Probably one of the most utilitarian and mainstream of the essential oils, tea tree is a fixture in many homes that may or may not be natural health oriented. Its sharp scent can be found in various products from shampoos and conditioners to skin cleansers and even products for cleaning the house too ! Renowned for its antibacterial, antimicrobial and antifungal effects, tea tree oil is most popularly used in skin conditions such as athlete's foot, dandruff, and psoriasis - conditions where bacteria or fungi play a dominant role.
Native to Australia, tea tree essential oil comes from the Melaleuca Alternifolia plant and has been used by the aboriginals of the island for centuries. Some traditional uses include coughs, colds, sore throats and skin conditions - many of the uses that tea tree still excels at today. Sailors from the 18th Century who tried making tea with the plant's leaves so named the it for its nutmeg-like flavour. Don't confuse tea tree with the plant used to produce black and green teas though ! They are not at all the same thing !
The top uses for tea tree oil that have been clinically studied include :
- Infected skin wounds
- Acne
- Nail Fungus
- Athlete's Foot
- Lice
- Thrush
- Dandruff
- Herpes
- Ear Infections
High quality Tea Tree oil can be purchased in Edmonton at Kolya Naturals Apothecary.
This article was written by Nakita Valerio, B.A, CSN, BMSA Technician. She has been working for Optimum Health Vitamins since 2007, during which she has gained a deep appreciation and understanding for the complexities of human nutrtition, and has spent hundreds of hours researching the topic. Her current position is online media assistant - a job she currently enjoys from Morocco!
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your physician.
