Oh the earthy smell of Melaleuca!
Melaleuca (otherwise known as Tea tree oil) has to be one of the most well known essential oils next to Lavender. However, many are not a fan of its rather distinct smell. Personally, this oil holds a special place in my heart. And although it’s not one of the first oils I pick up when I’m looking for a delightful smell, it is definitely used daily in my home!
My first memories of using Tea Tree oil go way back to my childhood. Every time I smell this ancient oil, I’m immediately transported back to my great grandmothers house. There was never a time that there wasn‘t a bottle of this oil in her bathroom cabinet. She used it for everything! If you came over with a scrap or pimple, put a dap of Tea Tree on it. You’ve got the sniffles or a cough, well put a few drops in a steaming pot and on the bottom of your feet. If the house was a bit stale, add some oil to a spray bottle and away you go.
I think I gained my love of natural things from her. Her and my great grandfather were farmers! True, simple, work-the-land farmers! My great grandmother always had her own canned goods in the pantry, a fresh loaf of banana bread on the counter, and some sort of broth or soup going on the stove. She believed you made things from scratch and you didn’t pop a pill every time something hurt. If you did need relief, well there was probably a salve or oil, usually Tea Tree, that could probably fix ya.
So here I am, a couple generations later, trying to mimic all the simple things I used to watch her do. And using Tea Tree oil for everything!!
So what makes this oil so great anyways?
For starters, it possesses over 92 different compounds, therefore giving it almost endless ways it can be used for wellness (great grandma was onto something)! It has amazing cleansing, purifying, and rejuvenating properties. I diffuse this oil a few times a week to keep the whole house smelling fresh. I also use a few drops in my mop bucket or surface cleaner. This oils purifying properties really help protect against environmental and seasonal threats. It's rejuvenating properties make it a great addition to your hair and skin routine as well. A couple drops in your cleanser or moisturizer can help your skin stay toned and healthy looking. Same goes for hair. A few drops in your shampoo or conditioner are wonderful for scalp health (and for keeping those pesky parasites (lice) at bay)! This herbaceous powerhouse really can be used in so many ways. It's a must in my oil arsenal.
For more tips and tricks on how to use this oil, follow my instagram account @theurban_mama or stayed tuned here for updates on my recipe page (coming soon!!).
xoxox The UrbanMama
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