Sigrid, Tea Tree Oil is not generally recommended for internal use (actually 'never' would be more appropriate). The only time I take it internally is when I have a really bad cold that's gone to my lungs, but for which the doc won't give me an antibiotic. I've found that 5 drops in a large mug of Rosehip tea in the evening really helps loosen things up. I generally sit slouched and rest the mug on my chest and inhale the fumes (Tea Tree Oil as a steam can be very helpful - you know, big bowl boiling water and towel over the head?) until it cools enough to drink, then I drink it back as quickly as I can. I don't do this frequently, but only if I get to feeling a certain way, and only a couple times during the course of one of these colds which is all it generally needs I've found.
The University of Western Australia Tea Tree Oil Research Group does not recommend taking it internally, as there have been no studies done to determine if or at what level dosage it is toxic when taken internally. All they really know is that it is toxic if taken in a large enough dose. I decided to try it one time when I had a bad cold and had been steaming with it. Frankly, any more than the 5 drops I use perhaps once a year would be impossible to swallow. It really is vile tasting.
My usual use for TTO is external on cuts, cold sores and canker sores (well, my Mum those last two - she's a total convert to TTO in treating those. It dries them up in 24 hours more often than not). I don't doubt that it would work on zits as well.
Anyway, that's my story.
Do I dare try to lasso you to keep you from the TSC outlet?
I am feeling much better. I'll be sure to give Brian that hug. He really is something special.
Many hugs,
