Aromatherapy/Tea tree oil

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Expert: - 2/19/2009


Question
i was cleaning the house today and found an unopened, never before used
bottle of pure tea tree oil in a dark cabinet. i looked up the uses and am
going to use it for my acne. lucky for me the expiration date is 03/2009.
however, since the bottle is full i definitely know i will be using the oil for
longer than march and i was wondering if it would be okay to use it for a few
months after the written expiration date.

Answer
Hi Alexandra - that was a nice surprise ! The expiry date would be only for if you had been using the bottle since it was purchased. As you haven't opened it until now, it will be fine for up to about two years if you store it in a cool dark place and keep the lid firmly screwed on between uses.
Oils don't become hazardous with time - they just lose their potency and you will notice the smell change when they 'go off' and lose their strength.

Do be careful about using it on your face - if your skin is at all sensitive it can sting a bit. However it is great to use for acne, and if you do find it stings( as opposed to a good healthy tingle ), you can counteract this by adding some lavender oil. Only use one or two drops of tea tree at a time on your face. Little and often is best.
If you need any formulae, let me know.

Best wishes
Judy

Aromatherapy

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Judy Frayne

Expertise

I specialise in the mixing of oils. Every problem has a different solution depending on the underlying causes.A simple headache could be caused for a number of different reasons. Tracking down the origins of a problem is the first step. I can then advise on the correct oils to use,how to buy them and the methods with which they can be applied. I can also recommend other complimentary techniques for self help with many physical and emotional problems. Feel free to ask about: Skin disorders - eczema, psoriasis,atheletes foot Muscular aches and pains - arthritis, neck and shoulder tension. Painkilling - headaches, chronic pain, backache. Digestive disorders - IBS, constipation. Stress - depression, anxiety, grief, anger, concentration. Medicine cupboard - bites, stings, cuts, bruises,burns. Babies and childrens - tummy aches, colds, sleep problems. And many more !

Experience

I have been a qualified aromatherapist for twelve years, working in my own premises as well as mobile visiting. My clients have been varied - ranging from babies to the elderly and sadly,the terminally ill. Whilst many clients simply wish to use aromatherapy to promote a feeling of well being and keep themselves relaxed and healthy - I have had much experience of clients with specific needs. These are just as wide ranging - from skin disorders to back problems on the physical side - to the emotional and spiritual side of things and problems such as coping with grief and bereavement or helping combat anger and stress. I use a mixture of techniques including reflexology. I believe that aromatherapy is a very simple and natural method of self help that can compliment conventional techniques. I am passionate about passing on safe and sensible advice so that more people feel confident to try aromatherapy for themselves. Aromatherapy is not always a cure - but it's potency should never be underestimated. It can help, it can be life changing - and it's certainly worth trying

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