Natural Healing Head-To-Toe With Australian Tea Tree Oil

What do the aboriginal people of Australia, World War II soldiers stationed in the tropics and a modern-day Clinical Aromatherapist have in common? All know the incredible healing power of tea tree oil.

But while many of us probably have a bottle lurking somewhere, we may not realise that it can be used medicinally - and has been for hundreds of years* - to treat a number of ailments from top-to-toe.

Tea tree oil has stood the test of time as 'nature's universal healer' and has a wealth of research to support its efficacy as a safe, natural, healing substance. Recent scientific studies support tea tree oil's powerful antimicrobial properties. Professor Val Edwards-Jones - who is leading research into the essential oil as an alternative therapy for the treatment of MRSA says:

"Tea tree oil is active against all four categories of infectious organisms - bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses - and it increases the immunity of the body. It penetrates the skin to reach otherwise inaccessible sites of infection and can be used to treat a manner of complaints from acne to flu, cold sores to dandruff, head lice to athletes foot. A bottle of high quality Australian tea tree essential oil is truly a medicine cabinet must-have."

New Australian Tea Tree Pure Essential Oil is guaranteed to be of the highest quality. Every drop of Australian Tea Tree Pure Essential Oil is batch tested to ensure that it exceeds worldwide industry standards. Here's how a small bottle of Australian Tea Tree Pure Essential Oil can treat a myriad of maladies.

Dandruff - The culprit behind many cases of Dandruff is a yeast-like fungus, Malassezia. Tea Tree's strong anti-fungal properties will combat dandruff at the source, rather than cosmetically dealing with the symptoms. Add 1 drop of tea tree oil with 10 drops of a carrier oil such as almond oil and massage the oil into the scalp before shampooing.

Head Lice - Not only will tea tree oil kill head lice, it will also reduce inflammation, irritation and reaction to bites. Add four drops of essential oil to shampoo and leave-in for ten minutes before rinsing.

Ear Infection - Benefit from the antiseptic properties of Tea Tree by adding three drops of Essential Oil to warmed (not hot) olive or almond oil and carefully pour into the ear. Use cotton wool to stop it running out.

Acne - Tea tree's antiseptic and antibacterial properties mean it is ideal for treating spotty skin. It works to break down the impurities which cause spots, so that they are cleared away naturally by the blood stream. Dab onto blemishes or, for severe cases, apply to the problem area with a cotton pad. It will work as an astringent toner to instantly purify and close pores.

Colds and Flu - Tea tree oil is a valuable force against infectious illnesses. At the first signs of cold or flu add tea tree oil to a hot bath. One of the first signs that the oil is working is that it will stimulate profuse sweating. It could stop the cold or flu developing or reduce its severity.

Cold Sores - Tea tree oil's antiviral properties extend to the 'Herpes Simplex' virus - the cause of common cold sores. At the first burning sensation that precedes the blisters, mix a few drops of the oil with a little bit of alcohol - such as vodka - and dab it on the area directly.

Halitosis - Toothpastes and mouthwashes containing tea tree oil are shown to be effective for a number of oral complaints, but particularly bad breath. Try a natural toothpaste, such as Aloe Dent Original with Tea Tree or gargle water mixed with a few drops of essential oil.

Burns - Tea tree oil is ideal for treating minor burns or scalds due to its mild anaesthetic properties that help reduce pain and inflammation. Bathe the affected area in lukewarm water with five drops of oil. While skin is healing, rub a cream containing tea tree oil directly on to the skin to moisturise the region and help reduce infection.

Chesty Coughs - To ease congestion combine 1 drop of tea tree oil with a teaspoon of carrier oil and rub the mixture on chest and back. The vapours of tea tree oil will be inhaled and this will break down the mucus in the lungs.

Fungal Nail Infections - These commonly affect people with diabetes, poor circulation or those who consistently work with wet hands, such as hairdressers. Add 5 drops of anti-fungal pure essential oil to a bowl of water or footbath and soak the affected area once a week. If the problem is acute try rubbing the oil directly into the nail-bed.

Insect, tick or mosquito bites - Tea tree oil is well known for repelling insects and gives off a summery scent - when on holiday dab the oil onto pulse points. It can also be used topically to relive itching, redness and swelling.

Thrush - Tea Tree Oil's powerful anti-fungal properties means it is highly effective at treating the candida infection - thrush. Tea Tree Oil does this by inhibiting the rate at which the organism can reproduce and by strengthening the body's ability to resist it. Add a few drops of the essential oil to a bath or bidet.

Ingrowing Hairs - Waxing and shaving areas of coarse hair can lead to small puss- filled pimples caused by in-growing hairs. Add the oil to a spritzer and spray the region to prevent in-growing hairs and to calm any irritation. If a pimple does form dab on the essential oil - its antibacterial agents will break down the white puss.

Sore Muscles - Tea Tree helps to flush the body of uric acid build-up. Add 2 drops of the essential oil to a carrier oil and massage into the affected areas.

Blisters - Blisters occur when friction causes your body to create a fluid- filled sack. Avoid bursting blisters and instead apply Tea Tree Oil to calm painful skin lesions. They will heal faster with no itching and the growth of bacteria and fungus in the sores will be inhibited.

Verrucaes - Tea Tree oil offers a mild alternative to chemical treatments. Dab the anti-viral treatment onto the centre of verrucaes or warts (caused by the 'Human Papilloma' virus) every day and cover with a plaster. It may take several weeks to see results.

Athlete's Foot - The anti-fungal properties of Tea Tree are useful for treating Athlete's Foot. Bathe feet in warm water with a few drops of Pure Essential Oil to kill the candida infection which cause the itchy, flaking of the skin. A few drops in your trainers will help prevent re-infection - and also combat sweaty, smelly feet!

Lightweight and portable, neat or diluted, Australian Tea Tree Pure Essential Oil (£3.99 for 10ml or £7.39 for 25ml) provides a solution for a number of ailments. For ease of application, the oil is available in a soothing, non- greasy Antiseptic Cream (£3.99 for 50ml) and a pump action Antiseptic Spray (£4.49 for 30ml), for gentle first-aid on-the-go. The Australian Tea Tree range is available from Holland & Barrett, Waitrose and all good health food stores and pharmacies. Click here to buy online.