With Cathy Schram
Magnesium & Calcium?
Tea Tree Oil For Earaches?
Q: Do I need to take magnesium along with my calcium, or can I just take it by itself?
A: You always want to take magnesium along with your calcium supplement. Whenever you are deficient in magnesium, the absorption rate and metabolism is greatly diminished, and prevents the proper amount of calcium being directed towards the bones. Magnesium keeps calcium dissolved in the blood. Without a proper balance, about at 2:1 ratio, calcium could end up depositing in your kidneys and possibly create stones or clog your arteries. Also of great importance is to take Vitamin D because it helps with calcium absorption.
Q: I know that tea tree oil has many different uses, but can I use it for earaches?
A: Tea tree oil is wonderful and very beneficial for a variety of ailments (I will go over a few later). If you are prone to ear infections and/or sinus infections, you may find that tea tree oil can help relieve your symptoms because it is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. However, when applying the oil to the ear, you should always dilute the oil. For example, mix olive oil or mullein oil with the tea tree oil. Undiluted tea tree oil applied directly to the inner ear canal can compromise ear health. You may want to look for a specially prepared ear drop that contains tea tree oil.
Here are some other uses for tea tree oil: Add some to your shampoo to help fight dandruff, or a dry, itchy scalp. Acne is an inflammatory condition of the sebaceous glands and can help be controlled with the oil. Add some to a vaporizer to help you breathe. Apply directly to nails in the case of nail fungus. Although you can apply this oil directly to your skin, it is always best to do a patch test first to make sure that you do not have an adverse reaction.
This herb information is for health education purposes only. It is not intended to replace the services of licensed health practitioners. Consult with a physician for any condition that requires professional care.
Do you have questions about herbs or vitamins? Send them to Cathy Schram, CNHP and Certified Herbalist. Write to: Herbs & More, 16021 Manchester Rd., Ellisville, MO 63011.