Tea tree oil - Definition and Overview

Tea tree oil is a yellowy or green liquid with a fresh camphoraceous odor.

Some claim it has benefical cosmetic and medical properties (including antiseptic and antifungal action).

A patch test may be advisable before using items containing tea tree oil, since it can be allergenic.

The tea tree, Melaleuca alternifolia, is a conifer native to the northeast coast of New South Wales, Australia. Oil extracted from its needles has been used by Australian Aborigines for hundreds of years. Currently, tea tree oil is obtained by steam distillation of the leaves. Of the over 100 compounds contained in the oil, terpinen-4-ol is responsible for most of the antimicrobial actions. Levels of 14 components are stipulated in the International Standard for Oil of Melaleuca, Terpinen-4-ol type (ISO 4730).

Preliminary scientific research (mainly in vitro studies) support claims for a variety of health benefits. Inhaled, tea tree oil is said to make breathing easier by breaking up "congestion." It supposedly can alleviate a sore throat and minimize the symptoms of cold, flu and systemic fungal infections. It seems effective against candidiasis and other vaginal infections and for hemorrhoids. As a bath additive it may control bacteria in spas and pools. It is used for fungal nail infections, athlete's foot, bromodrosis, burning feet, etc. The discomfort of sore muscles or joint injuries may be relieved by massaging tea tree oil into the affected area.

External links

1. Tea Tree Oil Research Group, University of Western Australia. (http://www.meddent.uwa.edu.au/teatree/)
2. HerbMed (http://www.herbmed.org/Herbs/Herb105.htm)
3. Nambucca (http://www.teatreeoil.us/)