The USDA reports that Melaleuca Alternifolia is the scientific name for the Tea Tree. The plant is native to Australia. When the leaves of these trees are steam distilled, they yield what we know as tea tree oil, which has been used by Australian natives for hundreds of years for its medicinal properties. Worldwide attention is now given to the melaleuca alternifolia, specifically for the tea tree oil derived from its leaves, which has been shown to have numerous health benefits.
Antibacterial Properties
Many strains of bacteria, such as a staph infection, have become resistant to antibacterial agents, but this is not so with tea tree oil. According to a study published in "The American Journal of Infection Control," tea tree oil has been found to be an effective treatment against the staph bacteria.
Antifungal Properties
An article in "Letters of Applied Microbiology" reports on a study from Italy that shows tea tree oil is a potent fungicide. For fungal infections, such as nail fungus, tea tree oil has been proven to be effective. While many antifungal medications are widely available, both in prescription and over-the-counter forms, tea tree oil is a natural alternative for health conscious people.
Antiviral Properties
Tea tree oil is has antiviral properties, even against the herpes simplex virus. German researchers tested tea tree oil against the herpes simplex virus 1 and 2. This study, reported by The National Institute of Health, revealed that tea tree oil exhibits high levels of antiviral activity against the HSV 1 and 2 viruses. There are an increasing number of viruses that have become resistant to antiviral medications. Not only is tea tree oil effective, it is also a natural alternative to prescription medication.
Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties
Tea tree oil is effective against inflammation within the body.. Experimental Biology and Medicine shared a study in which tea tree oil was found to be an anti-inflammatory. When mice were exposed to the fumes of tea tree oil, they experienced reduced inflammation in the immune system. Many inflammatory diseases involve the immune system, such as auto-immune arthritis. The positive results in this study show the benefits of tea tree oil as an agent in aromatherapy.
Conditions such as acne or allergies involve inflammation of skin tissue. The "British Journal of Dermatology" reports that a study has found tea tree oil to be a powerful topical anti-inflammatory, often within 10 minutes of application.
Bringing It Home
Purchase a bottle of 100% pure tea tree oil at your health food store and keep it in your medicine cabinet. Do a skin test to make sure you are not allergic to tea tree oil. Place one drop of oil on your skin and wait 24 hours to see if you have a reaction.
If you are suffering from a fungal nail infection, put straight tea tree oil on the nail twice a day until you see results. If you are experiencing a cold sore from the herpes simplex 1 virus, put a drop of tea tree oil on a cotton swab and apply it to the affected area. If you have swelling due to an allergic reaction, such as poison oak or bee sting, mix 2 parts tea tree oil to 10 parts olive oil and apply it to the area. Tea tree oil can also be applied to acne prone areas of the skin by adding 1 drop of oil to 10 parts water and applying it to your face as a toner. Never consume tea tree oil orally.
Speak to your physician when you are considering using tea tree oil for any medical condition, especially those involving skin infections or allergic reactions.
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