Pure-n-Simple Soap

Tea Tree oil is not only recognized in skin care products, but has a medicinal history as well.  Native Australians have been benefiting from Tea Tree’s antiseptic and anti-fungal properties for quite some time now.  It was not used as common practice until the 1920-30’s when researcher Arthur Penfold had begun to publish his research on Tea Tree’s antimicrobial activities.  Tea Tree was traditionally used by inhaling the oils from crushed leaves to treat colds and coughs.  Wounds were also treated by sprinkling the leaves on the wound itself.  During World War II Tea Tree oil was mandatory in all Australian armed forces first aid kits, and in London there are hospitals that use soaps that have Tea Tree oil in them for hygiene of both staff and patients.

I began to research Tea Tree oil when a friend had told me that for years they had suffered from severe athlete’s foot, and had tried many different medications and nothing seemed to get rid of it completely.  This friend then began to share with me that they had recently read that Tea Tree in know to effectively treat skin infections such as acne, Poison Ivy- Oak, wounds, cuts, burns and also has anti fungal properties that could treat athletes foot.  Well my friend continued to share with me that since they were using a goats milk lotion that has Tea Tree in it they have noticed a tremendous difference and believe they are on the road to full recovery.

I think this is amazing and love hearing of testimonies of natural remedies.  When I heard of this news I immediately begun to read up on this oil and also learned that this oil is being used to treat staff infections such as (MRSA).  Tea Tree’s antibacterial properties make handmade soaps made with Tea Tree oil a great alternative than using antibacterial soaps that have Triclosal in them.  Although Tea Tree has been proven to be an effective antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory you should always check with your health care provider before using any new form of treatment even if it is a natural remedy.  Tea Tree has been know to have some side affects, some people might be allergic to the cineole in the tea tree oil, it is recommended not to use tea tree oil if you are breast feeding and or are pregnant, and like lavender there have been a small amount of links to temporary breast enlargement among young boys, medically know as prepubertal gynecomastia. The good news is that this is very rare and goes away after use of the oils.