. Using the oil will help the skin on your scalp become healthier, less dry.  Just apply a diluted amount (use it in a carrier oil such as coconut oil) to your scalp.  

• Got Athelet's foot? Fungal toenails? Drop some Tea Tree oil on there. It's an antifungal, remember?

• Tea Tree Oil has insecticide properties.  If you're anything like me, you get eaten alive by mosquitoes and whatever other carnivorous blood suckers are out there. Apparently, they abhor Tea Tree oil. Not sure if it kills them or not and since I just found out about this, I haven't tried it yet, but it's said they won't come near you. If anybody has tried this, let me know!

I'm sure there are many more benefits but here's the caveat: Do not ingest Tea Tree Oil!  This information is not in any way meant to be a replacement for the advice of your healthcare practitioner.