Tea tree oil

I am abroad, in a country where each pharmacy carries a wide variety of essential oils. They are displayed right next to the pharmacists. There is no way a client would miss the rows or small pretty containers. 

The oils come with amazing practical advice on how to safely use them. Below is a part of a leaflet that came with a small bottle of tea tree oil. I bought it because I have been using this oil and already know its benefits for my acne-prone skin. However, I was not aware of all other applications of the oil.
Melaleuca alternifolia is the Latin name of the botanical species.
What is the tea tree oil used for?

• It restores and balances oily skin, decreases skin pore size, prevents acne.

• It counteracts the unpleasant smell of sweaty feet; neutralizes bad breath.

• It regenerates and strengthens the hair, removes dandruff.

• It cleanses the air and neutralizes unpleasant room odors.
  
  

How to use the tea tree oil?

• For massage, to each 100 ml of almond oil (or any other plant-based oil) add 20 drops of tea tree oil.

• To strengthen your hair and remove the dandruff, enrich your hair shampoo or conditioner by adding 10 -15 drops of tea tree oil for each 100 ml of shampoo or conditioner.

• To neutralize bad breath, rinse the mouth with a solution prepared with three drops of tea tree oil per 100 ml of water.

• Against sweating, soak yourself in a bathtub with 6 - 8 drops of tea tree oil.

• To stop the unpleasant smell of your feet, soak them in a container with water and 5 - 6 drops of tea tree oil.

• To freshen up your room, prepare a spray bottle of 250 ml water and 15 - 20 drops of tea tree oil.

• For acne remedy and clean skin, I have previously published my concoction of apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil and witch hazel. I use this solution to clean my face in the evening and in the morning, or after any strenuous/dirty job to unplug the skin pores. I have always been pimple-prone; however, since I started using this cleanser, my face has been quite clean and almost pimple-free. The added benefit is that the vinegar brightens some of the age spots.

Keep in mind that all essential oils are not recommended for pregnant women, mothers who breastfeed, children, and individuals with intolerance to any of the essences. The best approach to use is first to test whether you are sensitive to the oil.  Store all essential oils tightly closed, away from sunlight.

Here is a useful video for acne-spot treatment with tea tree oil:

Facial anti-inflammatory mask

Hello dear readers, 

This recipe for an anti-inflammatory mask has way too many ingredients; however, I do not want to subtract any of them since they all have proven inflammation-quenching qualities. 

If you a missing an ingredient or two, you can still go ahead and try it.

Here it is:
1 tsp of plain yogurt (any type, any fat content)
1/2 tsp raw honey
1 tsp or less of apple cider vinegar (with the mother)
3 drops of tea tree oil
3 crushed aspirin pills (uncoated)
a pinch of turmeric powder

Mix all in a plastic cup. Be careful to apply only on your face (turmeric stains everything). I keep the mask on my face until the mixture dries out and tightens the skin. Wash with water. If you are afraid that your skin will acquire yellow glow from the turmeric powder, then shorten the treatment. 

I routinely leave the mask for an hour on my face and if there is any residual color, I wipe off the skin with my recipe cleanser.

Acne lotion

I have previously written about the properties of marigold and included an acne lotion recipe from James Wong (from his TV series Grow Your Own Medicines). For the lotion, Wong used marigold, lavender and geranium extract, which he thickened with vegetarian gelatin.

This summer I decided to test Wong's recipe with a few modifications.  

Here is my recipe:

Harvest 12 fresh marigold flower heads, equal quantity of fresh oregano flowers, and equal quantity of chopped scented geranium leaves (any scented geranium will do). Cover with 250 milliliters of boiling water, steep for 10 minutes. Blend the mixture, strain, add a few drops of tea tree essential oil and 5 Tbsp. of vodka. The lotion will be kept in the refrigerator for maximum of six weeks.  

I did not add gelatin to the lotion; I may try using arrowroot instead, and let you know if it works.The substitution of oregano for lavender flowers should not affect the potency, as oregano itself has very powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

My daughter and I just started using the lotion. In six weeks we will know if there is any effect.

Natural facial cleaning

Five months ago I started to experiment with natural ingredients cosmetics. After trial and error, today I am publishing my first recipe - the one for a facial cleanser. I use this cleanser in the morning and in the evening. The ingredients are not expensive and at least I know what is in the mix I am using. Here is the recipe:

Mix equal volumes of witch hazel (found in any pharmacy), organic apple cider vinegar (with the "mother"), and water. Add a few drops of tea tree oil (I found this in our pharmacy, so it is not such a rare item).