Medicine Cabinet in a Bottle

Tea tree oil, explains the UWA Tea Tree Oil Research Group, is the essential oil steam distilled from the Australian plant Melaleuca alternifolia (unique to Australia and native to Northern New South Wales).

Kathi Keville of HowStuffWorks.com says this oil is often called a “medicine cabinet in a bottle” and is “effective against bacteria, fungi, and viruses and stimulates the immune system.” Here are 16 ways to use Tea Tree Oil for health and for the home.

*Make sure it comes in a dark glass bottle with a dropper. This will prevent light from shining in and reducing the oil’s potency.  *Editor’s Note: This article does not replace medical advise.

Great Ways to Use Tea Tree Oil

For Health

1. Use a dab to treat acne or a fever blister.
2. An anti-fungal for treating Athlete’s Foot, eczema, various yeast infections, etc.
3. An antiseptic to be used on cuts and burns.
4. An anti-viral: it may lessen the symptoms of colds and flu. Try using a few drops in the bath.
5. Add to a vaporizer to loosen chest congestion.
6. Add a small amount to shampoo to destroy head lice. (I have a chemical free recipe -- email a request to PeggyCortez@yahoo.com).
7. A small amount added to your bath can help with persistent body odor. 
8. Treating sinus infection.
9. For dandruff and dry scalp.
10. New research suggests possibilities in cancer treatment. See Anti-Cancer Activity of Tea Tree Oil

For Cleaning

1. A few drops added to each load of laundry leave your clothes smelling cleaner.
2. Control mold with a tea tree oil/water spray.  
3. Remove mustiness with that same tea tree oil/water spray.
4. To keep germs at bay, spray it on high chairs, car seats, and other high traffic spots.
5. 15 drops in a quart of water can be an effective insect repellent.
6. Be sure to take some with you when traveling, hiking or camping to put directly on insect bites or blisters.

Tea tree oil is usually clear to very pale golden in color and it exudes a fresh, camphor-like scent.be sure to purchase it from a reputable company. I prefer Melaleuca's Tea Tree Oil because it it pharmaceutical grade, the company is reputable, green and they revenue share with customers.
More info here.

I have to include just a touch of history (because that's the way I roll! & Yes, I am a geek!)

On his first voyage to Australia, Captain Cook made a sharp-tasting tea from tea tree leaves and later used them in brewing beer. Eventually the leaves and then the essential oil were used to purify water. Australian soldiers and sailors used this essential oil as an all-purpose healing agent during World War II.

SOURCES:Author Mickey Z., Planet Green

HowStuffWorks & Discovery Health

TreeHugger.com

Editor Peggy Cortez, FourPointGroup