Tea tree oil is obtained by steam distilling the leaves of the tea tree (melaleuca alternifolia), which is native to Australia. Tea tree oil has been used for hundreds of years for its medicinal properties, to treat everything from wounds to infections. Today, tea tree oil is still in use throughout the world for its many health benefits.
Anti-bacterial Benefits
One of the best medical benefits of tea tree oil is the fact that it is anti-bacterial. This claim is reported in the July 2009 issue of the "Journal of Applied Microbiology," in which a study is published that shows tea tree oil is an effective treatment against group A streptococcus, which is a bacteria that is often found on the skin or in the mouth. In this study, researchers found that tea tree oil not only prevented the bacteria's growing, it also killed the bacteria that was already present on the skin of mice.
Anti-viral Benefits
Although the studies on the anti-viral benefits of tea tree oil are limited, there are some that show evidence of them. When sprayed on tobacco plants, tea tree oil was found to be effective against the tobacco mosaic virus, which can destroy the leaves of the plant. Another anti-viral study, as reported in the January 2006 issue of "Clinical Microbiology Reviews," shows that tea tree oil is effective as a treatment to prevent the spread of HSV (herpes simplex virus) 1 and 2.
Anti-fungal Benefits
No one wants to deal with a fungal skin infection. If the doctor diagnoses you with an infection, many times the treatment involves taking a pill to kill the fungus, but that treatment can have harsh side effects and take months to be effective. Tea tree oil has been known to be a natural alternative to anti-fungal medication for years. A study reported in the 1998 issue of the "Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association" found that when tested against several fungal skin and mucous infections, tea tree oil was found to be effective in treating all of them but one, which was E floccosum.
Anti-inflammatory Benefits
Inflammation is the immune system's response to bacteria, viruses or other foreign invaders to the body. It is designed to protect us, but when the body undergoes continual inflammation it can cause damage. For example, inflammation of the joints can lead to pain and arthritis, and according to a report from the Life Extension Foundation, it can also lead to other diseases such as cancer or kidney failure. A study published in the March 2007 issue of "Experimental Biology and Medicine" found that tea tree oil was effective at reducing inflammation through the simple act of inhaling it. The study showed that when mice with inflammation inhaled tea tree oil, the oil influences a strong anti-inflammatory effect on the immune system. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center also reports that it has an anti-inflammatory effect when it is applied topically to an inflamed area of skin. This also makes it an effective treatment for acne.
Acaricide Benefits
Another medical condition that can be effectively treated by tea tree oil is that of skin mites. An acaricide is a compound that can treat and kill mites, and a study reported in the May 2004 issue of the "Archives of Dermatology" discovered that mites are becoming immune to the effects of other popular acaricides, such as lindane or permethrin. When treated with tea tree oil, however, mites in the study were found to have less survival time, making tea tree oil an effective alternative for treating mites such as scabies and lice.
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