Tea Tree Oil - Top Ten Tips By: Louise Dop On 2006-10-29
 
Long valued by aborigines for its healing properties and more powerful than domestic disinfectant, tee tree oil (melaleuca alternifolia) earns its place in the household medicine cabinet. Extracted from the leaves and twigs of an Australian tree, this oil is a natural antiseptic with anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. Modern research is now confirming many of its anecdotal claims for the treatment of such conditions as acne, psoriasis, cold sores and athlete’s foot. Available from pharmacies and health stores, a small bottle of 100% pure essential oil will prove invaluable. Try the following applications.

Spot On - apply sparingly to minor cuts, scratches and pimples to minimise infection and promote healing.

Mellow Mouths - add 2 drops to a glass of water and gargle, taking care not to swallow any solution. Great for sore throats, tooth ache and to promote fresh breathe; not suitable for young children.

Fresh Fridges - keep fridge seals clean and mildew free by wiping with a dilute solution.

Vacuum Vapours - pop a few drop on a tissue and place in your vacuum cleaner bag. Release the refreshing fragrance as you clean the house.

Bath Time Boost - believed to enhance the immune system, a dash in your bath water will help fight those coughs and colds.

Sleeping Dogs - several drops on your dog’s sleeping blanket will deter fleas; tea tree oil is not recommended for the treatment of cats as they may digest it when grooming.

Healthy Hair- apply two drops to your usual shampoo to keep the head lice away and relieve dandruff.

Shiny Showers - a weak solution keeps shower curtains and cubicles bright and mould resistant.

Sleep Tight - put a few drops on a damp cloth and wipe over mattresses to repel dust mites.

Hardy Hands - add to hand cream and rub in before putting on your gardening gloves. Give yourself natural protection against scratches from those troublesome prickles and thorns.

Tea tree oil is very powerful and need only be used sparingly, particularly on sensitive skin. Although it is quite expensive, a 5ml bottle will last for months. Pregnant women should take the usual precautions when using essential oils.

Louise Dop is a successful freelance writer and technical author. Her ebook, The Writer's Secret Weapon, brings together a collection of the best free online resources for writers and gives an insight into the writing life. With over 50 direct links to resources, this straightforward guide will show you the real-life tips and tricks that – armed with an Internet connection and basic computer literacy – you can try for yourself right away.

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