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Tea tree essential oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) comes from a small tree native to Australia. The essential oil is actually extracted from the leaves and twigs of the tree. Tea tree essential oil is one of only two essential oils that can be applied neat to the skin (without being diluted in a carrier oil first). This works well for head lice and athlete's foot, However, care must still be taken as individuals react differently to natural substances, just as they do to artificial ones. Also, it is never to be used internally.

Tea tree essential oil has important therapeutic properties, such as: expectorant, antimicrobial, antiseptic, fungicide, antiviral, stimulant, and more. In essence, it is one of the most effective essential oils when treating infections, as it works against all of the three organisms that cause infectious diseases: viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Tea tree oil is an excellent booster for the immune system and helps the body fight off infection. It also has other uses, such as the following:

* Burners and Vaporizers

Add a few drops of tea tree essential oil to water or any type of carrier oil (jojoba or any type of expressed oil you have on hand should do) and diffuse to help with any respiratory ailment, and to help ease the effects of shock on the human mind.

* Blended Massage or Bath Oil

Add 10 - 15 drops of tea tree essential oil to one ounce of carrier oil (such as jojoba). This makes enough oil for three baths. Use this oil in your bath or as a massage aid if you need help with arthritis, skin infections, dermatitis, sinusitis, nettle rash, scalp disorders, and viral infections.

* Skin Care

Add tea tree essential oil to a lotion or cream base to clear up skin infections of fungal, viral, and bacterial origins. Some examples are acne, rashes, abscesses, dandruff, and bed sores.

* Rinse

If you suffer from gum infections, throat infections, or tonsillitis, add eleven drops of myrrh essential oil to one tablespoon of brandy. Do not swallow this, only rinse or gargle!

The one draw back of tea tree essential oil is its pungent smell. However, it blends well with essential oils of rosewood, rosemary, lemon, cinnamon, lavender or clove if you need to alter the scent somewhat. For healing purposes, it's best blended with lavender essential oil, as it is very adaptable. Tea tree's fragrance is a middle note, which means it generally evaporates within two to four hours.

Tea tree essential oil can be bought in health food stores or purchased online. One good site is http://www.essentialoils.co.za /products.htm, which was used as a reference for some of the information contained above.

Learn more about this author, Alexandra Heep.
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