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Tea Tree Oil for Boils

From Ancient Folk Medicine...

Healing herbs and plants have been around for centuries, and as is often the case, Westerners aren't always aware of the value of healing herbal medicines. Such is the case with Melaleuca, otherwise known as tea tree. Aborigines have used the plant for thousands of years to treat cuts, burns and wounds. Recently, modern research has confirmed the fact that Tea Tree Oil has outstanding medicinal benefits and can be used as a topical treatment for many different problems.

...To Modern-Day Usage

Tea tree oil has a long history as a folk remedy, however, during the 1920s and 1930s, a researcher by the name of Arthur Penfold studied tea tree oil and discovered that it was eleven times more active than phenol (carbolic acid). After World War 11 and the advent of more powerful antibacterial agents, the use of tea tree oil fell off. But, in the 1970s, with the rise of natural health and wellness awareness and the move toward more natural and alternative methods of healing, tea tree oil became popular again. In Australia today, the University of Western Australia sponsors the Tea Tree Oil Research Group, which conducts rigorous studies on the benefits of tea tree oil.

Powerful Properties for Healing

A very powerful antimicrobial is present in the active ingredient of tea tree oil, terpinen-4-ol. Along with other ingredients, tea tree oil is both an acclaimed antimicrobial and antifungal, providing healing and health benefits in a number of ways.

As an antifungal, the U.S. Pharmacists' website cites a variety of studies in which tea tree oil's effectiveness is proven against yeast and fungal infections of the skin and mucosa. When compared to pharmaceuticals, tea tree oil has come up as effective as, or more effective than many manufactured medications. Finger and toenail fungus infection, dandruff, scalp dermatitis, Pityrosporum ovale and other fungal and bacterial skin infections are quickly and effectively addressed with the use of tea tree oil. Acne, abscess, oily skin, blisters, sun burns, athlete's foot, warts, herpes, insect bites and rashes are but a few skin issues that can be healed with tea tree oil.

Antibacterial Strength is Effective Against Staph Bacteria

One area of research that is showing great promise is the use of tea tree oil to fight antibiotic resistant bacteria. In particular, there are some strains of staphylococcus bacteria that have become resistant to antibiotics and are capable of causing serious bacterial infections. When other treatments fail, tea tree oil may prove to be the agent that gets the job done.

Acne is commonly caused by bacteria, and tea tree oil has proven itself to be an excellent method of knocking the bacteria out. In studies, tea tree oil was as effective as benzyl peroxide products in treating acne. Although it works more slowly than over-the-counter creams and facial products, there are fewer side effects from using it.

Boils Can Be Healed with Tea Tree Oil

Boils can be cured quickly with the use of tea tree oil. To use the oil for boils, a few drops may be placed onto the boil directly, or a hot compress can be used to draw the infection to a head. In order to make a compress, use one cup of water as hot as can be tolerated and put several drops of tea tree oil into the water. There is a distinct smell to tea tree oil that may be bothersome to some people. If this is the case, Lavender oil, a powerful antibacterial, can be added to the water as well. Mix the oils in the water then soak a clean cloth in the mixture. Wring the water from the cloth and put the compress on the boil for ten minute intervals. This can be done several times a day until the boil breaks and drains of its own accord.

If the boils recur, or don't respond to treatment, it is time to see a physician.