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Yeast Infections and Tea Tree Oil

Apr 12, 2011 | By Charis Grey

Tea tree oil comes from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree, a native Australian plant that has been an important component of alternative and herbal therapies. Yeast infections come from an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a yeast-like fungus that can infiltrate the membranes of the mouth, vagina, stomach and urinary tract. Tea tree oil has been proposed as remedy for yeast infections, but the evidence to support this use is inconclusive, according to MayoClinic.com.

Candida albicans

The fungus that causes yeast infections is naturally present in the mouth, stomach and vagina, and under normal circumstances causes no problems. When the fungus begins to multiply and spread excessively, you may experience the signs and symptoms characteristic of yeast infection, which is also sometimes referred to as thrush. An overgrowth of candida albicans can occur when you take antibiotics, which interfere with your normal flora and create conditions ripe for Candida overgrowth. Other causes of candida infection can include pregnancy, obesity and weakened immune system function.

Tea Tree Oil

The use of tea tree oil received validation by conventional health care practitioners in the 1920s, when the oil was first used in dental and surgical applications. This use extended through World War II when the product was used by munitions workers to heal skin injuries. Present day use includes the addition of tea tree oil to wide range of products including soaps and cosmetics.

Tea Tree Oil's Anti-fungal Effects

There are many commercial products that promote tea tree oil for its anti-fungal properties, though such properties have not been scientifically proven to be effective in humans. "Clinical Microbiology Reviews" published a review of clinical studies involving tea tree oil and concluded that although laboratory tests of tea tree oil found it to be effective in inhibiting the growth of Candida albicans, few human studies have been conducted to correlate these findings. HIV patients with oral candidiasis were found to respond favorably to tea tree oil, with 60 percent showing some response in a study published in "HIV Clinical Trials." No studies have yet evaluated the effectiveness of tea tree oil in treating vaginal yeast infections.

Tea Tree Oil's Anti-fungal Effects

Tea tree oil can cause skin irritation, and should not be applied topically in an undiluted state. Tea tree oil is poisonous and should not be taken internally. Consult your doctor if you have a yeast infection and are considering using tea tree oil.

References

Article reviewed by Jenna Marie Last updated on: Apr 12, 2011

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