Tea-Tree Oil

Tea tree (ti-tree) oil is distilled from the needle like leaves of the Malaleuca alternifolia tree which is native to Australia. The leaves were first shown to Captain Cook, his seamen and the settlers in 1700's by the Bunedjalong tribe. The "tea tree" name came from the seamen finding the leaves made a very refreshing drink. The tribesmen also taught the early settlers about the healing properties of the leaves.

In the 1930's much research was done on the leaves and their oil and one of the major benefits found was the power of clearing pus from wounds and speeding up healing time and was found to be 100 times more powerful than carbolic acidand yet safe to use directly on the skin. This made it standard issue for the soldiers in the Australian Army stationed in the hot, humid jungles of Asia during World War II. Dentists also used it before the common use of penicillin for healing infected gums and abcesses became the norm, and with so many with allergies to penicillin and other antibiotics many have now reverted back to it.

Safe for external use tea tree oil has antiseptic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic,and antiviral activity on the skin and recently has even been found to be effective against the antibiotic resistant Staphylococcus aureus. It is probably one of the most important items to include in you first-aid box at home, work and in your vehicle. Use it for burns, cuts, stings, dandruff, thrush, acne, boils, lice, nail fungus, the list goes on and on. On top of that tea tree oil is excellent in room sprays and as a surface wipe to guard against infections and deter insects plus in your washing machine to deodorise your washing.

When purchasing tea tree oil make sure you purchase the best as there are many inferior brands available. Therefore it is better to obtain it from a trusted source like a health shop or pharmacy. It is personal choice whether you prefer to buy the 15% diluted or 100% pure essential oil. There are also many products available specific to a certain problem like dandruff shampoo or toothpaste. I personally buy a bottle of 100% Thursday Estate oil every month and add it to things I require it in like my shampoo, my mouthwash and my bath oil.

Warning: Do not take it internally. It is fine as a gargle (2-4 drops to half a cup of hot water) but do not swallow. A few drops of 15% solution fine on a dog collar or bedding to prevent fleas but beware of use with animals who lick like cats.

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Blend to Ease Sinuses
From Wiccan Kitchen Recipes

2 drops eucalyptus essential oil
2 drops peppermint essential oil
2 drops tea tree essential oil

Boil a pot of water and remove it from the stove. While it is still steaming, add oils, immediately cover the pot and head with a towel and inhale for 3 minutes. Keep Eyes Closed.


Homemade Deodorant
From TipNut

1/2 cup baking soda
1/2 cup cornstarch
10 drops tea tree essential oil

Combine ingredients and mix well. Put powder pixture into a shake box or a container with a powder puff. Use daily or as needed.


Foot Odor Bath

1 tbsp Epsom salts
1 tbsp sea salt or Himalayan rock salt
2 drops cedarwood essential oil
2 drops lavender essential oil
2 drops tea tree essential oil

Put in bowl/foot bath of hot water, stir, soak feet for 5 to 10 minutes. Dry feet well


Fungal Nail Lotion

1 tbspn organic cider vinegar
1/8 cup boiled water
10 drops lavender essential oil
6 drops of tea tree essential oil

Pour vinegar and oil into a dark glass bottle and shake well. Add water and shake again. Apply with cotton wool 3 times daily Swab affected areas with cotton 3 times daily, shaking before use.

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