Tea tree oil is an essential oil derived from melaleuca alternifolia, a member of the myrtle family. This tree is native to Australia and has been used by aboriginal people for centuries to treat a variety of health conditions. Today, tea tree oil is used is a variety of cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, including shampoos, powders and soaps. Though tea tree oil is widely used, research into its effects is ongoing.
History
According to the University of Western Australia, the aboriginal people of Australia relied on tea tree oil for thousands of years to perform a variety of medical and health-related functions. They would crush the leaves of the tea tree and use the oil to treat skin diseases and heal burns or cuts. Some early Australians also brewed the leaves of the tree to ingest nutrients or improve health.
During the early 20th century, medical professionals in Australia used tea tree oil to treat wounds, fungal infections and a variety of other skin problems. The country even distributed tea tree oil to its soldiers fighting in World War II. Today, tea tree oil is still used as an alternative medical treatment by some, but is not widely used by doctors and others in the medical field.
Features
Tea tree oil actually contains more than 100 substances, most of which have been isolated and identified by researchers. A material called Terpinen-4-ol makes up the largest percentage of a tea tree oil sample. Organizations that regulate tea tree oil manufacturing generally stipulate Terpinen-4-ol levels to ensure a quality product.
No matter the product, tea tree oil is most often sold in dark glass bottles to maintain its freshness and purity. The oil is most effective when it is kept away from light, air and excessive heat, and is also less likely to cause allergies or other negative reactions when it's stored properly.
When this oil is added to shampoos and other cosmetic products, the quantity and quality of the oil can vary widely by manufacturer. Read the product label carefully to determine the percentage of tea tree oil contained within.
Benefits
Tea tree oil shampoo is used to treat dandruff, kill head lice and treat fungal infections of the scalp. The tea tree oil may also help heal wounds and add moisture to the scalp or hair.
Many users choose tea tree oil as a natural alternative to traditional shampoo products, which often contain dozens of artificial chemicals and undisclosed materials. Tea tree oil is all natural, and is often added to shampoo blends that contain a limited number of chemicals.
Some users simply enjoy the pleasant, earthy smell of tea tree oil. This oil has a naturally rich odor that is often more pleasing than flower- or fruit-scented shampoos.
Scientific Studies
A number of scientific studies have been conducted into the benefits of tea tree oil for the hair and scalp. A 2009 study published in the Egyptian Dermatology Online Journal concluded that tea tree oil is an effective treatment for dandruff. The study found that tea tree oil shampoos must be used daily to keep dandruff at bay, but that most of these shampoos were all natural or contained few artificial components.
In 1999, a group of researchers in Scandinavia published a study in the journal Acta Derm Venereol to demonstrate the effects of tea tree oil shampoo on head lice. Although the study showed that tea tree oil shampoos killed the majority of lice, the researchers recommended that essential oil head lice treatments be put on hold until further safety studies could be conducted.
Warnings
According to the American Cancer Society, allergic reactions are one of the most common complications associated with tea tree oil. Products containing this oil can cause rashes during use, or when use of the products is discontinued. More severe allergic reactions have been reported in rare cases.
People with sensitivities to plants in the myrtle family, including eucalyptus, guava and clove, are more likely to suffer allergies to tea tree oil. An allergy to pine or turpentine may also indicate a higher risk of reaction to tea tree oil. The higher the concentration of tea tree oil in a specific type of shampoo, the greater the risk of allergy. The American Cancer Society warns that children and pets should be kept away from products that contain this oil because of the risk of poisoning if the oil is swallowed. Pregnant women should not use tea tree oil shampoo and other tea tree-based products.
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