Monday 13 July 2009

Tea Tree Oil: One Natural Antiseptic With Many Uses

By Jemma Rivera

Tea tree oil is something which has been used in consumer goods for many years now, but it's history goes back far longer than the time when you could buy it at your local drugstore. Australia's aboriginal peoples have used tea tree oil for thousands of years. The crushed leaves of the tree were used to treat wounds, being directly applied with a mud pack to keep the leaves on the wound. The aborigines had the right idea; it's one of the most powerful natural antiseptics known. Tea tree oil is commonly used today for reasons including:

It is an effective treatment for fungal infections of the skin including athlete's foot and tinea corporis. The oil alleviates the itching and clears up the infection while preventing its spread.

Tea tree oil's natural antiseptic properties make it a great addition to soaps where it helps to cleanse and disinfect naturally.

It's a great way to fight acne. Since this is an oil, it's somewhat counterintuitive, but tea tree oil helps to remove dirt and draw excess oils out of the skin; the combination that leads to acne. Since this treats the cause of acne breakouts, it can help to clear it up quicker than chemical-based products.

It is even used to draw out in-grown hairs (also known as razor bumps). These can be painful so it is best to get them out before they become too sore. The Tea Tree Oil will draw the hair out after you have applied it daily for some time.

Tea tree oil is even better than surgical spirits for keeping new piercings free of infection. Unlike surgical spirits, it doesn't burn and it promotes the healing process.

Tea tree oil is a good addition to your first aid kit as well. Applied to broken skin and rashes, the oil kills bacteria and keeps the wound sterile. As a topical antiseptic, it's very effective.

When used as a daily facial cleanser, tea tree oil keeps your face free of excess oils, dirt and impurities. It's great for your skin and it prevents acne and other blemishes.

A mouth rinse of 1 tbsp tea tree oil four times daily can make short work of thrush (oral Candida infections).

Tea tree oil is made by steaming the leaves of the tea tree, causing them to exude the pale yellow oil which is then bottled and enjoyed for its many useful applications. It's inexpensive, safe and natural with no side effects and so handy around the home that everyone should keep a bottle close at hand.

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