Tea tree oil, or melaleuca oil, is an age-old herbal remedy whose roots can be traced to the aboriginal people of Australia. Today, alternative health practitioners still prescribe tea tree oil for a variety of skin conditions, and scientific studies are providing evidence of the medicinal properties of this herbal oil.
Identification
Tea tree oil is an essential oil that is derived from the Australian tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia). This tree, which belongs in the same family of the myrtle tree, is native to the coastal areas of Australia. Tea tree oil is extracted from the leaves of this tree by means of a steam distillation process, according to "The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine."
History
Although the Aboriginals' medicinal use of tea tree oil predated the arrival of European explorers by thousands of years, it was not until 1770 that it was named "tea tree." It was given the name by British explorer Captain James Cook and his crew, who first brewed a tea from its leaves, notes "The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine."
However, the Aborigines kept their knowledge of the herb's medicinal properties to themselves, and this remained secret until the early 1920s, when Dr. Arthur Penfold, a chemist from Sydney, Australia, researched the herb's antiseptic properties. Once the study was published, there was increased research into the tea tree oil.
In World War II, tea tree oil was widely used by Australian armed forces as an antiseptic, but it gradually fell out of favor after the discovery of antibiotics such as penicillin. Interest and research into its medicinal properties was revived in the 1960s, according to the American Cancer Society.
Active Compounds
Tea tree oil owes its therapeutic properties to the active chemical components that it contains. "The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine" reports that the primary active components in this oil are a group of compounds called turpenes. These include terpinen-4-ol, gamma-terpinene, 1,8-cineole and pcymene.
Benefits
Tea tree oil is used as a natural remedy for a variety of conditions. These include its use as an antibacterial and antiseptic compound for treating bruises, burns, acne, boils and sunburn. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial for alleviating the pain of arthritis, sprains, gout and hemorrhoids.
Tea tree oil has a strong antifungal action against candida, helping to treat and prevent yeast infections such as ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush and jock itch.
Warning
Tea tree oil is only intended for external use and should not be ingested. According to eMedicine Health, allergic reactions to tea tree oil are rare, and include difficulty breathing, hives, tightness in the throat and swelling of the tongue, lips or face. A rash or other skin irritation may also occur. Consult with your doctor or other licensed healthcare provider if you experience any of these side effects.
References
- "The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine;" Jacqueline L. Longe; 2004
- American Cancer Society: Tea Tree Oil
- "Tea Tree Oil;" Woodland Publishing; 1999
- eMedicine Health: What Is Tea Tree Topical?
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