Tea Tree Oil

​Day 9 of my holistic health advent calendar is TEA TREE OIL.
Tea tree oil has been used in Aboriginal medicine for hundreds of years. It contains components that kill certain bacteria, viruses and fungi.
Tea tree oil has many uses including:
1. Hand sanitiser. It kills many bugs responsible for upset digestive systems, pneumonia and flu.
2. Insect repellent. Certain flies and mosquitoes do not like tea tree oil.
3. Deodorant. Tea tree oil has an antibacterial effect helping to control odour associated with underarm sweating. It is not the sweat that smells, but bacteria on the skin that mixes with sweat gland secretions.
4. Antiseptic. Any skin cuts or grazes make the body more susceptible to infection. Tea tree oil cleanses the cut BUT it must be diluted in something like coconut oil.
5. Promotes wound healing. As well as preventing infection, tea tree oil helps reduce inflammation and boosts white blood cell production needed in the healing process.
6. All-purpose cleaner. 20 drops of tea tree oil, 3/4 cup of water, and 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar, mixed in a spray bottle, makes an excellent surface cleaner.
7. Helps control skin conditions. It can help with a variety of skin conditions including acne, psoriasis, athlete’s foot, and dandruff.
Whilst tea tree oil has been shown to be safe, it should never be taken internally. Always test a small patch 24 hours before use to ensure no skin reaction.