Sunday, June 1, 2008

Tea Tree Essential Oil Topical Uses

Melaleuca alternifolia, better known as Tea Tree, is one of the most versatile essential oils available on the market today, as well as being one of the best known. With a spicy, perhaps woodsy, and almost medicinal smell, pure Tea Tree essential oil is not the best smelling stuff, but with a wealth of therapeutic uses, Tea Tree Essential Oil's scent is easily an acquired one.

Essential oils can be used for therapeutic or medicinal purposes, and this article will touch upon several such uses. However, it is important to always remember that anything on the internet, using essential oils, and things a writer puts up on a webpage should never be used as a substitute for true medical care from a qualified health professional should such care be necessary.

When learning more about essential oils, one will clearly see that most essential oils state clearly that the user must dilute the oils with another carrier base. Tea Tree is one of the few essential oils where most manufacturers indicate Tea Tree is safe to use undiluted.

The melaleuca alternifolia plant is from the myrtle plant and tree family, and these plants are known for their topical anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. The aboriginal tribes would chew on the leaves to help alleviate headaches and would pack food in the leaves to help prevent spoilage.

More modern uses for the distilled Tea Tree Oil have been found. Let's look at a few of the most popular topical uses for Tea Tree Oil.

Tea Tree Oil For Skin Care

Acne - Tea Tree Oil can be used full strength directly on skin blemishes, the surrounding area, or drops of Tea Tree Oil can be added to a liquid soap and used to wash the entire affected area. Tea Tree Oil will speed healing and may help reduce scarring. Apply two to three times daily, particularly at night.

Cell Renewal - Tea Tree Oil has been shown to help regenerate skin cells, so adding a few drops of Tea Tree Oil to a moisturizer or night cream may help repair dull skin and help promote cell regeneration. Tea Tree Oil is often found listed in the ingredients of skin care products by its Latin name.