Tea tree oil is a natural substance derived from the Melaleuca alternifolia tree, native to Australia, and has been used for centuries by aboriginal Australians to treat a variety of skin conditions. Today, the oil is being used in soaps and other topical products to fight germs and decrease inflammation.
History
For centuries, Melaleuca alternifolia, or the ti tree, has been used by the aborigines in Australia as an antiseptic and anti-fungal skin treatment. Native to the northeast coast of New South Wales, Australia, this particular tree now enjoys popularity all across the globe for topical skin treatments for conditions such as acne, inflammation, abrasions, burns and athlete's foot.
The Changing Conceptions of Soap
Soap has undergone many changes since the beginning of the 20th century. Bars and powders gave way to liquid soap which has now evolved into easy-to-use foam pumps. If you walk through the grocery or drugstore, you will see see an amazing array of soaps with many different colors and scents. Some have different moisturizing properties while others have antibacterial properties, an added benefit that quickly gained in popularity. In fact, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website, in an article by Stuart B. Levy, (see my comments to editor 1) antibacterial products rose from a few dozen in the mid 1990's to over 700 available today. The CDC states that antibacterial products are similar to antibiotics, and can actually increase resistant bacteria in the household. With this surge in resistance, more and more companies are turning to natural alternatives, like tea tree oil.
Research
Studies conducted recently and published in the August 2009 of "Phytomedicine" and the December 2009 issue of "Letters in Applied Microbiology" show that the oil extracted from the leaves of M. alternifolia have antiviral and antibacterial properties, particularly in response to H1N1, propionibacterium acnes (what causes acne) and MRSA. Its main constituents are terpinen-4-ol and cineole, which have been found to be the active substances contained within the oil. The inclusion of this oil in soaps and other topical cleansing products can naturally combat these viruses, helping to reduce the use of common antibiotics and antibacterial ingredients, thus lessening the resistance of these organisms.
Another study by K.J. Koh published in the December 2002 issue of the "British Journal of Dermatology" showed that the oil from Melaleuca alternifolia has anti-inflammatory properties and reduced the redness and swelling of skin that had histamine-induced bumps. For this reason, tea tree oil is often included in topical washes and gels in the treatment of acne and inflammatory skin conditions. A study published in the "Medical Journal of Australia" in 1990 showed that tea tree oil was as effective as benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne. Be aware, however, that because tea tree oil is not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, manufacturers are not required to list the amount of tea tree oil in the product. Studies done on its effectiveness with acne used 5 percent tea tree oil. If the oil is listed as one of the first ingredients, its percentage will be more as compared to a product with the ingredient listed 10th.
Other Benefits
Tea tree oil has a solvent nature, meaning it can dissolve other substances, namely grease and other oils. Many typical solvents found in common soaps are petroleum-based solvents, like sodium laureth sulfate. Using soap with tea tree oil is a healthier alternative, and you still get some proven germ fighters. You can also find it in shampoos, conditioners, lotions and bodywashes.
Products with Tea Tree Oil
Several manufacturers are make brands of soap that contain tea tree oil. These include Dr. Bronner's Magic "All-One" Tea Tree Oil Soap, EO Hand Soap, Jason Natural Cosmetics Satin Soap with Tea Tree Oil, Nature's Gate, Desert Essence and Reviva Labs.
References
- "Letters in Applied Microbiology;" In-Vitro Antiviral Activity of Melaleuca Alternifolia Essential Oil; A. Garrazzo, et al; December 2009.
- "Phytomedicine;" Synergism and Post-Antibiotic Effect of Tobramycin and Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil Against Staphylococcus Aureus and Escherichia coli; M. D'Arrigo, et al; August 2009.
- "British Journal of Dermatology;" Tea Tree Oil Reduces Histamine-Induced Skin Inflammation; K.J. Koh, et al; December 2002.
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