Tea Tree Oil – the Natural Cure
August 28th, 2010Tea Tree Oil – the Natural Cure
Tea tree oil is an essential oil known for its medicinal properties. Native to the New South Wales, Australia steam distillation of the leaves of the tree Melaleuca alternifolia helps obtain tea tree oil. Among the 100 compounds contained in the oil terpinen-4-ol mainly accounts for most of the antimicrobial actions.
Tea tree oil is a clear to very yellow or green-tinged essential oil with a fresh camphoraceous odor. These leaves were previously used as a alternative for tea, which is how the oil got its name.
One should not confuse Tea tree oil and Tea Oil (the seasoning and cooking oil obtained from pressed seeds of the plant Camellia oleifera).
Tea Tree oil was used in Australia as a potent antiseptic much before any scientific research. Tea Tree crushed leaves were used as traditional medicine by inhaling the oils treating cold and cough and also sprinkling them on wounds.
It was only after 1920’s use of oil itself become popular. A series of research papers evaluating antimicrobial properties published by Arthur Penfold led to the popularity. The oil was extracted using mobile, makeshift, wood-fired bush still and plant material was hand cut on the spot. The demand was very high till World War II and ebbed after the war mainly due to development of effective antibiotics and interest in natural products. However, the interest in natural essential oils was rekindled in 1970s and 1980s and its demand has surged for uses in medicinal and cosmetic uses. Further studies in the current time support the use of tea tree oil in skin care and various aliments.
Here are glimpses of the uses of this wondrous oil:
Tea Tree Oil Acne: A study done in Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Department of Dermatology evidenced Tea Tree oil as very effective in treatment of moderate acne.
Inhaled tea tree oil helps breathing easier by “breaking up congestion”. It can also minimize the symptoms of flu, cold, sore throat and systemic fungal infection.
Dandruff: Tea tree shampoo helped significantly reduce dandruff symptoms after 4 weeks of use. This was reveled in a study done on 126 people with mild to moderate dandruff. This is due to its capability to treat Malassezia furfur, the general common cause of the dandruff.
Athlete’s Foot: A study to cure athlete’s foot was done and 50% tea tree oil solution and placebo was used. After two regularly applications for 4 weeks, tea tree oil was found to be significantly more effective than placebo.
Toenails and Fungal Infection: Another study found that 100% tea tree oil was as effective on toenail fungus infection as was the standard antifungal medication of 1% clotrimazole solution.
Tea tree oil is also effective against candidiasis and other vaginal infections.
It can also be used as a bath additive and also might control bacteria in spas and pools.
Tea Tree oil is also used in cosmetic products to make tea tree soap and shampoo.
It has also been used in treatments for eye aliment and blepharitis.
It is also used in toothpastes, mouth washes for curing bad breath and gum diseases.
It is also effective in treating minor wounds, insect bites soothe sunburn and ear infection.
Tea Tree oil diluted solution is also sold as to cure fungal and bacterial infection for pet fish.
These are just the few of its uses and the list surely goes on. Tea tree oil is a astonishing gift from mom nature which we can place to a plethora of uses.
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Question: Tea tree oil for back acne?
Hello! I just purchased Desert Essence tea tree oil cleansing bar and 100% tea tree oil from a drug store to treat my moderate back acne. I’m planning to use the tea tree oil bar in the shower to wash my back. But I don’t know if I should also use the pure tree tea oil after using the bar as a spot treatment because I don’t want to overdry my skin? What do you guys think? Also, if I use the tea tree oil as a spot treatment for my back acne, what would be a proper way to use it, like is it ok to dilute it with a oil-free moisterizer and apply it all over my back? or should i just use a moist cotton ball to apply to specific affected areas?
Thank you.
Best answer:
Answer by Paula P
Tea tree oil is of no known efficacy in acne. The best option would be to do some sunbathing – but don’t burn – get your back in the sun regularly and you will find the acne improves.
What do you think? Answer below!
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Tea tree oil is very effective in clearing up acne all over your body, including your face and back. Start a regimen of washing your back with a back scrubber and tea tree oil soap. If you cannot obtain tea tree oil soap easily, you make an easy substitution: get a bottle of fragrance-free and dye-free body wash, and mix a teaspoon of tea tree oil into it if you want.
Good luck!