Medicine Kit in A Bottle (Tea Tree)

Member Name: sandemp

Product:	Tea Tree
Date:	04/07/05 (1063 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Multitude of uses

Disadvantages: Strong smell

Tea Tree Oil was first recommended to me as a new weapon in my seemingly everlasting battle with the head louse. I was, to say the least, incredulous that a naturally occurring oil could succeed where many modern chemicals had failed. But at only £2.49 for a bottle, I thought what the heck, and gave it a try.

~~~History of the Oil~~~

Melaleuca Alternifolia has been used for hundreds of years by the Bundjalung aborigine tribe, of the Bungawalbin valley, on the far north coast of New South Wales, Australia. They used it for its antiseptic and healing properties in many ways, including making poultices from the crushed leaves, bathing in pools where the leaves had fallen, and brewing a “tea” out of the leaves.

When the settlers, or should I say convicts, arrived from England, they soon learnt about the healing properties of the Tea Tree and used it on wounds and bites, and when Captain James Cook arrived in Australia, in 1770, the botanist Sir Joseph Banks collected samples of the plant and brewed the native tea, and so the common name Tea Tree was born.

The first scientific studies of the tea tree oil were performed in 1922, by Arthur Penfold, and it was discovered that the oil was 11 to 13 times better at killing bacteria and fungi than carbolic acid (the standard of the day), and unlike carbolic acid it did not burn the skin.

So powerful are its properties that during World War Two the Australian Defence Force commandeered all supplies of the oil, and working in the production of the oil would have exempted you from military service. Known by the soldiers as the “medicine kit in a bottle”, tea tree oil was standard first aid issue.

Unfortunately, a victim of its own success, as Tea Tree Oil was no longer available commercially, as new synthetic products were created, the oil faded from prominence.

However, the oil has enjoyed a resurgence of popularity since the 1960's, and has been the subject of intensive testing by scientists in many countries including the USA, and France.

Today, the oil is available in many forms from the essential oil, to shampoos, beauty products, and antiseptic creams. And it has a multitude of uses, including the treatment of acne, sunburn and arthritis.

~~~The Oil~~~

I have purchased tea tree oil from several places, and at a range of prices. The cheapest bottle I bought was £1 for 10mls from a pound shop, but I mostly buy it from Superdrug at approximately £2.49 for 10mls.

The oil comes in a dark brown glass bottle with a dropper top, and does have a use by date, but this is usually several years in the future. On opening the bottle, you will be hit by an extremely strong scent, that's hard to describe. While in no way unpleasant it is slightly medical, with a hint of menthol and certainly clears the nose.


~~~Uses of the Oil~~~

There is an extensive list of uses for the oil, and for this review I will only touch on most, as I've not used it for them myself. However, I will expand on the ways I personally have used it.

^^Zits^^

I've used the oil, undiluted on spots. Simply apply to the affected area with a cotton bud. This works really well, and reduces spots overnight. Try it on those nasty ones that look like they're going to become huge boils, it can work wonders.

^^Nits^^

This is what I originally bought the oil for. There are two ways to use it, either undiluted or diluted in a carrier oil (such as almond). I used it neat, simply apply enough to coat the entire head (and hair), leave for half an hour, and watch the nits fall out when you wash the hair. Honestly, it works very well, and I find I can do two heads of hair with one bottle so it's very economical. Unlike the chemical preparations available, this has had no adverse effect on my children's asthma. As a bonus, after washing and drying the hair it's beautifully conditioned, and extremely soft and silky.

After treating the hair this way, a drop applied behind each ear and at the nape of the neck will discourage the little blighters from returning.

^^Coughs and Colds^^

Add ten drops to a bowl of steaming water (or for a child the bath) and inhale the vapours. After a few minutes you'll find your congestion clearing, much as with Olbus Oil or Karvol. I discovered this use as a consequence of treating hair, while suffering from a really bad cold, and feeling much clearer when I finished.

^^Cuts and Grazes^^

After cleaning, apply with a clean cotton bud. I don't know for sure if this works, but my children's cuts don't seem to get infected.

^^Itchy Rashes^^

I suffer from urticaria, which is a very itchy rash that comes and goes and drives me to distraction. Although I have antihistamines for this, they take time to work. But by applying tea tree oil to the affected area, it soothes the rash while I'm waiting for the antihistamines to work.

^^Psoriasis^^

This is a skin condition where the skin cells grow too quickly and you end up with scaly itchy patches. I have only just started using the oil for this, after having used coal tar creams since childhood. For this you need to dilute the oil with 10 parts carrier oil, then massage into the affected areas. I have so far noticed that it seems to be preventing it from getting worse, and it smells much better than coal tar.

^^Eczema^^

Again the oil needs to be diluted for this. Wash and dry the affected area, then gently apply the mixed oil. I've found this especially good, when my son's eczema is infected, it clears up much quicker than when left alone, and almost as fast as when strong antibiotic creams are used.

^^Other Uses^^

There are many, many other uses, both undiluted and diluted which I have not tried yet, which include arthritis, cold sores, cradle cap and bad breath. There is a comprehensive list on this web site http://www.oilsofnature.com.au/Tea_Tree_Oil/uses_a nd_applications.htm

The oil can also be used on your pets, in much the same way.

~~~Undesirable Consequences~~~

Tea Tree Oil is toxic when ingested, so you should not swallow it, and if you accidentally do so then consult a doctor.

You may also find that you are allergic to the oil, if so do NOT use it again.


~~~Conclusion~~~

Tea Tree Oil really does seem to live up to its nickname of a “medicine kit in a bottle”. It has a multitude of uses, and as such should be in everyone's medicine cabinet. If you look on the body care shelves of any supermarket, or beauty store, you will find at least one product that contains the oil. From shampoos and conditioners, to spot sticks, facial cleaners and toners, to toothpaste, often at inflated prices. The actual oil is a much more economical purchase, as it can be used in these ways, try adding a few drops of oil to your normal conditioner, or as an antiseptic in it's own right.

Summary: An essential oil, that really does live up to it's nickname...