GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Tea Tree oil is distilled from the leaves of
Melaleuca alternifolia, a small tree native to Australia. Tea tree oil earned widespread fame in the
1700s, when Captain Cook enthused about the oil’s wound and
burn healing properties. Australian soldiers were
issued tea tree oil as a disinfectant in World War II. Today, Tea Tree oil is sold as a topical
antiseptic and remedy for a whole
variety of ailments, including sunburn, sores, cuts,
arthritis, bruises, insect bites, warts, acne, fungal infections, mouth ulcers, and dandruff.
ROLE FOR ANTI-AGING:
Tea Tree oil’s main infection fighting ingredient
is terpinen-4-ol, a compound that weakens bacteria so that the immune system can fight them
more effectively and kills a variety of microbes, including
some that other standard antibiotics are ineffective
against. In 1995 an in vitro study revealed that an 0.5%
solution of tea tree oil (lower than that found in commercial concentrations) can both inhibit and
kill certain antibiotic- resistant bacteria that are common in hospitals, for
example the potentially deadly bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. Other studies have shown that
the oil is also effective in fighting organisms responsible
for vaginal infections, including Trichomonas
vaginalis and Candida albicans.
THERAPEUTIC DAILY AMOUNT:
Tea tree oil is used externally in concentrations
of 0.4 to 100%, depending on what part of the body it is applied to and for what purpose. It
should not be taken internally.
MAXIMUM SAFE LEVEL: Not established
SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Tea Tree oil can irritate sensitive skin, however
it is generally regarded as safe to use when applied externally. Tea tree oil should never be
swallowed as it may cause nerve damage.
