I’m forever getting problems with dry skin. Eczema is an issue for me, meaning I often have itchy areas of my skin that I can’t help but scratch. It’s not nice, and it’s certainly not attractive, but anyone who’s experienced similar problems will know that it can be difficult to get rid of.
Previously, I had thought that the only solution was expensive creams packed full with chemicals. Of course, so often they’re only a temporary fix; chemicals hardly help the skin in the long term.
Then I came to think about a remedy my grandmother always used to preach about. A type of oil that not only helps cure skin problems like eczema, psoriasis and acne, but also deals with things like insect bites and allergies. The secret? I’ll give you a hint; it comes from tea trees in Australia.
From the leaves and branches of the tea tree, Melaleuca alternifolia, tea tree oil can be extracted. It’s a colourless, odourless oil that was given its name by 19th century seamen.
Centuries before then, the indigenous peoples of Australia had benefitted no end from the leaves in a number of different ways.
The Aborigines used tea trees for medicinal purposes. By crushing leaves and utilising their antiseptic effects, they were able to relieve many symptoms – including skin problems, infections and sores.
In the 1920s, Australian scientists began to investigate the health properties of tea tree oil. Since then, the oil has become increasingly popular in places all around the world – it’s now available for purchase in many stores. Here, you’ll find seven good applications for the oil where it can work wonders.
1. Infections and wounds
The antibacterial properties of the plant mean that it can be useful when it comes to preventing infection. Apply some drops of tea tree oil to a problem area, put a bandage around it and leave it overnight. By keeping bacteria and infection away, the oil can help the skin heal faster.
2. Eczema and psoriasis
This essential oil also has plenty of anti-inflammatory properties. If you mix drops of lavender oil, tea tree oil and coconut oil, you can create a mixture that helps to treat eczema and psoriasis.
3. Acne
Another common use for tea tree oil is the fight against acne. Because the oil kills bacteria that can multiply on the skin and cause pimples and acne, it’s useful when rubbed into problem areas. You should mix a few drops with two tablespoons of honey and then rub the resulting ointment onto the areas you’re looking to treat. Rinse after a couple of minutes and, hopefully, you’ll see some results.
4. Reliable against athlete’s foot
Foot fungus and nail fungus can also be helped with the application of tea tree oil, apparently. With nails, you should apply the oil regularly for a few months; you should slowly start to see it work. For afflictions like athlete’s foot, you can mix the tea tree oil with coconut oil and massage your feet before bedtime.
5. Deodorant substitute
As you’ve probably realised by this point, tea tree oil has some powerful properties. When mixing the oil with coconut oil and bicarbonate, you can make a home-made, natural deodorant that keeps sweat away – absolutely no chemicals included.
6. Hair and scalp
You can also make shampoo with tea tree oil! You can either mix it with aloe vera, coconut oil and lavender oil, or simply add tea tree oil to your usual shampoo. This can help with both dandruff and hair loss!
7. In the bathroom
Last but not least, tea tree oil can also be effective when it comes to cleaning – especially in the bathroom. The oil is highly effective when it comes to fighting bacteria and mould. All you need is tea tree oil and water. By clicking here you can read more about the mixing process.
Always remember to never ingest tea tree oil, as it can be toxic. There’s also the chance that you could be allergic to it, so always approach with caution the first time around. Otherwise, get to it! Use this miracle cure.
Don’t hesitate to share these tips with your friends, so they can get the benefits as well!
