Many people choose to use natural remedies like essential oils to resolve health problems rather than using prescription drugs. There are good options, but they only go so far, and there are some risks. Two popular choices are lavender and tea tree oil.
Lavender Essential Oil as Antiseptic
Lavender is the most widely used essential oil. It has antiseptic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and analgesic properties. Lavender oil is mild enough to be used undiluted on the skin. Lavender essential oil can be applied directly to clean skin, burns, or minor wounds with a cotton ball or small piece of cloth. Be sure you wash away any dirt before you apply the oil.
Cautions On Using Lavender Essential Oil
Recent studies have implicated lavender essential oil in gynecomastia, or breast development in boys. Ensure you are using pure lavender oil and not Lavandin, a cheaper oil from a hybrid plant often used as a replacement. If the oil has an unpleasant smell, it probably has gone rancid or expired and should not be used.
Tea Tree Essential Oil as Antiseptic
Tea Tree essential oil is a popular oil known for cleaning and antiseptic properties. It is widely used to prevent and treat infections, especially fungal and vaginal infections, and acne. It can also be used as an oral rinse when mixed 50/50 with water. Tea tree oil can be used undiluted on the skin, but those with sensitive skin may experience a reaction. Tea tree oil can be applied with a cotton ball to clean, dirt-free skin. Like most oils, a mixture of 6-10 drops of tea tree oil mixed with one ounce of carrier oil like jojoba oil is safe and recommended.
Cautions on Using Tea Tree Essential Oil
Like lavender oil, tea tree oil has been implicated in causing gynecomastia in boys. Also like lavender oil, if the tea tree oil gives off an unpleasant odor, it has probably gone rancid and should not be used. Additionally, a recent report by the National Institutes of Health shows more research is needed to prove the efficacy of tea tree oil as an antiseptic in several areas including fungal and staph infections. The report states that the majority of the research on antiseptic uses for tea tree oil is based on traditions and scientific theories, and not on established study procedures. Finally, tea tree oil has been known to cause toxic reactions when used orally, and should never be swallowed.
Possible Interactions
Any time essential oils are used as part of your health care regimen, you should inform your general health care practitioner of the oils you are using. If you are given prescription drugs, you should ask whether your essential oils might cause any reactions or side-effects when combined with your prescription drugs. Make sure you educate yourself whenever you combine and use essential oils to make sure the combination won't put your health at risk as you try to heal yourself.
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