With the change in season comes a change in temperature and humidity. These abrupt changes can really put a damper on your mood and on your health.
Don’t reach for the cold and cough syrup just yet. There is a great natural option that many sweat is just as effective, and it can also help a range of other ailments from acne to foot fungus.
What is this seemingly magical oil? Tea tree oil. And it isn’t magic.
Tea tree oil has been used for thousands of years by the indigenous people of Australia, who inhaled the vapor from crushed leaves to treat respiratory issues, and who made a tea out of the leaves to treat the cold and the flu.
Today, chemists know that the power of tea tree oil comes from the extracted oils, which contain terpinens, to which the healing and anti-microbial benefits are attributed.
What are the Benefits of Tea Tree Oil?
- It is effective against antibiotic resistant bacteria, like Staphylococcus aureus.
- Helps to treat fungal infections.
- Fights acne, and many people report it is just as effective as benzoyl peroxide without the negative side-effects.
- Can help treat eczema and psoriasis.
- Helps to treat wounds and help them heal quickly.
If you are worried about the upcoming flu season, these next benefits are probably of most interest to you. 
First, tea tree oil has antiviral properties. The common cold and flu are caused by viruses, which are very difficult to treat because they form protective cysts around them. In most cases, people take medicines that help them to fight through the symptoms until the virus passes. Research shows that tea tree oil can help to rupture the cyst that protects the virus, and can protect against viral infections as well.
Second, tea tree oil has expectorant properties. This means that if you are experiencing congestion or bronchitis along with your cold or flu, tea tree oil can help to provide relief.
How is Tea Tree Oil Used?
If you want to use tea tree oil to treat your congestion or cough, rub a few drops on your chest or on your pillow right before you go to bed. It will help you breathe at night and will help to clear your nose and throat in the morning. You can also use a diffuser.
If you want to use it to help cure your cold put a drop or two on your tongue and spit it out. Then rinse your mouth out. If your throat hurts, you can also add a two or three drops to a cup of hot water, gargle it, and spit it out. Rinse again with only water.
IMPORTANT: Do not swallow tea tree oil! Even in small quantities, in can be toxic.
Bonus: Benefits of Tea Tree Oil For Athletes
Marathoners, dancers, and weight lifters can benefit from the many uses of tea tree oils.
You can use tea tree essential oil for athletes foot. For this, dilute the tea tree oil with another organic oil like coconut oil and rub a light coat on the affected area a few times a day until the symptoms disappe
ar.
For scrapes and cuts you may get on the track or in the gym, tea tree oil may help speed up healing. Dilute a few drops in how water (recently boiled) and pour it over the wound as you rub slightly. Adding pure oil will undoubtedly sting quite a bit.
