Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia) is a natural antibacterial disinfectant. It is grown in the islands of the south Pacific and Australia. Tea Tree Oil has wonderful healing properties that makes it a popular natural agent for curing infectious organisms such as fungus, bacteria, and virus. It is known to effectively fight a number of infections that are resistant to some antibiotics.(1) Which makes Tea tree oil an excellent natural remedy for hundreds of bacterial and fungal skin ailments such as abscess, boils, oily skin, blisters, sun burns, warts, herpes, insect bites, rashes and other minor wounds and irritations.
Tea tree oil is also used for the following conditions:
- Acne
- Athlete's foot
- As an antiseptic
- Cold sores
- Dandruff
- Eczema
- Lice
- Periodontal disease
- Psoriasis
- Thrush
- Yeast infection
- Sore throat & congestion
- Fever blisters
Tea tree oil was commonly used as a general antiseptic by aborigine tribes for centuries. The Aborigines used the tea tree leaves to relieve their colds by breathing in the steam off of the leaves and twigs in hot water. Tea tree oil contains chemicals known as terpenoids which are believed to be responsible for most of tea tree oil's antimicrobial activity.
Tea tree oil is effective against:
Gram positive bacteria: such as Staphyloccus aureus, Staphyloccus epidermidis, Staphyloccus pneumoniae, Staphyloccus faecalis, Staphyloccus pyrogenes, Staphyloccus agalactiae, Propioni-bacterium acnes, Betahaemolytic streptococcus.
Gram Negative bacteria: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniac, Citrobactor ssp, Shigella sonnei, Proteus mirabilis, Legionella ssp, Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Fungi: Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum, Aspergillus niger,, Aspergillus flavus, Candida albicans, Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum, Thermoactinomycetes vulgaris.
According to Naturopathic and Homeopathic Doctor Asa Hershoff, of Los Angeles and San Francisco, tea tree oil has antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral properties and it stimulates the immune system (1). Asa Hershoff, author of Homeopathic Remedies: A Quick and Easy Guide to Common Disorders and Their Homeopathic Treatments. says "There just aren't that many substances that have all the therapeutic applications that tea tree oil does."(2)
Some lab studies have been showed promise, but more research needs to be done. Laboratory studies have found that tea tree oil may be effective against certain viruses. (3) In a lab study for acne, a solution of 5% tea tree oil treated acne just as well as 5% benzoyl peroxide.(4) Studies have shown that this amazing oil also treats respiratory problems that range for a simple cough or sore throat to a more severe condition such as bronchitis, or asthma. The anti-viral agents in tea tree oil also help fight common infectious disease such as shingles, flu, chicken pox, measles and it also helps to strengthen the immune system. (5) Always follow the instructions on the label or get advice from your doctor or Homeopath.
Tea tree oil should never be swallowed. Even a small amount of tea tree oil has been reported to cause severe reactions, such as nausea, severe rash, confusion and falling into a coma. Tea tree oil should not be use in ears because it may cause damage to the inner ear. It is not recommended for use on children and pregnant women and women who breast feed. Most homeopathic and experts consider tea tree oil to be safe as a topical treatment, however; some people can develop a rash from it. Before using it, try it on a small patch of your skin to see if you are allergic. You can also dilute tea tree oil with olive oil, almond oil and vegetable oil.
This medicinal potion is so effective in helping treat a plethora of conditions every medicine cabinet in everyone's home should keep stock of this natural healing oil.
Resources: 1- Medical Journal, JohnMorgan,MD, 2, 3-Asa Hershoff, DC, author, Homeopathic Remedies: A Quick and Easy Guide to Common Disorders and Their Homeopathic Treatments, 4- Arweiler NB, Donos N, Netuschil L, et al. Clinical and antibacterial effect of tea tree oil--a pilot study. Clin Oral Investig 2000 5-1990 Medical Journal of Australia, Enshaieh S, Jooya A, Siadat AH, et al. The efficacy of 5% topical tea tree oil gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study. Indian J Medical journal, Jon Morgan, MD
Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2007.