Sunday, June 1, 2008

Tea Tree Oil: A First Aid Must-Have

As much as I trust going to a doctor when I feel there is something wrong with my body, I know that there are also times when the doctor bill may not be worth the trip. And on top of that, sometimes the doctor really doesn't provide any more remedy than I may have found myself with a little research. As society grows less dependent on pharmaceutical drugs and prescriptions, and gets more educated on natural remedies, we learn that many simple things can be treated if not cured by nature's products. One of those great products found by man, created by earth is Tea Tree Oil. Tea tree oil, also known as 'Melaleuca Alternifolia' is an oil found in the Australian Tea Tree plant. It has been known to help treat various skin conditions and other minor health care symptoms, safely for over 60 years.

For starters, Tea Tree Oil should not be ingested orally because of it's potency; However it can be a great topical product to use for various first aid remedies such as cuts and scrapes, mosquito bites, ticks, or even minor burns. Tea Tree Oil works by penetrating the layers of skin, and providing anti-inflammatory and disinfectant properties. It also provides comfort as a first aid product, because it has a cooling effect known to be 4 times more soothing than aloe. Tea Tree Oil can be used as a topical first aid ointment, by swabbing a small amount to the affected area two to three times a day, or as needed until the affected area heals.