Health Benefits of Tea Tree Oil

Grown in the islands of the South Pacific and Australia, tea tree is a green shrub with needle-like leaves, soft, thick, white bark, and white flowers that bloom in the summer. Tea tree shrubs grow very quickly and can reach heights of 7 to 8 feet when mature. Classified as Melaleuca alternifolia, tea tree oil is mainly cultivated in New South Wales, Australia.

Tea tree leaves are steamed to produce a light yellow oil, which is used mainly in medicine. Tea tree oil is also used in industrial lubricants and cosmetic products.

Tea tree oil is affective against bacteria, fungi and viruses, including those resistant to some antibiotics. Tea tree oil is used extensively as an antimicrobial, antiseptic and disinfectant. Tea tree oil is frequently used to treat and eliminate toenail fungus and athlete's foot. It has shown to be effective in treating vaginal infections and herpes infections.

Tea tree oil is used to relieve mild burns, including sunburn. It can help reduce the itching and burning of insect bites and hemorrhoids. Tea tree oil is claimed to repel insects and is oftentimes used in pet shampoos to kill ticks and fleas. Tea tree oil has also been used to combat fungal disease affecting animals, fish and plants.

Tea tree oil has pain-numbing properties and can be used topically for sprains, arthritis, bursitis, gout and carpal tunnel syndrome. It is oftentimes used in massage therapy to alleviate the discomfort of sore muscles or joint injuries.

Tea tree oil has proven effective in the protection against periodontal disease and gingivitis. Tea tree oil has been used to kill bacteria in the mouth before dental surgery and to lessen mouth irritation caused by dental procedures. In patients who suffer from oral candidiasis, a fungal infection of the mouth and throat, tea tree oil mouth rinse may prove effective in reducing symptoms.

The use of tea tree oil has been reported in the treatment of candida, chicken pox, cold sores, colds, corns, cuts, flu, insect bites, itching, migraine headaches, ringworm, sinusitis, sores, warts, and whooping cough.

Tea tree oil offers immuno-stimulant properties which are of great value as a preventative remedy to help the body ward off all types of infection. It can be helpful to individuals undergoing surgery, as it assists the body in building up its natural resistance to infection and illness. Tea tree oil can be helpful to those suffering from chronic or debilitating illness. Research is currently being undertaken on the affects of tea tree oil and AIDS.

Tea tree oil contains chemicals known as terpenoids, which are believed to provide the oil with medicinal properties. According to Australian standards, tea tree oil must contain at least 30 percent, and preferably 40-50 percent of the compound terpinen-4-ol, in order for the oil to be considered medicinally useful.

Tea tree oil is considered to be safe as a topical treatment. Skin rashes, temporary dryness, itching, redness, irritation, inflammation of the corners of the mouth, and eczema may occur in people with allergies to tea tree oil. Tea tree oil should not be taken by mouth due to possible toxicity. It should not be used in the ears because it may cause hearing loss. Not enough scientific information is available to recommend tea tree oil during pregnancy or breastfeeding.