Last summer, I had a nasty episode with a skin problem on the palm of my left hand. I finally determined it was a form of psoriasis, brought on by a truckload of stress. I tried everything -- steroid creams, antibiotics, taking diet supplements like l-lysine, vitamins to promote skin health, borage and flaxseed oil -- nothing helped. It oozed, blistered, cracked, and fissured. It was miserable, let me tell you.
Then I discovered the wonders of tea tree oil.
Tea tree oil is an oil taken from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia, native to Austraila. It has been shown to have antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. It has a camphor-like aroma, with an undertone of woodsy. It's very strong, so it needs to be diluted with another base oil to prevent irritation, but it really works against all kinds of infection. According to research, it even shows an activity against staphylococcus aureus, includng MRSA.
It wasn't the only thing I used on my hand, but I'm fully convinced it was instrumental in clearing up the problem. In addition, I have used it against a vaginal yeast infection with great success. I mixed it with some personal lubricant and applied it with a tampon for two nights. Presto.
I have used it on smaller infections, such as bug bites or cuts, and it really works well. Again, make sure you dilute it with a base oil or lubricant, because it can be irritating to the skin. This Intensive Body Butter is made with it, and I love it. I use this constantly. Good stuff.
I'm not against modern medicine, but I also think we have strayed very far from the bounties Mother Nature has to offer. I have a bottle of tea tree oil, purchased at WalMart, of all places, on hand always.
Sometimes, Mother knows best.
Wow, against MRSA, really? That is one of the worst of the worst infections. Good to know, Netta.
The older I get, the more I think natural remedies are the way to go.
Thanks for the info!
I know, I was impressed, also. I'm becoming more and more fascinated with natural remedies. I've always been interested in aromatherapy, but some of the stuff out there has amazing properties.
I'd rather go natural, you know?
Woo.Hoooo.So.Goddess,you have discovered the wonders of Ti-tree.I have it growing in my garden,here in the Land Downunder.Our native peoples have probably been using this stuff for many thousands of years,so must be good.
Great to see you got great results with tea tree oil. I've had great results using tea tree oil to fight acne blemishes. You can also use it as a natural way to deodorize and clean your household. Just add a few drops to a bucket of water and wipe down your countertops for chemical-free cleaning.
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Sparrow, it's good to see you!
I'm so jealous you have it growing in your garden
It really is amazing stuff. Now, I'll think of you every time I use it. 
HOG, welcome. I forgot to mention that, so thanks for reminding me. I've read that tea tree oil also works on repelling insects, and I use it for cleaning, too. It smells so good to me.
Thanks for stopping by
Any natural remedy is always good in my book. Also, steer clear of skin products heavy on chemicals.
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