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Melaleuca (Tea Tree )
Commonly known as Tea Tree, Melaleuca (melaleuca alternifolia) is a bushy tree with little narrow leaves and white cottony flowers at the end of long branches and twigs. These trees are native to Australia and are now grown throughout the world including Tasmania and Kenya. The oil produced from the Melaleuca tree is colorless to pale-yellow with a strongly medicinal aroma.
History
The Australian Aborigines used Melaleuca medicinally for centuries, possibly even millennia. It’s properties were brought to the attention of the scientific community in the early 1920’s by Dr. A. R. Penfold, an Australian government scientist. By the 1940’s “Tea Tree Oil” was so valued by the government that those needed to produce it during World War II were exempt from military service in order to provide sufficient supplies for the first aid kits of all military personnel.
Benefits
What makes Melaleuca so special? The oil that is steam distilled from this tree can be used for a wide variety of ailments due to its antiseptic, antifungal, and antiviral properties.
Topical treatments using Melaleuca can drastically improve acne and other skin issues. Several studies done in the last 20 years found that when treating acne, a topical gel containing 5% Melaleuca oil was found to be more effective than both a placebo and a 5% benzoyl peroxide lotion.
Because of it’s antifungal nature, a couple of drops Melaleuca essential oil slightly diluted can quickly clear up even the most intense case of athlete’s foot. It relieves the skin irritation and kills the fungus.
From a minor paper cut to a more predominant gash, the antiseptic and immunostimulant nature of Melaleuca cleans and helps prevent infection while also promoting healing. When used in a salve it acts as a natural “neosporin”.
Uses
AUTUMN WOODS DIFFUSER BLEND: Diffuse 3 drops Cedarwood, 3 drops Melaleuca, and 2 drops Cypressessential oils in your favorite diffuser to purify the air with a pleasant woodsy aroma.
ATHLETE’S FOOT SPRAY: In a 1oz glass bottle, combine 10 drops Clove, 5 drops Melaleuca, and 5 drops Oreganoessential oils and fill the rest with Witch Hazel. Shake and spray on affected areas. (Not to be used more than 10 days in a row.)
Melaleuca Essential Oil Reviews
“I love it!” ~Lynn
“I or someone in the house can start to get sick and I immediately start drinking this in my water and diffusing it in the air. I myself don’t become sick. Works every time.” ~ Pam
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