Tea Tree essential oil (Latin name Melaleuca alternifolia) is produced from a small tree with yellow or purple flowers that grows in New South Wales, Australia, and has been used as a herbal medicine for centuries by the aboriginal Australians. One of tea tree's most useful attribute is that it is effective against bacteria, fungi and virus. It is also a powerful immuno-stimulant, which means that it stimulates the body's own defences and boosts the immune system to help fight disease.
Skin Care
The astringent properties of tea tree oil make it ideal to use for all kinds of skin conditions. It can be applied undiluted to small areas of skin, to infectious wounds, insect bites, pimples and warts. According to Esoteric Oils, "A course of massage with tea tree oil before an operation may help to fortify the body and reduce post operative shock." Ten to 12 drops added to the bath water will help to ease the symptoms of acne, herpes, rashes and any skin condition which covers large areas of skin.
Respiratory System
Tea tree's ability in combating viruses and bacteria make it an ideal oil to use against colds, flu, sinusitis and even tuberculosis, where it has proved effective even when antibiotic medication has failed. Inhaling three to four drops in hot water helps to clear congestion in the bronchioles caused by asthma and bronchitis and has a similar effect in the nasal passages for catarrh, which is, according to The Free Dictionary, "an inflammation of the lining of the nose and throat, causing a discharge of thick fluid. When inhaling, breathe in as deeply as possible through the nose and out through the mouth."
Genito-Urinary System
Vaginal thrush (candida albicans) is a fungal infection that most women are likely to suffer at one time or another, and tea tree's antifungal properties are an effective treatment. Once again, bathing with tea tree will prove useful in treating not only thrush, but cystitis, pruritis and vaginitis. Cystitis is usually caused by an infection in the bladder and is more common in women than men. Using tea tree, again in the bath, will help to ease the uncomfortable stinging sensation and combat the infection.
Immune System
Tea tree's remarkable ability to combat infection makes it one of the most important items in any first aid kit, particularly as a defense and treatment against colds and flu and even in infectious childhood diseases such as chicken pox. Tea tree helps strengthen the immune system and stimulates the body's own response to infection; using the oil at the first sign of infection, either in bathing water or as a vaporizer, will help to shorten the duration of the illness. However, it should be noted that prolonged use of the oil may lessen its effectiveness or even, if used on the skin to excess, cause irritation.
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