Melaleuca ~ Cleansing & Clearing

No surprise Melaleuca, aka "tea tree", is on my seasonal favorites list for oils - primarily for its disinfectant and KILLER antiseptic qualities. In Australia, before the invention of penicillin, Melaleuca oil was used extensively by the Aborigines for its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral compounds. It has 12x the power of phenol and is highly effective in alleviating seasonal colds and viruses. This oil is a powerful, purifying, antiseptic solvent, which means it breaks the oil, dirt, and debris that builds up under our skin and contaminates our bodies.

Now, as more people are turning to natural plant-based medicines and away from pharmaceutics, in an effort to minimize harmful side effects of western medicine, Melaleuca is gaining popularity world wide. The active chemical compound driving this powerful plant is called Terpinen-4-ol.  A-Terpines and Y-terpenes are also key healing properties found in Melaleuca oil. The American Society for Microbiology recently released a study that discusses Melaleuca’s antimicrobial and antibacterial mechanisms. What is even more impressive is that scientists are using nanotechnology to harness the powerful antibacterial properties of tea tree to create antibacterial coatings for hospital instruments, creating a bioactive coating that keeps bacteria off medical devices.This is part of a growing effort to fight hospital born, drug-resistant bacterium infections that impact over 2 million people in the US alone!

Because of its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, Melaleuca also helps reduce skin redness, irritation, and swelling.

From natural household cleaners that disinfect seasonal cold and flu germs, to relieving congestion, sore throats and bronchitis, Melaleuca oil is a must in every household medicine cabinet.  Note however, this oil is so strong one should take caution with pets and dilute with children.