Tea Tree Oil

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LEARN THE ESSENTIALS OF TEA TREE OIL FOR SKIN CARE

Tea tree oil is an essential oil that can be extracted from the Melaleuca alternifolia using steam distillation. This plant species is unique and native to Australia and can be found in abundance in Northern New South Wales.

For centuries, the Australian aborigines plucked leaves from the Melaleuca alternifolia which is a tree commonly found in Australia. They used it to treat various infections of the skin.

In the year 1770, when South Seas expedition led by Captain Cook landed in New South Wales, the sailors discovered the Melaleuca leaves and used it to brew a tea and hence the herb was called "tea tree". However tea leaves actually comes from the Camellia species and the Melaleuca leaves is not related to it.

Today, the oil is extracted from the Melaleuca leaves thru steam distillation. It is an aromatic oil whose fragrance reminds one of the nutmeg oil. In its pure form, the oil is colorless to pale yellow.

Australia is a major producer and exporter of Melaleuca oil. Every year, it exports about 700 tons. This is hardly surprising as the Melaleuca alternifolia is found in Australia only.

Various products have been made from tea tree oil.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF TEA TREE OIL

Tea tree oil has been used for a number of skin problems including as an antiseptic for burns, cuts and insect bites as well as for the treatment of skin conditions such as acne, eczema and function infections.

The oil contains over 100 components, mostly monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and their alcohols. High-quality melaleuca oil contains at least 40% terpinen-4-ol. It is this ingredient that gives the oil its reputation in fighting and preventing infections.

The ability of meleuca oil to penetrate the skin is critical to effective dispersal of the active ingredients of melaleuca oil. The solvent nature of melaleuca alternifolia oil allows it to penetrate into skin layers, reaching deep into, for example, muscle tissue, or under a toenail or fingernail or an abscess in the gums. This penetration ability is key to the wonderful natural healing properties of tea tree oil.

Here is a list of treatments where you can effectively use tea tree products:

TREATMENT OF MINOR SKIN IRRITATIONS AND WOUNDS

Tea tree oil is great for treating minor skin irritations and wounds such as cuts, scrapes, insect bites and stings.

It blends very easily and quickly with oil produced by the skin. The whole process changes the skin’s chemical make-up and makes the environment less conducive for the growth fungi, bacteria or any other organisms.

These are the effects of Melaleuca oil:

Reduces the risk of an infection
Promotes healing
Reduces the chances of scarring

TREATMENT OF FUNGAL INFECTIONS

Tea tree has also been found effective in fighting Trichophyton which is the fungus that cause various topical infections. Hence its effectiveness in the treatment of fungal infections such as nail infections, jock itch, and athlete's foot.

TREATMENT OF VAGINAL YEAST INFECTIONS

Tea Tree Oil is also effective against Trichomonas vaginalis and Candida albicans, the two organisms that cause vaginal yeast infections.

TREATMENT OF ACNE AND PIMPLES

One of many melaleuca oil uses is the treatment of acne and pimples. Acne is a skin disorder resulting from the action of hormones on the skin's oil glands, which leads to plugged pores and outbreaks of acne lesions (pimples).

Pure melaleuca oil does an excellent job of penetrating and killing any infection and rejuvenating tissue in the affected area. A special acne treatment gel is also available which combines the oil with salicyclic acid.

This is also applied directly to the affected area and controls breakouts, including acne, pimples, blackheads, whiteheads and skin blemishes directly at the source. This acne treatment can be assisted through the use of soap that has tea tree oil which cleanses and conditions the skin. The use of tea tree products developed through specific tea tree recipes is a dependable and natural way to control acne and associated skin conditions.

It has been shown that even people suffering from severe acne can benefit tea tree oil. Use anti-acne products that have up to 15% melaleuca oil. The beneficial effects are obviously due to the oil’s skin healing and antibacterial properties.

In Australia, studies conducted have shown that acne treatment products containing tea tree oil is just as effective as those containing benzoyl peroxide. However, tea tree products have significantly less side effects. Whereas benzoyl peroxide tends to cause redness, dryness, itching and scaling to the surrounding area of the skin.

TREATMENT OF SCALP PROBLEMS

Oil from tea tree is also effective in the treatment of common scalp problems such as head lice and dandruff.

Dandruff is caused by the fungus Pityrosporum ovale. According to studies done, preparations that have up to 5% melaleuca oil has been found effective in counteracting against this fungus.

Substances that can kill head lice have been found in the chemistry of tea tree oil. However, more research is required as children who are more prone to head ice, may be more sensitive to tea tree oil.

TREATMENT OF WARTS

Warts are actually caused by viruses. Tea tree oil may be recommended for the treatments of warts. However, more research is required here.

TIPS FOR USING AND BUYING TEA TREE OIL PRODUCTS

Here are some special tips and guidelines:

Before buying any topical antifungal preparations that claim to contain tea tree oil, check to ensure that the oil is derived from Melaleuca alternifolia and is one of the first ingredients listed.

Tea tree oil derived from any other species may not be as pure. It may contain compounds such as cineole which can cause skin irritation. The presence of other compounds may also hinder the action of the oil.
Many skin care products and other beauty products claim to have tea tree oil in them. If the amount present is too small, then it will have no antibacterial effects at all. To find out if the product that you are interested in can produce the desired results, read the labels and find out the composition of tea tree oil.
There are toothpastes with tea tree oil added. However, the oil is poisonous and cannot be swallowed. So the amount added is usually very small. Although this ensures that the product is safe, there are no virtually no anti-bacteria benefits.have.

PRECAUTIONS WHEN USING TEA TREE OIL

Pay attention to the following precautions:

Tea tree oil may cause irritation to sensitive skin. You would need to be extra careful with sensitive areas such as the vaginal area. Some people may have allergic reactions to the oil.

To test if you are sensitive or have allergic reactions to it, dab some oil on to your inner arm using a cotton swab. Any allergic reactions will show up quickly and your arm will become inflamed or turn red. This is a safety precaution that you should take.
Tea tree oil is for external use only. Do not take it orally. If you should accidentally ingest some of the oil, contact a poison control center or a doctor immediately.
You should never apply tea tree products around the eyes.
Do not self-prescribe or replace any of your any prescription medications with tea tree oil without prior consultations with your doctor.
If you have skin rashes, consult your doctor before using tea tree products.
Tea tree products are not recommended for use during pregnancy.
Read the product labels and instructions and follow the recommended dosage on the product labels.
If any side effects such as rashes occur, consult a doctor.

SBI!