ASK DOCTOR MARTY NEWSLETTER
October 2015
Welcome to the monthly Ask Dr. Marty Newsletter. It is based on questions that I receive regarding natural health topics. I hope you enjoy the newsletter and will forward any questions you may have as well.
This newsletter is part three of a series of newsletters on my favorite essential oils.
My third favorite essential oil is Tea Tree oil. If you live in Florida like I do, bugs are an unpleasant fact of life. I know that other parts of the country have bugs, too, so Tea Tree oil is the superhero of the buggy world. I have found that of all the essential oils that effectively repel bugs (mosquitos, gnats, yellow flies, biting flies, deer flies, and other vile creatures) tea tree is the best. They also make minor bug bites go away. On the more vicious bites, like chiggers/red bugs, it really helps the itching and burning but will require repeated applications. By now, just the mere thought of all these disgusting critters probably has you itching and scratching.
But Tea Tree oil is good for lots of other health challenges. I had a client come to me with a really stubborn case of athlete’s foot. After several rounds of prescriptions, nothing worked. After three applications of Tea Tree oil…GONE. As a good insurance policy, give yourself a little spritz of tea tree oil on the feet (especially between the toes) any time those bare tootsies touch a suspicious surface. Trying on shoes at the store or having to walk barefoot through the airport gates. You get the picture.
Tea Tree oil is antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial. It’s also great for:
- hair and scalp; I put 30 drops in a 32 ounce bottle of natural shampoo.
- cold sores and herpes;
- Candida, thrush and ringworm;
- respiratory congestion; and
- headlice.Since Tea Tree oil is nontoxic, it can be used safely in baths, mouthwashes, and vaporizers. Many clinical trials on the effectiveness of Tea Tree oil are quite impressive. One study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy concluded that this oil kills over 60 strains of Staphylococcus aureus, a common bacteria acquired in hospitals, and resistant to antibiotics.Pretty impressive stuff.Hot Tip: Make sure you apply the tea tree oil as soon as possible after being bitten for best results. And as a repellant, put 20 drops of Tea Tree oil in an ounce of pure water and shake well with each spritz.Next month…Great Grandma’s remedy for everything…She was so wise.*******
- “Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.” Ezekiel 47:12
- It is always wise to advise your pharmacist or health care practitioner about any change in diet or supplements you plan to take, especially if you take any prescription medication.
- Maureen (Marty) Kernion is not a physician and does not diagnose nor prescribe. She received a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Louisiana State University, and a Master of Science degree and Doctorate of Natural Health degree from Clayton College of Natural Health. She is the author of Going Natural with Herbs and co-authored True Health Series:Energy. Marty lectures on natural health topics across the country and has been featured at 78 Barnes and Noble book stores since her first book was published. She is also a retired professor, specializing in courses in nutrition and herbal remedies.