Essential Oil of the Month--Tea Tree

Tea tree oil is distilled from a tree in Australia. Its name comes from tea drunk by aboriginal people. Its healing effects include: anti-fungal, antiseptic, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory. It can be used to treat everything from athlete's feet to dandruff.

Unlike most essential oils, tea tree can be used "neat" on your body. This means it does not need to be diluted with a carrier oil, lotion, or shampoo.

Tea tree's smell is medicinal, but clean. Inhaling relieves congestion, and tea tree is terrific for cleaning your home when someone is ill.

We use Tea Tree Oil in our Healing Salve. The salve is wonderful for treating poison ivy, burns, insect bites, shingles, and cuts. SoapWerks' Sore No More contains tea tree, lavender, eucalpytus, and sage. Sore No More brings relief to your "achy parts".

We sell 2 oz. bottles of Tea Tree Oil through our Etsy shop.

Essential Oil Recipe of the Month

Eucalyptus, Lavender, and Tea Tree Spray Cleaner

2 teaspoons borax
2 tablespoons white vinegar
2 cups hot water
1/4 teaspoon eucalpytus essential oil
1/4 teaspoon lavender essential oil
5 drops tea tree essential oil

Mix all ingredients and stir until dry ingredients dissolve. Pour into a spray bottle for use and long-term storage. To use, spray as needed on any surface except glass. Scrub and rinse with a clean, damp cloth.

(adapted from Herbal Homekeeping by Sandy Maines)

Hair Rinse for Oily Hair

My oldest daughter, YuLan, has really thick, beautiful hair. It's also pretty oily-so oily that by the end of the day, she looks like she hasn't washed her hair in awhile. My sister and I concocted a simple hair rinse that seems to be really helping. Here's the recipe:

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup water
10 drops tea tree essential oil
10 drops rosemary essential oil

Put ingredients in a plastic bottle. Shake well. Use after shampooing. Rinse out.