TEA TREE OIL, GERANIUM OIL AND GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT COMBINE TO KILL MRSA

TEA TREE OIL, GERANIUM OIL AND GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT

COMBINE TO KILL MRSA

PRO’S

In December of 2004 a journal article describes a study using Patchouli, Tea tree, Geranium, Lavender essential oils and Citricidal (grapefruit seed extract). These were applied singly and in combination to evaluate their anti-bacterial activity against three strains of Staphylococcus aureus: “A combination of Citricidal and geranium oil showed the greatest-anti-bacterial effects against MRSA, whilst a combination of geranium and tea tree oil was most active against the methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (Oxford strain). This study demonstrates the potential of essential oils and essential oil vapours as antibacterial agents and for use in the treatment of MRSA infection.” http://highwire.stanford.edu/cgi/medline/pmid;15555788

CON’S

The Mayo Clinic agrees with Natural Standard that there are not enough High-Quality studies published on the antimicrobial, antiseptic and antifungal properties of a traditional alternative in health care medicine, Tea tree oil.

They say...Tea tree oil is purported to have antiseptic properties and traditionally used to prevent and treat infection…They say numerous laboratory studies have demonstrated antimicrobial properties…They say human studies have focused on antifungal properties…Still, there is no definitive evidence published and further study is warranted…so they say.

“NOW” LABEL DESCRIPTION OF TEA TREE OIL

The warning on the label reads: “Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes. If pregnant or lactating, consult your healthcare practitioner before using. Not for internal use.”

Also plainly stated are suggested uses: “For aromatherapy use. For all other uses, carefully dilute with a carrier oil such as jojoba, grapeseed, olive or almond oil prior to use.  Please consult an essential oil book or other professional reference source for suggested dilution ratios.

Bold print states:  “Natural essential oils are highly concentrated and should be used with care

RECIPE FOR ROOM FRESHENER

Additionally the label tells me the ingredients of the bottle, 100% pure Tea tree oil; it says the aroma is potent, warm and spicy. The benefits of Tea tree aromatherapy are cleansing, purifying and renewing.  They offer a recipe for a purifying room blend, (Add 1 drop each of tea tree oil and grapefruit oil, along with 10 drops of lemon oil to a diffuser and enjoy.)

TRADITIONAL USES FOR TEA TREE OIL

MedlinePlus has this information from the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health.  “Tea tree oil is applied to the skin (used topically) for infections such as acne, fungal infections of the nail (onychomycosis), lice, scabies, athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), and ringworm. It is also used topically as a local antiseptic for cuts and abrasions, for burns, insect bites and stings, boils, vaginal infections, recurrent herpes labialis, toothache, infections of the mouth and nose, sore throat, and for ear infections such as otitis media and otitis externa. Some people add it to bath water to treat cough, bronchial congestion and pulmonary inflammation.”  http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/113.html

SHEBOLITHSAYS’ PERSONAL EXPERIENCE

ShebolithSays’ personal experience with Tea tree oil began while entrepreneuring in animal husbandry.  It became our most trusted antiseptic and wound dressing.  The Tea tree oil mixed with olive oil makes a great antiseptic rub for the skin after a bath or after washing the hands.  Working with poultry, goats and guinea pigs in a natural outdoor setting, one often worries about strep and staph infections. When our favorite Billy stiffened with lockjaw, we became even more convinced of the benefits of continuous use of Tea tree oil.

At present ShebolithSays has in her first-aide kit a 1 oz/30-ml. bottle of 100% pure Tea tree essential oil purchased at a local health store for about $10.00.

For all those little nicks and cuts picked up in the pasture, chicken pen and even the kitchen I always wash first with soap and lots of water, dry, apply straight tea tree oil, sprinkle with white sugar and bandage (keep the dressing dry).  By the next day, you will find the skin knitting together and the cut healing nicely, pain and inflammation free.