Tea tree oil is a substance derived from leaves of the Australian tea tree, botanical name Melaleuca alternifloria. Willow bark comes from several species belonging to the willow family of shrubs and trees. Tea tree oil is sometimes used as a topical treatment for a wide variety of fungal and bacterial conditions. Willow bark reduces pain and inflammation, and it contains the same active ingredient used as a basis for aspirin. Consult your doctor before using tea tree oil or willow bark.
Tea Tree Oil Basics
The Australian tea tree is not related to the species used to make green and black teas. Rather, it gets its name from sailors who used it to make a tealike drink in the 18th century. In biological terms, Melaleuca alternifloria belongs to the myrtle family of trees. Tea tree oil is obtained by steam distilling Melaleuca leaves and collecting the remaining concentrated fluid. While you can apply tea tree oil to your skin, strictly avoid taking it internally. Ingestion of the oil can trigger a wide range of toxic effects, including vomiting, diarrhea, severe rashes, hallucinations, confusion and coma.
Willow Bark Basics
Species of willow used for preparations of willow bark include purple willows, crack willows and white willows. The bark of these species contains a substance called salicin, which is a chemical precursor for the acetylsalicylic acid found in aspirin. When you take willow bark, your body converts its salicin content into a substance called salicylic acid. In turn, this acid produces anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing effects that develop gradually over time. Willow bark also contains other compounds that have antiseptic, immune system-boosting, antioxidant and fever-reducing effects. Commercially available forms of willow bark include powdered herb, dried herb and alcohol-based tinctures.
Tea Tree Oil Uses
Tea tree oil appears to achieve its effects by killing off various types of fungi and bacteria. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine's MedlinePlus, potentially effective uses for the oil include the treatment of mild or moderate acne, a fungal infection of the nails called onychomycosis and the fungal infection known as athlete's foot. There is not enough evidence to determine tea tree oil's effectiveness in treating or preventing a number of other ailments, including ringworm, scabies, cold sores, ear infections, yeast infections, lice and infections related to burns, insect bites, boils, abrasions and cuts. Children and pregnant or lactating women should not take tea tree oil.
Willow Bark Uses
Willow bark has proved effective for the treatment of headaches, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. It also appears to help relieve the effects of lower back pain and a form of degenerative arthritis called osteoarthritis. Proposed but unverified uses of willow bark include the treatment of flu, bursitis, fever, tendinitis and menstrual cramps. Children under the age of 16 run a risk of developing a dangerous condition called Reye's syndrome, and should not use willow bark under any circumstances. In addition, willow bark can interact adversely with a range of medications, including diuretics, anticoagulants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, phenytoin, methotrexate and beta blockers.
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