It's Purposes?
Tea tree leaves have been used for thousands of years by the Bundjalung Aborigines as a medicine to treat coughs, colds, wounds and skin ailments. Early in this century, doctors and scientists began to realise that the natural oil contained in the leaves has medicinal properties. Over the last 75 years, considerable research has been done and tea tree oil is finally being recognised as an extremely effective curative for a wide range of common medical conditions.
Tea Tree Oil is commonly used as an antiseptic and germicide and antiviral to alleviate cough/cold symptoms. It is also used relieve muscle aches and pains, minimize skin irritations such as acne and cold sores. Some further uses have been as an antifungus for feet and an insect repellent.
People use tea tree oil for the following conditions:
- Acne
- Athlete's foot
- Dandruff
- Vaginitis
- Thrush
- Periodontal disease
- As an antiseptic
- Boils
- Lice
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Yeast infection
Sources of Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is most commonly found as a pure essential oil. It is also an ingredient in:
- Creams
- Ointments
- Lotions
- Soaps
- Shampoo & Conditioners for both Humans and some pets
- Toothpaste
What is the Evidence for Tea Tree Oil?
There have only been a few clinical trials looking at the effectiveness of tea tree oil in humans. A randomized controlled trial examined the use of 25% tea tree oil solution, 50% tea tree oil solution, or placebo in 158 people with athlete's foot.
Athlete's Foot
In the 50% tea tree oil group, 64% were cured, compared to 31% in the placebo group. Four people using the tea tree oil withdrew from the study because they developed dermatitis (which improved after discontinuing tea tree oil use). Otherwise, there were no significant side effects.
Fungal Infection of the Toenails
A randomized, controlled trial published in the Journal of Family Practice looked at the twice-daily application of 100% tea tree oil or 1% clotrimazole solution (a topical antifungal medication) in 177 people with toenail fungal infection. After 6 months, the tea tree oil was found to be as effective as the topical antifungal, based on clinical assessment and toenail cultures.
Another randomized, controlled trial examined the effectiveness and safety of a cream containing 5% tea tree oil and 2% butenafine hydrochloride in 60 people with toenail fungal infection. After 16 weeks, 80% of people using the cream had significant improvement compared to none in the placebo group.
Acne
A single-blind randomized trial by the Department of Dermatology at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Australia compared the effectiveness and tolerance of 5% tea tree oil gel with 5% benzoyl peroxide lotion in 124 people with mild to moderate acne. People in both groups had a significant reduction in inflamed and non-inflammed acne lesions (open and closed comedones) over the three month period, although tea tree oil was less effective than benzoyl peroxide.
Although the tea tree oil took longer to work initially, there were fewer side effects with tea tree oil. In the benzoyl peroxide group, 79 percent of people had side effects including itching, stinging, burning, and dryness. Researchers noted that there were far less side effects in the tea tree oil group.
Dandruff
A single-blind study examined the use of 5% tea tree oil shampoo or placebo in 126 people with mild to moderate dandruff. After 4 weeks, the tea tree oil shampoo significantly reduced symptoms of dandruff.
Undiluted tea tree oil may cause skin irritation, redness, blistering, and itching. The tea tree oil in commercial toothpastes and mouthwashes is generally considered to be acceptable because it is not swallowed. Avoid homemade tea tree oil mouthwashes.