If you have an oral or vaginal thrush infection, you're probably eager to find a solution to the itch and irritation it causes. Conventional medicine prescribes antifungal medications and corticosteroids to fight the spread and the symptoms of thrush. If you're looking for an alternative to those solutions, tea tree oil may be of some assistance.
Thrush Identified
Thrush occurs when Candida albicans, a fungus, experiences an overgrowth in an area of the body. The mouth and groin areas are commonly involved in thrush infections. If you have oral thrush, you may experience white creamy areas inside your mouth and throat or painful cracks in the corners of your mouth. Vaginal thrush can result in itch, irritation and white, cheesy discharge.
Tea Tree Oil Identified
Tea tree oil has been used in Australia as an alternative medical treatment for about 100 years, according to the journal "Clinical Microbiology Reviews." The oil is derived from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant, which is native to Australia. Fans of tea tree oil claim it has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Research
The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) states that tea tree oil has been found to have fungus fighting abilities, at least in a laboratory setting. Though more human studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of tea tree oil in treating thrush, it appears that its antifungal properties may be effective for this. Mouthwash containing tea tree oil was found to be effective in treating oral thrush,
Cautions
UMMC notes that tea tree oil should only be used as a mouthwash under your doctor's orders. Be careful not to ingest tea tree oil, as it can be toxic if used internally. Many people have reported allergic reactions to tea tree oil used topically or as a mouthwash. Anyone who is allergic to members of the myrtle plant family may also be allergic to tea tree oil. Reports of rash, diarrhea, nausea and even coma have been linked to tea tree use, and animal studies have found that large applications of topical tea tree oil can cause muscle tremors, slowed brain function and difficulty walking. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use tea tree oil.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca Alternifolia [Maiden & Betche] Cheel); December 2010
- "Clinical Microbiology Reviews"; Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil: a Review of Antimicrobial and Other Medicinal Properties; C. F. Carson; January 2006
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Candidiasis; Steven D. Ehrlich; December 2009
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