Tea tree oil for troubled skin

Melaleuca oil and Tea Tree oil are one and the same, both extracted from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia, a tree native to New South Wales, Australia.

It's believed that the indigenous people of that region have used the oil for thousands of years to treat a variety of ailments.

Do not confuse this oil with tea oil, which is extracted from the crushed seeds of Camelia sinensis, the common tea plant!

Today we know that tea tree oil is an effective antifungal. It has also shown impressive results in its ability to cure Candidiasis (vaginal yeast infections), and athlete's foot.

Some years ago, it was reported that tea and lavender oils were responsible for gynocomastia (the development of breast tissue in males). However, consider that the oils tested contained other ingredients which were not tested. In addition, the "research" methodology really left quite a bit to be desired... so, take it for what it's worth.

DO NOT take this oil internally, as there are no reputable and satisfactory human studies to ascertain its safety. No funny ideas, please!

Allergic reactions are extremely rare. However, it's always a good idea to test the product first on a small area of your body, then wait at least 24 hours. If all looks ok, you're good to go.

The product is generally sold in 5% or 100% concentration. Don't think that 100% is necessarily better.. But if you choose the 5%, find out for sure (and that in itself can be a real problem!) what else is in the bottle.

Studies have demonstrated the oil is just as effective as benzoyl peroxide for the treatment of acne? The only drawback is that it usually takes a little longer to work but, hey, I'd rather put IT on my face than the other stuff!

At my little store I confidently dispense it for the treatment of bee stings, poison ivy and acne. Actually, I am confident in every single product I sell, trusting its efficacy and purity.

Mind you, not every product will work for everyone - medical prescriptions don't, so why should it be any different for the more natural stuff?

If a customer comes in with a particular problem, I need to ask a few pertinent questions such as her medical history, current or recent use of prescription medications, allergies/sensitivities, special diet, and yes, sometimes I do have to ask her age!

With this basic information available, together we explore some of the most effective treatments.

I sometimes like to mix tea tree oil with almond oil, another wonderful treatment for your skin. But more about almond oil and your skin later. Tea tree oil blends particularly well with lavender, clary sage, rosemary, and geranium.

Thank you for reading this page. I hope you found it interesting and informative.