Natural Antiseptics Honey and Tea Tree Oil
The Many Medicinal Uses of Natural, Non-Toxic Honey and Tea Tree Oil
Jun 27, 2009
Be it a nasty burn or a clumsy fall, a bee sting or a cat scratch, accidents are inevitable. Today’s market is overflowing with over-the-counter medications, most of which contain six-syllable chemical ingredients that rhyme with nothing.
If one is unable to comprehend the nature of a given chemical component, then how is he or she to know how his or her body will react to it? The equation becomes even more complicated when considering that a vast number of people in this day and age are taking long-term prescription medications for conditions such as depression and high blood pressure.
How, then, can these people ascertain whether or not a given unfamiliar over-the-counter drug ingredient will interfere negatively with the prescription medication he or she is taking for, say, high cholesterol?
Predicaments such as these are why it is always in a person’s best interest to use natural remedies for minor ailments whenever possible. Both tea tree oil and honey are two of nature’s best solutions to skin ailments and both internal and external viral infections.
Tea Tree Oil
Harvested from the leaves of the Australian Melaeuca alternifolia tree, this essential oil has a long list of potent and natural healing powers. Its strong antiseptic qualities make it a great topical aid for cuts and scrapes and other skin conditions such as acne, eczema and ringworm.
Tea tree oil penetrates into the skin’s many layers, so it is highly effective in drawing out deep infections. Tea tree oil also works to dry out pimples, skin abrasions and open wounds, eliminating areas of moisture where bacteria thrive.
Use this magical oil to treat dandruff, nail fungus, and yeast infections, but be aware that, as its strong medicinal smell might suggest, this essential oil is potent. Apply a small amount and be prepared for a minor sting when dealing with open cuts and scrapes.
Honey
Known for its delightful sweetness, honey is also a natural healing agent, not to mention one that might make a hurt child smile. Many strands of bacteria cannot survive in the thick, sticky consistency of honey. When used as a dressing, honey also prevents dirt and other foreign substances from getting into a wound.
Sometimes the most painful experience of getting hurt is the removal of bandages that tear at the newly formed tissue of an injury. Honey-coat damaged skin before covering it with dressing to avoid this unwelcome part of the healing process.
Honey also rapidly reduces pain, swelling and clears infection when used as a topical ointment. Believe it or not, it is considered more effective than conventional medicines when treating burns and skin ulcers.
Honey also works to relieve internal health issues as well. It promotes hydration in the body, so is a good solution to ailments like diarrhea and upset stomach. Because it coats the esophagus when ingested, honey is a tasty way to alleviate the pain of sore or strep throat.
A spoonful of honey can also help calm stressed nerves. Add it to hot tea, warm milk, or simply dilute in a glass of water.
This information is not intended to replace medical advice. Please see a physician regarding the severity of abnormal symptoms.
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