Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil extract comes from the leaves of the tea tree, which is endemic to the swampy south Australian coast. Traditionally used by Aborigines to treat various respiratory tract infections and minor skin conditions, modern medicine has determined that tea tree oil extract has strong antifungal, antibacterial and antiseptic properties.
Medical-grade tea tree oil contains several potent compounds: terpinen-4-ol, 1,8 cineole, linalool, γ-terpinene, α-terpinene, and α-pinene. Research states that these compounds give tea tree oil highly antiseptic and antibacterial properties. As a result, cold sores burst, the blisters tend to hurt, and bacteria begin forming in the wound, possibly leading to infections. Doctors recommend using tea tree oil topically to treat minor cuts and wounds. For example, people could add one drop of tea tree oil to one teaspoon of coconut oil and mix them to form a mixture that they could use as a potent antiseptic. They suggest applying a small amount of the mixture once or twice daily.
Doctors believe that applying tea tree oil to any wound stimulates the production of white blood cells, which will help fight against infection. They also say that tea tree oil can be an effective anti-inflammatory substance that can hasten the healing process.
