June 26, 2003
NEWSLETTER #45
TEA TREE OIL
Facts
and Folklore
Named by
botanist Sir Joseph Banks during Captain Cook's explorations into Australia in
the 1700s, the paperbark "Tea Tree" has become recognized as the
source for one of the world's most effective natural antiseptic remedies. The tea tree is unique to Australia and is
found in abundance around Botany Bay, near Cook's historic landing. Leaves from the tea tree were at first used
by settlers for brewed tea and beer, and healing poultices, but medicinal use
was far more prevalent, and ingestion is now not recommended.
A Tale of the Tea Tree
Melaleuca Alternifolia was known to aborigines for the curative properties intrinsic to the leaves of this tree. Out of 300 varieties of tea trees, this is the only species that yields the precious -- and authenticated -- medicinal oil. Legend has it that tea tree leaves falling into a lagoon created a mystical, soothing spa pool. Indigenous people used the crushed leaves to treat skin infections and burns as well as mouth ulcers and sore gums, and they generously shared their secrets with the explorers and subsequent European settlers.
Centuries later, Australian servicemen in World Wars I and II relied on the antiseptic powers concentrated in this highly available oil for relief of skin and mouth irritations and infections. Its disinfectant properties proved mercifully effective on the battlefield and in encampment conditions where fungi and other nasty skin conditions ran rampant. In WWII, the Australian army and navy were supplied with tea tree oil as a germicide for their first aid kits, and workers in munitions factories were similarly supplied with the oil to provide immediate relief from infections resulting from handling sharp metal and filings. The military was especially grateful for the soothing benefits of tea tree oil in alleviating that ever-present adversary -- athlete's foot.
The Many Faces of Tea Tree Oil
Having proved itself to the Australian armed forces and in hundreds of clinical trials, tea tree oil has been found so effective and versatile that today, it is a fundamental component of natural antiseptic soaps, creams, acne products, deodorants, toothpastes, mouthwashes and anti-fungal creams.
Proven Effective!
Tea tree oil has been subjected to hundreds of vigorous tests designed to substantiate its efficacy for common skin conditions. Stacked up against benzoylperoxide for acne patients, tea tree oil was found to be just as effective, and without the burning and irritation. As for athlete's foot, it matched the success of clotrimazole. The so-called magic of tea tree oil is its long-lasting benefits that out-perform conventional antiseptics. Its complex structure inhibits bacteria from developing a resistance. Now that summer is upon us, it's good to know that tea tree oil can also present an analgesic (pain-reducing) effect in sunburn products.
An Australian Original
The tea tree is an evergreen, native to the swampy low-lands of New South Wales. It is in the same family as eucalyptus, myrtle and clove. The tea tree, which can reach 40 feet in height, bears the narrow leaves that release the antiseptic, aromatic oil when crushed. Modern production methods employ a steam distillation process, which produces the finest product.
The Gentle Bacteria-fighter
Pure tea tree oil can be used at 100% strength, and due to its potency, it can be used sparingly. Suggested application is by cotton swab for spreading oil on the areas to be treated. Tea tree oil on the areas to be treated. Tea tree oil may also be mixed with distilled water, vegetable or massage oils to dilute its strength,
Especially when treating small children or those with sensitive skin. Because of its singular ability to penetrate layers of skin and even nails, tea tree oil delivers results quickly, even when neutralizing the most stubborn bacteria, such as those that cause tinea, ring-worm and candida. Typically, tea tree oil can be used as often as needed without fear of side effects or irritation.
Refresh and Revitalize
In cosmetics and skin care, nothing can surpass the cool, fresh tingle of tea tree oil. Its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory phytochemicals deep-clean the skin or scalp while providing gentle defense against bacteria. Because of its natural ability to penetrate beneath the skin's surface, tea tree oil's therapeutic ministrations keep you feeling squeaky-clean long after application. Treat yourself to a sensational spa-lift by using a tea tree oil product on your face or scalp, then close your eyes, stretch out, and gradually imagine that soothing Australian lagoon.
For the Natural Pet, Too
Itchy pets? Shampoos and conditioners which contain tea tree oil help cats and dogs fight fleas, ticks, eczema, mange and other skin conditions. Experiment with tiny amounts at first to ensure that the animal responds favorably.
Tea tree oil has been credited with disinfecting
or healing a host of skin conditions, including:
Revitalize Your Hair and Skin with
The Cool, Fresh Touch of Tea Tree
Oil
Products on sale at Honeycomb Natural Foods
through July 31, 200
HEALTH
FROM THE SUN
Black
Currant 500mg - 90 Capsules
Regular
Price----$21.99
.Sale Price----$16.49
GREEN
FOOD
Green Magma
Japanese - 320 Tablets
Regular
Price----$29.99
.Sale Price----$23.29
Green Magma
Japanese - 5.3oz
Regular
Price----$37.75
.Sale Price----$28.29
NATURADE
Aloe Gel
Detox Formula - 16oz or
Aloe Gel
Stomach Formula - 16oz
Regular
Price----$11.45
.Sale Price----$8.39
NATURE'S
GATE
Shampoo Aloe
Vera - 18oz or Shampoo
Herbal - 18oz
Regular
Price----$5.25
Sale Price----$3.99
Conditioner
Aloe Vera - 18oz
Regular
Price----$5.25
Sale Price----$3.99
Conditioner
Herbal - 18oz
Regular
Price----$6.25
Sale Price----$4.69
NATURE'S
PATH
Optimum
Cereal - 14oz or Optimum
Slim Cereal - 14oz
Regular
Price----$4.19
Sale Price----$3.19
MODERN
PRODUCTS
Herbal
Bouquet Seasoning - .7oz
Spike SF
Seasoning - 1.9oz
Spike Shaker
Seasoning - 3oz
Vege-Sal
Shaker Seasoning - 4oz
Santay
Garlic Magic Spice - 2oz
Indo Meat
Tenderizer Spice - 3oz
Lemon Pepper
Spice - 3oz
Vegit Shaker
Spice - 2oz
Regular Price
Each----$2.19
.Sale Price Each----$1.59
PRODUCTS ON SALE AT HONEYCOMB NATURAL FOODS,
PRICES GOOD THRU JULY 31, 2003
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