Good day! Today we have a TOXIC
(if ingested) tree that has earned the spotlight this week: Tea Tree.
The Latin name of this plant is Melaleuca Alternifolia.
Tea tree is most well known for its form as tea tree oil, which is made by putting the leaves of the tree through a steam distillation process where steam carries the essential oil vapors through a condenser, where they cool and condense into a liquid. It's a natural remedy for skin ailments since it has antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Tea tree oil is considered toxic! If ingested, it can cause serious side effects such as dizziness, seizures, and even coma. Tea tree oil is intended for topical use only! It should never be ingested. Don't put it in your eyes either! Not that you would, but don't try it out. Just on your skin. Interestingly, the leaves of the tree themselves aren't toxic, unlike the essential oil that is extracted from them. The fresh leaves can actually be used to make tea that is helpful in settling your stomach, since it aids in digestion.
In addition to healing some skin ailments, the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties may help make skin less oily, which can help reduce pimples. It's also useful to use the oil on dry skin, as it can calm irritated and inflamed skin. Tea tree oil is also known to help treat fungal nail infections and athlete's foot. Because of how potent it is, before you apply tea tree oil to your skin, you should dilute it with a carrier oil such as coconut, jojoba, argan, or olive oil. You also see tea tree oil recommended for treating the itching and flakiness of dandruff. Fascinating!
Have a magical day,
Jenny
PLANT INGESTION WARNING!
Tea tree oil is intended for topical use only! It should never be ingested.
Photo credit goes to Geoff Derrin