Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil has been referred to as a "first aid kit in a bottle".  Native Australians were vthe first to discover that the tea tree is a remedy for many different ailments.  The aborigines used its leaves to make a medicinal rea that builds and strengthens the immune system.  Today because of its antiviral properties, tea tree oil occupies a favored position in aromatherapy.  It can counteract bacteria, fungi and viruses, as well as eliminate parasites.  It inhibits inflammation, eases pain and protects the skin.  The oil has also been known to penetrate outer layers of the skin and attack infections, helping to heal wounds.  Time tested for aiding coughs, bronchitis, infectious diseases, muscle aches and pains, arthritis, rheumatism, constipation, exzema and nounds; and as a disinfectant.  Keep this versatile oil part of your home medicine chest.

Recipes

Mosquito Repellant
To keep pesky mosquitoes out of your house in summer, try using tea tree oil in a nebulizer, diffuser or a spray bottle of water (4qt of water and 10 drops of tea tre oil).  If the medicinal smell of the pure oil is too strong for your taste, try the following scent mixtures instead:
3 drops tea-tree oil
2 drops lavender oil
2 drops geranium oil
or
4 drops tea-tree oil
3 drops bergamot oil

To help releive the discomfort of cold sores, mix the essential oil with 10 times its volume of carrier oil (olive, almond, or grapeseed oil) and dab on the affected area as soon as symptoms of a developing cold sore appear.

To ease sore throat pain and inhibit inflammation, gargle a solution of 3-6 drops of tea tree oil in one glass of water.

For nasty spider bites, a combination of tea tree and lavender oils applied undiluted to the skin will help clear up and soothe the bites.

To eliminate head lice, add a few drops of the oil on a fine comb and work well through hair.

Tea tree oils can help clear up bronchitis.  Put 5 drops of the oil on a damp, warm cloth on the chest and cover it with a dry hand towel.  It is best to allow the compress to work overnight.

For bleeding gums, put some tea tree oil on a cotton swab and dab it on the affected area.

For irritated skin or shingles, mix tea tree essential oil with sweet almond oil in a 1:9 ratio.  Warm the mixture and apply it to the affected skin 3 times a day.

Highly antiseptic and antifungal, tea tree oil is considered to be a reliable home remedy for athlete's foot.  After showering, dry between the toes well - use a hair dryer for an extra thorough job - and apply a couple drops of undiluted tea tree oil to the affected areas.  It is important to only wear socks made of natural materials, such as cotton or wool.