Nutritional food supplements for a healthy diet

Tea Tree Oil

We sell high quality organic Tea Tree Oil.

Cultivation of Tea Tree Oil

People often read that Tea Tree Oil is only cultivated in Australia. That is no longer true. In fact China now accounts for 10% of the world’s tea tree oil production. Several countries have attempted to develop plantations and the Zimbabwe plantation is amongst the best. We source our Tea Tree Oil from Zimbabwe.

The seeds for the plants originated from a small Australian plantation producing high quality organic Tea Tree Oil. Australia provided the expertise to develop the plantation. Great care was taken in selecting and developing the soil conditions and providing adequate irrigation. The result has been a successful plantation that is producing a steadily increasing volume of top quality organic Tea Tree Oil.

It is high quality organic oil at a lower price than most conventional Tea Tree Oils.

The quality of Tea Tree oil is determined in part by the quality of the raw oil, which varies with soil and climate, and also in the distillation process and subsequent storage. There are over 100 constituent fractions to Tea Tree Oil and some of these are only extracted in the final 10% of the full distillation process, requiring as much energy as the other 90%. In Australia, where energy costs are high, the distillation process is often shortened and the proportion of these fractions may be greatly reduced or missing entirely

All these factors affect the balance of oils and this has to be very carefully controlled in the end product. Poor quality Tea Tree Oil may irritate the skin rather than soothe and heal it, but the main producers rely on quality control to prevent this.

How to Use Tea Tree Oil: An A-Z of uses

Caution : Most people can safely apply neat Tea Tree Oil to the skin. Around 1% of people may have an allergic reaction to full strength Tea Tree Oil and a few may even have a reaction when the oil is diluted. If you have not used Tea Tree Oil before, you are advised to apply a small amount to an inconspicuous area to check for any reaction before using the oil more widely.

Acne, Boils etc.

For a facial sauna, use as for inhalant below, If you can tolerate full strength oil, it is suitable for topical application to a boil. It is advisable to use the full strength oil on an occasional basis only. If you dilute it in a carrier oil, such as almond oil, you will find 5-10% is still effective. For a non-greasy version you could add a few drops to aloe vera gel or a lotion you normally use.

Animals

The equine use of Tea Tree Oil is extensive and it seems safe for larger animals such as sheep and cattle. However, extreme care must be taken with smaller animals, even though use is often recommended for parasites in particular. Cats in particular seem particularly sensitive and can exhibit a toxic reaction with neat oil – however caution should be exercised even when using dilute oil. Ref: http://www.todayshorse.com/Articles/HolisticCare/TeaTreeOil.htm

Anti-fungal Uses

Tea Tree Oil is effective for ringworm, athlete’s foot and thrush (candida).

Antiseptic Moisturising Skin Gel

Mix about 5 drops of Tea Tree Oil with 50ml of pure Aloe Vera Gel and add the contents of a Vitamin E capsule. Mix well, preferably by shaking. Use as required.

Anti-viral Uses

Tea Tree provides symptomatic relief when applied in a dilute solution to itchy areas in measles, chicken pox, cold sores, verrucas and warts. It is beneficial when inhaled in relief from flu and colds.

Athletes Foot (Tinea Pedis)

Add a few drops to a footbath and soak the feet. Dry feet well and rub in with diluted oil.

Bites and Stings

Dab with full strength oil.

Children

Please note: tea tree essential oil can be dangerous if swallowed. Always keep it out of reach of children. Tea tree oil can be diluted and used externally on children’s skin. We do not advise use on very young children.

Cold Sores (herpes simplex)

"In a randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study of tea tree oil in the treatment of herpes cold sores, tea tree oil was found to have similar degree of activity as 5% acyclovir”. (Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, May 2001, page 450)

Dandruff, Scalp Health

Add a few drops of oil to your favourite shampoo and conditioner. It can also be added to styling gels.

Gargle, Mouthwash

2-3 drops in a cup of warm water makes an effective mouthwash or gargle. The general advice would be that you may swish but not swallow. (Alternate with 3% hydrogen peroxide and you’ll barely need a toothbrush!)

Hand Wash (Anti-bacterial)

Add a few drops of oil to a dispenser of liquid soap and shake to mix.

Headaches & Migraine

Massaging Tea Tree Oil into the temples or forehead gives many people partial or total relief.

Head Lice

Add to shampoo, conditioner or hair gel (or use the aloe vera mixture above). The smell deters the bugs! Mix 1 part oil to 10 parts water and spray head before going out.

For further advice see http://www.forparentsbyparents.com/index.html?pn=1297

Inhalant

To relieve congestion and fight blocked sinuses or sore throats, add 2 drops of tea tree oil in a basin of just boiled water. Cover head and inhale for 5-10 minutes.

Insect Repellent

Mix 1 part oil to 10 parts water and spray over exposed areas before going out.

Massage

Add 3-5 drops of Tea Tree oil to 30ml of base oil and massage twice a day for rheumatic pain. A weekly massage with 3-5 drops of oil per 30ml of base oil may help to strengthen the immune system.

Shower and Bath

Add about 25 drops to a bottle of your favourite shower gel, or bath additive. Or simply add 3-5 drops to the bath water when running your bath.

Antibacterial cleaner

Add about 25 drops to a spray bottle of water. Shake well before use. Spray the toilet bowl, sinks and surfaces.

Toothache & Gum Infections

If you cannot get to a dentist and you have a toothache, apply 100% Pure Tea Tree Oil directly to the area using a cotton swab. The tea tree oil will penetrate the gum or tooth to kill the bacteria causing the pain. Gingivitis can also be treated by applying the oil directly to the gums twice a day. Also use a Tea Tree oil gargle.

Toothbrush Cleaner

Your toothbrush is probably teeming with germs and can be a source of infection! Stand it head down in the glass with a few drops of oil in some water now and then.

Toothpaste

Add a drop to your toothbrush before brushing.

Washing Wounds

Add a few drops to water and bathe and cleanse grazes and cuts. You can also apply diluted oil to the wounded area once dried, particularly useful if you wish to leave the area uncovered.

Yeast Infections

Some women find tea tree oil helpful in stopping thrush. Its effectiveness in fighting candida albicans is also supported by scientific studies. Three options for using tea tree oil for thrush:

1. put tea tree oil on the tip of a tampon and insert it into your vagina
2. put tea tree on a panty liner or towel
3. dampen cotton wool with tea tree (mixed with water) and gently wipe around the vaginal area

Click here for more information on thrush http://www.womenshealthlondon.org.uk/leaflets/thrush/thrushtreat.html