Melaleuca Oil: Natural Healing Properties Offer Benefits

Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a unique and effective natural remedy because it works against all three infectious organisms: bacteria, fungi and viruses; plus tea tree oil can be applied through different methods making it the perfect alternative.The purest tea tree oil comes from the Melaleuca alternifolia tree; not to be confused with the broad range of botanicals known commonly as tea tree. Pure tea tree oil is called melaleuca oil and is colorless to a pale yellow. Originally used by the Aborigines for skin infections, Australia has become a major source for tea tree oil. Tea trees have been grown outside of Australia but the Melaleuca alternifolia tree is grown mainly in the New South Wales area and is not grown outside of Australia.

Healing Properties
Melaleuca oil is a natural fungicidal, antiseptic and solvent, it’s also soothing, penetrating, aromatic and non-caustic. These healing properties make Melaleuca oil an effective natural ingredient for a variety of uses. Because the oil of the Melaleuca alternifolia blends well with the skin’s oil, it is able to treat cuts, scrapes, bites and other minor wounds. Melaleuca oil is also effective in the treatment of athlete’s foot and yeast infections. The anti-bacterial and skin healing properties of Melaleuca oil allow it to also be used for gentle acne control. Studies found that cleansing agents containing pure Melaleuca oil caused less redness, drying and sensitivity than those containing benzoyl peroxide. Dandruff has also been treated with shampoos that contain Melaleuca oil.

Using Melaleuca Oil
Consider the strength and concentration of Melaleuca oil when you’re using it. Remember, some people can have a sensitivity to certain essential oils so always test a small portion of the skin like under the arm. When purchasing tea tree oil, make sure that the ingredient is “M. alternifolia” and is listed near the beginning; otherwise you’re purchasing low-grade oil that cannot be effective and can cause irritation.

Tea Tree Oil Recipes

Bug Spray: Use 10-20 drops in 12 oz. water. Place in a small spray bottle. We use this when we go backpacking in the wilderness and it works. For a stronger solution add drops 5 at a time to increase concentration.

Nasal Congestion: Add 5 drops to a pot of steaming water and breathe. You can also put 3-5 drips of tea tree oil on a hot washcloth and lay across cheek bones and nasal passage.

Minor Scratches on Children

Run a bath and add about 10 drops of tea tree oil in the water. Bathe children and rinse with bath water. Repeat daily. If necessary, apply tea tree oil directly to scratches with a cotton swab after testing for sensitivity.

Acne: Apply Melaleuca oil to blemish with a cotton swab. Repeat 3 times daily until gone in a short time.

Flea and Tick Repellent:

• On Animals Use the same bug spray as listed above and place an additional 2-3 drops of tea tree oil behind the ears and base of the tail.
• On PeopleIn addition to using bug spray, apply Melaleuca oil around the areas where you’re clothing is open. (i.e. base of pants, around socks, collars, sleeves).