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 Information
on Tea Tree Oil
Melaleuca alternifolia, or Australian tea tree oil, is a native Australian
plant with many remarkable properties. When crushed and distilled, the
leaves of this plant yield a 100% natural oil which is an antiseptic, a
fungicide, and a mild solvent.
Melaleuca grows in swampy or wet areas. More than 300 varieties exist, but
only one is prized for its world-renowned oil.
History of Tea Tree Oil
More than 300 varieties exist, but only one is prized for its world-renowned
oil. |
Legend has it the tree was first introduced to Europeans by Captain Cook,
who, with his sailors, made tea from the leaves while on a voyage to
Australia hence the name tea tree. The oil is extracted from the tree's
leaves by a special distillation process. The trees do not need to be
harvested in order for their oil to be extracted; in fact, some trees have
provided their oil for over 60 years
Uses and Benefits of Tea Tree Oil
Hair care Anti-dandruff shampoos and conditioners are available that use tea
tree oil. Tea tree oil can also be used to treat damaged hair.
Arthritis Tea tree oil relieves some of the painful symptoms of arthritis.
Treat cuts, scrapes, insect bites and stings, and other minor skin wounds
and irritations. Tea tree oil blends rapidly and easily with the skin's own
oils.
Skin problems such as dermatitis, sunburns, diaper rashes and cuts are also
aided by tea tree oil's properties.
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Athlete's foot, smelly feet, toenail infections and other foot ailments
could also use a few drops of tea tree oil for treatment.
Even your pets can benefit from the use of tea tree oil. Besides deterring
those pesky pet insects like fleas and ticks, using a few drops of tea tree
oil in pet shampoo will help alleviate odor problems.
Tea Tree Oil and genital wart
Tea tree oil is sometimes recommended for warts, which are caused by
viruses. More research is needed to determine whether the oil is truly
effective for this purpose, but it certainly does not seem to cause any
complications. More information on Genital warts.
Tea Tree Oil for head louse
According to one study, a 5% solution of tea tree oil is effective against
Pityrosporum ovale, a fungus that can cause dandruff. In a laboratory
analysis of tea-tree chemistry, substances were discovered that can kill
head lice. But human research is still needed, especially since the skin of
children (a population particularly susceptible to lice) may be overly
sensitive to tea tree oil. More information on Head louse.
Tea Tree Oil for yeast infection
Two of the organisms that cause these discomforts, Candida albicans and
Trichomonas vaginalis, apparently succumb to the actions of tea tree oil.
Clinical Usage and Dosage of Tea Tree Oil
Look for tea tree oil derived only from the Melaleuca alternifolia tree. Oil
from other species can have a high percentage of cineole, a compound that
can irritate the skin and hinder the oil's active ingredients from providing
any therapeutic benefit. |
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