Your child falls and skins their knee, your teenager falls off their motor bike and scrapes all the skin on his leg, you cut your elbow on the door jam, you nick yourself shaving-sound familiar? These are just little examples of how we can damage our skin leaving an entry way for pathogenic microorganisms. Germs! You might have learned from your mother or grandmother that over-the-counter preparations will prevent infections and help heal your scrapes and cuts. My mother's favorite was mercurochrome which burned like fire and was accompanied by many tears. But did you know that many antibiotic and antiseptic preparations can actually compromise our immune systems and instead of heal our wounds, actually leave us vulnerable to further microorganism invasions? That's because bacteria can adapt to antibiotic preparations and antimicrobial soaps.
Many Essential Oils Have Powerful Antiseptic Properties
For instance, clove and thyme essential oils have been documented to kill over 50 types of bacteria and 10 types of fungi. Other extremely potent antiseptics include cinnamon and cassia oils, tea tree, oregano, and mountain savory. Even lavender has many antimicrobial properties. These and many other essential oils derive their antimicrobial effects through their complicated chemistry. Essential oils are made up of hundreds and sometimes thousands of different chemical compounds making it difficult for bacteria, viruses and fungi to adapt. Studies have shown that essential oils are most effective against infections. Think about that the next time you reach for over-the-counter preparations and disinfectant sprays and washes.
Tea tree oil is probably the one most people recognize. Its real name is Melaleuca alternifolia. This oil should definitely be in your first aid kit. Tea tree is not only one of the safest essential oils to use, but one of the most powerful. You can use it directly on a wound, scrape or cut or you can mix it with a little vegetable oil to rub into a wider area. Add it to lavender and you not only have a healing oil but one that smells good too. Want to know more about essential oils and how they can heal skin without causing further damage?
