"Tea Tree Oil Can Treat a Variety of Health Problems!"Tea Tree Oil is an extract taken from the Melaleuca tree, a tree found on the northeast coast of New South Wales, Australia. There are some 300 varieties of tea trees found in this area, but only one has exceptional medical properties. That tree is the Melaleuca tree. The Aborigines would chew the leaves to treat colds; additionally they used the leaves to brew a herbal tea. Furthermore, the Bundjalung People of eastern Australia used the oils for an assortment of reasons. They would inhale the oils of the crushed leaves as a treatment for colds and coughs. They would also sprinkle the leaves on wounds, followed by the application of a poultice to help heal the affected area. Initial Research It wasn't until the 1920s and the 1930's that the rest of the world discovered this oil. A researcher by the name of Arthur Penfold published the first reports of its' antimicrobial activity. He found that it was 11 times as potent as phenol, a chemical that has antiseptic qualities and is used in some oral antiseptics today. In World War II, the Australian military made extensive use of this oil to treat a range of conditions. It was used to treat athlete's foot, minor burns, and an extensive number of bacterial infections. Today, it is used topically to treat a variety of infections such as cuts, scrapes, insect bites and acne. After the oil is applied to the skin, it is virtually impossible for bacteria to survive. Researchers have found that the primary active ingredient in this oil is a substance named terpinen-4-ol. In 1978, a thorough evaluation of this oil found four additional chemicals found nowhere else in nature. They are: viridiflorene, B- terpineol, 1-terpineol and allyl hexanoate. Ongoing Research Since the 1920s, there have been numerous studies illustrating various topical uses of this oil. In one study, 158 individuals with a fungal foot infection used a 25 and 50 percent mix of the oil twice daily for four weeks. At the study's end, the researchers concluded both concentrations were effective as a treatment for this condition. However, they felt the 25 percent mix exhibited fewer complications In another study, 117 individuals suffering from Onychomycosis (a fungal infection that destroys the entire nail) compared the effectiveness of a mixture of 100 percent Tea Tree Oil to a treatment of 1 percent clotrimazole cream. At the end of six months, comparable improvement was seen in both groups. In a randomized, single-blind study, individuals with dandruff used a shampoo with 5 percent tree oil. At the end of four weeks, they found tree oil was more effective then placebo. An additional randomized study found that using tree oil was just as effective as the drug Tolnaftate in treating Athlete's Foot. Tolnaftate is the ingredient found in numerous over the counter anti-fungal medicines of today. Uses For Tea Tree Oil Acne This oil can be used to treat Acne. However, since most oil products contain 100 percent of this oil, it should be diluted before using. A suggested dosage is to add a couple of drops of tea tree oil to pure Aloe Vera gel before applying to the face. Athlete's Foot To treat Athlete's Foot, a couple of drops of the undiluted oil to the area twice daily to the feet, should be effective. Dandruff There are a variety of shampoos containing Tea Tree Oil that can be effective against dandruff. Be sure that you buy a quality product however. Researchers have found this oil is also effective against head lice in children. As part of a shampoo, it may be used as an effective repellent against lice. Cold Sores To treat Cold Sores, a couple of drops applied twice daily to the affected area should be an effective therapy for this condition. Toenail Fungus As a topical treatment for Toenail Fungus, apply 100% Tea Tree Oil to the affected area twice daily for a period of six months. Gingivitis As a treatment for Gingivitis, a couple of drops of this oil mixed in water and used as a mouthwash may be an effective remedy for this condition. Tea Tree Oil is for external use only. If using this or oil for the first time, you should apply a drop or two to a small area of to see if an allergic reaction is experienced. Subscribe to the Home Remedies Blog by clicking on this link:
 Return from Tea Tree Oil to Home Page
|
