72 replies to this topic

[Momo]

Does anyone here use tea tree oil? I'm just curious about what folks are using this for.

[Mother]

Our family uses Tea Tree Oil for lots of things and it's one of the things on my list to stock up on. I try to stay at least four or five bottles ahead all the time because that's likely the one thing I'll have trouble getting if the SHTF.

It's one of the essential oils that can be used full strength unless you are using it for mouth sores or as a gargle, then it needs to be diluted in water. I also use it diluted with another oil like olive oil when using it for really raw or sensitive areas.

I've used it with good results on all sorts of scrapes, wounds and rashes. It's good on fungus and even on burns. Might be a bit strong for deep burns but then I'd dilute it, probably with milk as milk is a natural healer for burns. I've used it in a sray for my plants to discourage bugs and fungus and I've used it on my pets and farm animals.

Hmmm, guess you could say I think about reaching for it first before other remedies but that's not to say that I don't have natural, local substitutes for it's uses on hand too. It's interesting how nature (God if you will) provides us with almost all we need, might even say everything we need if we are willing to give up some conveniences.

[SueC]

We use it for all sorts of things. My DD puts it on Cold sores (splits the skin and gets right in,) nearly gone in 24 hours. I use it on tinea, insect bites, anything itchy, I use a medicated lotion with Tea Tree Oil as the medicated part for an after shaving lotion. It is great.

Sue

[Lois]

Tea Tree Oil

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/herbsupple.../TeaTreeOil.htm
What is Tea Tree Oil?
Latin Name: Melaleuca alternifolia
Other Names: Melaleuca oil, Australian tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is an essential oil obtained by steam distillation of the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a plant native to Australia.

Historically, the leaves were used as a substitute for tea, which is how tea tree oil got its name.

The part used medicinally is the oil from the leaves.

Why Do People Use Tea Tree Oil?
Tea tree has a long history of traditional use. Australian aboriginals used tea tree leaves for healing skin cuts, burns, and infections by crushing the leaves and applying them to the affected area.

Tea tree oil contains consituents called terpenoids, which have antiseptic and antifungal activity. The compound terpinen-4-ol is the most abundant and is thought to be responsible for most of tea tree oil's antimicrobial activity.
Acne
Athlete's foot
Dandruff
Vaginitis
Thrush
Periodontal disease
As an antiseptic
Boils
Lice
Eczema
Psoriasis
Yeast infection
Sources of Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is most commonly found as a pure essential oil. It is also an ingredient in creams, ointments, lotions, soaps, and shampoos.

Safety Concerns
One study shows that tea tree oil may alter hormone levels. There have been three case reports of topical tea tree oil products causing unexplained breast enlargement in boys. People with hormone-sensitive cancers or pregnant or nursing women should avoid tea tree oil. For more information, read Lavender and Tea Tree Oils Linked to Breast Enlargement in Boys.

Occasionally, people may have allergic reactions to tea tree oil, ranging from mild contact dermatitis to severe blisters and rashes.

Undiluted tea tree oil may cause skin irritation, redness, blistering, and itching.

Tea tree oil should not be taken internally, even in small quantities. It can cause impaired immune function, diarrhea, and potentially fatal central nervous system depression (excessive drowsiness, sleepiness, confusion, coma).

The tea tree oil in commercial toothpastes and mouthwashes is generally considered to be acceptable because it is not swallowed. Avoid homemade tea tree oil mouthwashes.

Seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of overdose: excessive drowsiness, sleepiness, poor coordination, diarrhea, vomiting.

Don't use tea tree oil if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

[Nett]

When I had a jaw tooth crack and give me enormous amounts of pain i applied the oil on the outside of my jaw and massaged it in to get relief until i could get to the dentist. Worked wonders.

[halfpint]

I use it in some of my soaps, for cuts, to prevent lice, as a fungicide, and as an insect repellant.
Dawn

[Nett]

Originally Posted By: halfpint

I use it in some of my soaps, for cuts, to prevent lice, as a fungicide, and as an insect repellant.
Dawn

How do you treat for the prevention of lice?

[zzelle]

i love it in soap and lotions and shampoo. wonderful smell very relaxing

[westbrook]

mix some in water and mop floors, wipe down counter tops, clean sink, toilet, bathtub, wipe down any place that has germs since it is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal.

[westbrook]

more info..

http://www.mrssurvival.com/forums/ubbthrea...ge=1#Post124910

[Lois]

Thanks Westbrook, I was hoping you would fill in some blanks.

[Momo]

Thanks for all the info.

I read somewhere that it would get rid of skin tags. I have been dabbing it on once a day full strength. It's been about 10 days and I can't tell any difference yet. I'll let ya'll know if it helps or not.

[zzelle]

i did not know that thanks for the info

[Nett]

I will be interested to hear about the skin tags. My best friend has inherited a terrible situation with them.

[PoGo]

Interesting, Momo. Please do let us know.

[Mt_Rider]

Staph and other infections are rampant in Maui's tropical climate..esp. among the homeless population that I formerly worked with. Our RN used it to treat all sorts of things and got me started on it. My cuts never infect but they did there unless I used Tea Tree Oil.

Anyone know a source of getting it in salve form...or could I just take my oil and make some????????? The little tin of salve fits into my bag better than a bottle.

MtRider

[MommyofSeven]

Mt, you could make it-probably cheaper. Do you need info on how to do that?

I use it often for infections. DH and oldest DD are allergic to bleach, so if I'm cleaning and they are home I add a few drops of it to mop water, in the toilet, tub, etc.

Mo7

[Nett]

Could some one explain to me the use in prevention of lice infestation? Please?

[furbabymom]

Originally Posted By: MommyofSeven

Mt, you could make it-probably cheaper. Do you need info on how to do that?

Mo7

Even if MT doesn't need info, I'd sure like to have some - can you please post instructions?

[MommyofSeven]

There are directions here http://www.wildroots.com/salves.htm for doing a salve from infused oils. For essential oils, you will only want to use a few drops of oil per ounce of salve. Tea tree you can be a bit more generous with, though, as well as lavender.

Mo7