Tea Tree Oil – The best Natural Antiseptic
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As a massage therapist, I have used tea tree oil to treat numerous ailments, from Athlete’s foot to outbreaks of Herpes and infected cuts. Tea tree oil is made from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia trees – which grow only in New South Wales, Australia.
Of course, I never knew that when I first started to use it – all I knew was that it was a natural antibiotic, antifungal and antibacterial that worked extremely well for a number of conditions. I must admit, it is expensive (in monetary terms)– and the only reason I discovered that is because I found myself using it as a treatment quite often.
I later discovered that it is also used in a number of other processes such as soap making and acne treatments. Personally – I do not like tea tree soap – It is too astringent for my skin, but others swear by it. After discovering how effective it is, I did a little research and discovered it was widely used as an antibiotic during the 1920s until being largely replaced with commercial products. As we all started to look towards more natural remedies again, it has become more popular - since the 1970s. I can certainly recommend it over commercial products – because it grows naturally and will not build a resistance. I do not recommend using high dosages, and it tastes terrible – which tells me you should only use it externally.
It is certainly an effective treatment. I have used it to help cuts heal faster – and there is a noticeable lessening of scar tissue formed. Especially used in conjunction with cocoa butter, which is also useful for reducing stretch marks during pregnancy. On application it invariably stings somewhat – depending on the level of infection or the depth of the cut. Try using it to treat minor infections, cuts or cases of athlete’s foot.
It surely does sting. I must admit – the first time I tried it on a cut, I was climbing the wall, but a few seconds later, all was well. Most antiseptics seem to sting, so if that is any indication, it is at least as effective as any others I have tried.
On a personal level – I love this stuff. It is natural – unless you drink half a pint of it can have no ill effects - and I am a great believer in using natural, replaceable medications.
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I didn't know that Tea Tree Oil came from melaleuca.
We have it growing around here.
I don't like it as skin care - but a great natural remedy.
darkside - I thought they would farm it where you are?
Yes, tea tree works so well as an antiseptic, i personally used it, and have the experience of it. Would like to join you to recommend to others, nice work.
does this hub is one on the battle.:-) Mark
It is great for acne as well. I used a cream with tea tree oil for my acne as a teenager and it was very effective.
This is an excellent article on Tea Tree Oil. Natural is better and this is an exceptional product.
Thank you all :)
I remember using tea tree shampoo in NZ
Tea tree has been a staple in my medicine chest for many years and it works for lots of things. A few drops can stop a sore throat in it's tracks.
It also great for nail fungus too.
My daughter uses Tea Tree Oil for treating cold sores and says it is very effective. I wonder if it works well on insect bites, I know nothing else I have tried does any good, usually just end up waiting for nature to take its course and provide some relief.
I have used it for herpes (cold sores) cuts and athlete's foot. It is an essential part of my medicine chest that is for sure. Thanks fr the comments.
Ah I had no idea - I thought it was just another "trendy" natural product - though I did know it came from Australia. I'll have to take a second - any good for strained ligiments - my partner has a stuffed knee at the moment?
Hey Lissie - no good for strained ligaments - try comfrey leaves instead. Tea tree is useful on the skin - but not internally. :)
and I love the scent!
Do you just apply a tyni bit of pure tea tree oil over the cut or cold sore?
A very tiny drop if you are using the essental undiluted oil. If it is a hard to get place, you can also apply it with a Q tip. But is is really expensive so you don't want to waste too much. Watch out -it stings Especially on a cold sore. :)
Tea trea oil is well know by people who have herpes for its antiviral properties. Tea tree oil quality varies greatly among brands. That is why I always use the organic kind.
When my kids were small, there was an outbreak of nits at their school and tea tree oil was brilliant in clearing up that infestation.
Interesting. Thanks
Tea tree oil is best to reduce the dandruf of scalp...
many cosmatic companies are using this integrate in their hair oils.
I use Tea tree oil when it feels like I have some kind of ear ache issue or when I accidentally get water in my ear. It is a wonderful essential oil. Thanks for sharing.
I had a friend suggest that it could be used as a nail-fungus curative if applied directly to the nail.
After doing a lot of research about tea tree oil, I finally bought it a couple of weeks ago. I must have read at least 6 articles before buying the stuff. Would you believe no has mentioned that it could be extremely painful to use this stuff? Thank goodness I haven't used it yet. If you were climbing the wall after using it, I'm going to be very careful the first time I use it. Thanks for the tip! :)Allie
Nice article. i really like tea tree oil; it has so many uses.
LondonGirl 2 years ago
Tea-tree oil is great as a natural antiseptic.
I agree, though, that tea-tree skin care stuff should only be used on greasy skin - it can really dry out normal or already-dry skin.