by Michy Lynn

Created on: August 28, 2008

The melaleuca alternifolia plant is from the myrtle plant and tree family, and these plants are known for their topical anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. This plant, more commonly called the Tea Tree plant, is used by aboriginal tribes to chew on the leaves to help alleviate headaches and to pack food in the leaves to help prevent spoilage.

For Western use, the essential oil of the malaleuca alternifolia plant is distilled into Tea Tree Oil Essential Oil, and this oil has varied uses for non-medicinal treatment of certain common problems.

Let's look at just a handful of the most common topical uses for Tea Tree Oil.

Tea Tree Oil For Skin Care

Acne - Tea Tree Oil can be used full strength on skin blemishes. Drops of Tea Tree Oil can be added to liquid soap or an antibacterial face wash, and used to wash the entire affected area, to help promote healing and reduce scarring. Apply Tea Tree Oil two to three times daily, particularly at night.

Sunburned Skin - Aloe or alcohol free aloe vera gel can be mixed with Tea Tree Oil to provide soothing burn and itch relief. Equal parts of Tea Tree Oil and Vitamin E oil can be applied directly to keep skin moist and promote healing.

Cell Renewal - Tea Tree Oil has been shown to help regenerate skin cells. Add Tree Oil to a moisturizer or night cream to aid in repairing dull skin.

Poisoned Plants (Ivy, Oak, Sumac) and Allergic Skin Reactions - For small areas or patches, apply the Tea Tree oil directly to the affected area. If the skin irritation takes up a larger area, Tea Tree Oil can be mixed with equal parts of a base or carrier oil (grapeseed oil, olive oil, massage oil with no alcohol) or a cream or lotion made to treat such allergic skin reactions. Tea Tree Oil soothes itchy skin almost on contact.

Tea Tree Oil For Injury

Insect or Spider Bites - Tea Tree Oil can be applied directly to site of an insect bite. Tea Tree Oil will almost immediately relieve minor pain, burning or itching from a bite and might help promote faster healing of the affected skin. Tea Tree Oil can also be diluted in a non-fragranced spray or directly applied to all exposed skin as an insect repellant.

Minor Cuts and Scrapes - Gently wash the affected area with a mixture of Tea Tree Oil and water to flush any debris away from the cut or scrape. Once washed, applying Tea Tree Oil directly to the cut or scrape several times per day can help promote faster healing while also providing anti-bacterial properties. A drop or two of Tea Tree Oil can also

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