Tea Tree Oil

Medicinal Uses of Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is famous for its natural antimicrobial properties that help prevent and treat infections. Known to be effective against bacteria, fungi, and viruses, it has been used in traditional medicine since the ancient times. Tea tree oil is extracted from tea tree leaves through steam distillation. Tea tree originated from Australia and is actually a tall shrub that was used as a substitute for tea, hence the name. Native aboriginal tribes have used this miracle herb to treat a variety of ailments ranging from coughs and colds to skin diseases.

The medicinal properties found in tea tree oil have been confirmed by modern medicine. In the early 1920s, Arthur Penfold did a scientific study on tea tree oil and found its antibacterial properties to be 11 times more potent than carbolic acid or phenol. ^[1] This oil is most commonly used to treat skin conditions, even ones that have been found resistant to antibiotics. It is an excellent natural remedy to many skin ailments caused by bacteria and fungi such as acne, oily skin, warts, herpes, sun burns, athlete’s foot, rashes, blisters, spots, and wounds. Tea tree oil has also been proven effective in relieving colds, coughs, asthma, tuberculosis, and other respiratory conditions. Furthermore, its antiviral properties help fight flu, cold sores, chicken pox, and other infectious diseases.

Tea tree oil is highly potent and should not be directly used or applied to the skin. It is not intended to replace other medicines. Here are a few beneficial ways in which you can maximize the healing properties of Tea Tree Oil:

• For various skin conditions, dilute 10 drops of tea tree oil in bath water and soak for 30 minutes. This will help prevent infection.
• For acne, make a 1:9 tea tree oil solution (that is 1 part tea tree oil and 9 parts water). Apply this solution to your face after cleansing.
• For aromatherapy, dilute a few drops in water and enjoy inhaling its wonderful scent.
• For oral candidiasies, dilute a few drops of oil in water and gargle the solution twice a day. Do not swallow, spit it out.
• For dandruff and dry scalp, dilute a few drops into your favorite shampoo then wash off normally.
• For bites and other skin spots, dilute a few drops into water and dab the solution to the affected area
• For household use, make a tea tree oil-water solution and use it to clean clothes and appliances, as well as bathrooms, kitchens, and other parts of the house.

Using Tea Tree Oil for Fungal Infections

Tea tree oil has been used as a natural antibiotic for years. It is derived from leaves of the Australian native Melaleuca alternifolia tree, and has been traditionally used to treat onychomycosis, or what is commonly known as fungal infection under the nails. Aside from this, it contains antiseptic that is very effective as a skin disinfectant.

Numerous studies confirm the effectiveness of tea tree oil to treat fungal infections. The results reveal that it improves the condition similar to commonly used anti fungal agents such as clotrimazole. ^[2]

How to use tea tree oil for fungal infections:

Warts

1. Dilute with 10 parts water to 1 part Tea Tree Oil.
2. Apply to infected area via cotton ball, swab or other applicator.
3. Remember – Do Not Use undiluted Tea Tree Oil directly on the skin.
4. Discontinue use if severe redness occurs.

Toenail Infection

1. Put equal amounts of Tea Tree Oil and Lavender Oil on a moist cotton ball or swab.
2. Apply the oil by slowly dabbing the cotton on the toe nail area around 2 or 3 times a day.

Vaginal Infection

1. Dilute 10 parts vaginal lubricant such as KY jelly or olive oil to 1 part Tea Tree Oil.
2. Apply to infected area with applicator.
3. Remember – Do Not Use undiluted Tea Tree Oil directly on the skin.
4. Discontinue use if severe redness occurs or if condition worsens.

Safety Concerns

Tea Tree Oil is a natural method that is the cheaper and safer alternative to chemical based anti fungal agents. However, there are some concerns that should be followed.

Always be careful with using essential oils like lavender or tea tree oil. When undiluted, they may cause skin irritation, blistering, and itching. There may also be some who have allergic reactions towards the oil.

Tea tree oil should never be ingested and taken orally, even in small quantities. They may cause diarrhea, impaired immune function, and at worse, possibly fatal central nervous system depression like excessive drowsiness, confusion and coma.

Tea Tree Oil is also discouraged for pregnant or breastfeeding women – always consult a physician before use.

If there are any strange symptoms resulting from the use of tea tree oil, immediately seek medical attention.

Using Tea Tree Oil for Warts Removal

Alternative and natural treatments are always preferred for most conditions, and the same goes for wart removal. If it gives you better results, then opt for that one. Tea tree oil for example, is known for its healing properties. It is often used to treat many skin diseases. Therefore, it wasn’t very long when people began exploring its use for warts removal. And because it has antiseptic and germicidal effects, it is preferred by many around the world.

Today, tea tree oil has come a long way and is easily available in the market or natural health stores. Being in the city is no longer a problem for those who wish to use this natural oil, and it is now available for everyone. The only probable downside for this is, a long period of time is necessary for the effects to be visible, however, the results are sure, and guaranteed to have no side effects.

Another great factor about using tea tree oil is that it is not as expensive as other treatments. Imagine laser treatments. Not only is it expensive, but it’s also invasive. Any surgical invasion is sure to cause pain. And while health insurance plans cover most surgical procedures, they really offer only little help. There are many limitations as well. If the warts are located in the genital area for example, cryogenic surgery would not even be considered. The best option out there would be to use natural substances that will produce the least negative effects.

To get the best effects from tea tree oil, it would be best to put a few drops of tea tree oil everyday, for several weeks. This may last until 4 weeks, but rest assured that the effects are guaranteed, so you would have nothing to lose. This natural treatment may not be the fastest, but it’s the safest choice for everyone with warts.

References:

1. Penfold, A. R., and R. Grant. 1925. “The germicidal values of some Australian essential oils and their pure constituents, together with those for some essential oil isolates, and synthetics. Part III.” J. R. Soc. New South Wales 59:346-349.

2. Nenoff P, Haustein UF, Brandt W (1996). “Antifungal activity of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree oil) against pathogenic fungi in vitro”. Skin Pharmacol. 9 (6): 388–94. PMID 9055360.