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Page 50
| ing, kill infectious bacteria, viruses, molds, yeasts, parasites, fungi and other pathogens on contact. |
| The liquid extract added to lake or stream water in sufficient quantity to taste protects campers and hikers against Giardia lamblia and other waterborne contaminants. Travelers to foreign countries can take the debittered, powdered extract in capsules to prevent diarrhea and worm infestations. Dilute solutions of the liquid extract treat athlete's foot, jock itch, yeast infections, burns, rashes, ear infections and a variety of external conditions. |
| Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) |
| An essential oil, tea tree oil is distilled from the tea tree, which grows in the swampy lowlands of New South Wales on Australia's northeast coast. Its distilled oil has a pleasant, distinctive, rather medicinal fragrance, and though it is gentle enough to use undiluted on adult skin, it is an antiseptic bactericide 12 times stronger than carbolic acid. A penetrating germicide and fungicide, it dissolves pus and debris without harming the skin. |
| Most people tolerate undiluted tea tree oil very well, but if your skin is very sensitive, try a ''patch test'' by placing a drop on the inside of your elbow and leaving it overnight. If undiluted tea tree oil irritates your skin, dilute it in an equal quantity of olive oil, or follow the instructions on page 74 to prepare a 15 percent tea tree oil solution in water. |
| Even in dilute solutions, tea tree oil kills on contact nearly all harmful bacteria, viruses, molds, yeast, fungi, parasites and other pathogens. Best known for its effective treatment of athlete's foot, jock itch and dandruff, tea tree oil has become a popular ingredient in toothpaste and mouthwash, for it helps prevent gum disease. In addition, tea tree oil is often added to herbal insect repellents, massage oils and sports rubs. Full strength or dilute solutions |
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