Better Living Through Chemistry

is the motto in my household. Happens when one lives with a chemist. Usually, the phrase refers to some wonderful substance, usually for medicinal purposes, manufactured by a big pharmaceutical or chemical company. But I've discovered a wonderful, natural substance, no doubt extracted and produced by a large company. Australian Tea Tree Oil.

Tea Tree Oil is an essential oil produced from the leave of the tea tree which is indigenous to the state of New South Wales in Australia.  And it is great topical agent for relieving bug bites! Never mind water boarding as torture. The itch associated with bug bites is sent from Lucifer himself. No topical cream seems to help. But a drop or two of tea tree oil and the itch is gone! One application and it's gone!

Tea Tree Oil also helps with acne and skin blemishes like skin tags. Apparently, it's a natural antibiotic. (Not to be ingested!)  A drop or so on a damp cotton ball and bye-bye ugly skin thingies that suddenly appear when you get over 50.

It's a bit pricey for a 2 fl. oz. bottle. This brand found at Walmart was around $7.00. On the other who, a little seems to go a long way. The smell is quite heady, not unpleasant but wouldn't be my favorite scent. Smells a bit like camphor or eucalyptus which is why it helps to dilute it. And why I don't use it during the day unless I will not run into another living soul.

Have you used Tea Tree Oil?