If you seek an aromatherapist to help treat an infection, there's a good chance you will receive tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil. Many essential oils have specific infection-fighting properties but few possess tea tree oil's triple-threat actions against bacteria, viruses and fungi. Tea tree oil is produced by a steam distillation process of the tea tree's leaves. The light greenish oil has a strong medicinal aroma that is befitting of its anti-infective properties. Tea tree oil can help you fight infections, but you should consult your doctor or certified aromatherapist before treating yourself.
Antiviral
One of the most powerful antiviral essential oils, tea tree can treat a variety of viral infections. Aromatherapist Patricia Davis, author of "Aromatherapy: An A-Z," uses tea tree oil for colds, the flu and even cold sore outbreaks. Medline Plus, a publication of the National Institutes for Health, reviewed tea tree's antiviral ability and found some scientific support for it but said further research was still needed before a definitive claim could be offered. A 2009 study in "Letters in Applied Microbiology" was more enthusiastic about tea tree's antiviral effectiveness. It concluded tea tree did work against the flu virus.
Antibacterial
Bacteria can cause infections in many different areas of the body such as your sinuses and chest. Davis says that you can use tea tree oil to help fight the bacteria that causes bronchial infections. Medline Plus confirms that lab studies demonstrated tea tree oil kills infection-causing bacteria but more research must determine if it works in people. To treat a respiratory infection, Davis utilizes tea tea oil in a steam inhalation--add a few drops of the oil to warm water and breathe in the steam.
Antifungal
Infections don't just come from bacteria or viruses. Fungi also cause some very common infections. Davis identifies tea tree oil as an anti-fungal oil, too. A 2004 study in the "Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy" found that tea tree oil killed some fungi. For fungal infections, Davis uses tea tree oil to treat athlete's foot and ringworm. To treat these infections, Davis says you can apply the oil directly to the skin. Some people might be sensitive to the oil, so do a spot test first.
References
- "Aromatherapy: An A-Z"; Patricia Davis
- "Letter in Applied Microbiology"; In Vitro Antiviral Activity of Melaleuca Alternifolia Essential Oil; A. Garozzo , R. Timpanaro , B. Bisignano , P. Furneri, G. Bisignano, A. Castro; 2009
- Medline Plus: Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia [Maiden & Betche] Cheel)
- "Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy"; Antifungal Effects of Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil and Its Components on Candida Albicans, Candida Glabrata and Saccharomyces Cerevisiae; K. Hammer, C. Carson & T. Riley; 2004
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