The wondrously fragrant oil known as tea tree oil has become a popular treatment for a variety of skin and immune disorders. Also known as melaleuca oil, this substance comes from a tree native to Australia. Aboriginal people use crushed tea tree leaves and its papery bark to cure colds, flu, and other respiratory ailments. We can certainly emulate that, using tea tree as a soothing vapor for seasonal illnesses. One of the most versatile essential oils, tea tree has antiviral, antifungal, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties that make it ideal as a household medicine cabinet staple. It can be used on acne, psoriasis, rosacea, boils, insect bites, minor burns, dandruff, athlete's foot, fungal nail, canker sores, herpes outbreaks, lice, and even as a toothpaste or mouthwash. When used on the lips or in the mouth, it's generally diluted to about 5 percent. It can be used full strength, but is very drying for some individuals. Generally it should be diluted with almond or olive oil at first to rule out sensitivities, and gradually increasing concentration as needed.
What to Look for
Look for a 100 percent pure tea tree oil product. Diluted products are cheaper, but don't offer the flexibility of the full strength oil. You can always dilute it later as needed. The extraction methods may be important, as harmful solvents could be used. Chooses products that have been naturally distilled. Although organic certification is a commitment to quality and purity, much of the tea tree oil on the market has been wild-harvested, and as such, no organic certification is necessary. Ecologically harvested products are also available, and are also an excellent choice.
Common Pitfalls
The oil by itself can be very drying, so be sure to start by diluting it with a carrier oil. A very small percentage of people will have a mild reaction, so start off slowly. A few case reports exist of young boys being treated with tea tree oil and lavender, who developed gynecomastia, or enlarged breasts, allegedly from using tea tree oil. Lavender does contain some estrogen-like molecules, but for tea tree oil, these claims have never been substantiated scientifically. These claims probably amount to junk science, as tea tree oil has a long history of safety without side effects. Nevertheless, it's probably wise to err on the side of caution, choosing to use tea tree oil judiciously on pre-teen boys.
With that in mind, tea tree may be the best all-around remedy in your medicine cabinet.
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