Tea Tree Lake! Lennox Head, Australia

M. alternifolia(2)

One day at Clovely Grove, our wwoof host, Scott decided to take me and the boys down to Lennox Head Beach, just a short drive from Byron Bay Since the surf was poor and the Pacifics coastal waters were still frigid, we crossed the street and headed for the huge fresh-water, Tea Tree Lake instead! 

Surrounded by tea trees, (Melaleuca alternifolia) the lake is steeped like actual tea from the fallen leaves of this native eastern-Australian tree. This yellow oil has been known and used by the Australian aborigones for years, but the benefits are just becoming known to the rest of us. 

The lake looked a little intimidating, appearing black in color, but once you get in you realize the water is actually very clear, and stained a yellow/red/brown color. You think you will enter the lake to step on squishy, slimy leaves but to your surprise will find only soft sand! Those who chance it are getting a real spa treatment, for free.

The Benefits 

Scott, Scott, and Nick jump in first!

Tea tree oil yields a world of natural benefits to us. Since the oil acts as a curative to infectious organisms (bacteria, fungi, virus) it can be useful for several ailments and for cosmetic applications. For example; 

Conditioners: It can be useful as a conditioner for your skin and hair, including treatment of: sunburns, oily skin, acne, warts, insect bites, dandruff and even cases of head lice! 

Deodorant: I use a tea-tree oil deodorant, which is a healthier alternative to the aluminum found in all standard deodorants (which by the way have been proven to be linked to breast cancer in women.) How Does It Work? The tea tree oil helps prevent bacteria from forming, the same bacteria which produces body odor. Essentially this oil works at the root level to prevent the odor, (rather than using chemicals and perfumes which stop the body from sweating, a process necessary to rid bodies of harmful toxins) or just cover up the smell! 

Medical Conditions:

Tea tree oil has been reported to help with infections ranging from a cough and common cold, to asthma, cold sores and chicken pox. Its really quite amazing! Its also suggested that it can be a good alternative to more common antibiotics which decrease the strength of your immune system!(1)

 In North America tea-tree oil products can be hard to find, or quite expensive, but here in eastern-Australia they are abundant and cheap as chips! If only we had a lake like this at home!  
 --Who needs chemical shampoo, conditioner, or deodorant when you could just jump in the nearest tea tree lake?-- Not this girl!
 
More Info on Tea Tree Oil, Uses, and Recipes to Home-Made Remedies Click Here! 






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Sources:

(1) http://www.homeremediesweb.com/tea_tree_oil_health_benefits.php
(2) The beauty republic.blogspot.com