Tea tree oil is a clear to very yellow or green-tinged essential oil with a fresh camphoraceous odor. These leaves were earlier used as a substitute for tea, which is how the oil got its name.

One should not confuse Tea tree oil and Tea Oil (the seasoning and cooking oil obtained from pressed seeds of the plant Camellia oleifera).

Tea Tree oil was used in Australia as a potent antiseptic much before any scientific research. Tea Tree crushed leaves were used as traditional medicine by inhaling the oils treating cold and cough and also sprinkling them on wounds.

It was only after 1920’s use of oil itself become popular. A series of research papers evaluating antimicrobial properties published by Arthur Penfold led to the popularity. The oil was extracted using mobile, makeshift, wood-fired bush still and plant material was hand cut on the spot. The demand was very high till World War II and ebbed after the war mainly due to development of effective antibiotics and interest in natural products. However, the interest in natural essential oils was rekindled in 1970s and 1980s and its demand has surged for uses in medicinal and cosmetic uses. Further studies in the recent time support the use of tea tree oil in skin care and various aliments.

Here are glimpses of the uses of this wondrous oil:

•Tea Tree Oil Acne: A study done in Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Department of Dermatology proved Tea Tree oil as very effective in treatment of moderate acne.

•Inhaled tea tree oil helps breathing easier by “breaking up congestion”. It can also minimize the symptoms of flu, cold, sore throat and systemic fungal infection.

•Dandruff: Tea tree shampoo helped significantly reduce dandruff symptoms after 4 weeks of use. This was reveled in a study done on 126 people with mild to moderate dandruff. This is due to its ability to treat Malassezia furfur, the general common cause of the dandruff.

•Athlete’s Foot: A study to cure athlete’s foot was done and 50% tea tree oil solution and placebo was used. After two daily applications for 4 weeks, tea tree oil was found to be significantly more effective than placebo.

•Toenails and Fungal Infection: Another study found that 100% tea tree oil was as effective on toenail fungus infection as was the standard antifungal medication of 1% clotrimazole solution.

•Tea tree oil is also effective against candidiasis and other vaginal infections.

•It can also be used as a bath additive and also may control bacteria in spas and pools.

• Tea Tree oil is also used in cosmetic products to make tea tree soap and shampoo.

•It has also been used in treatments for eye aliment and blepharitis.

•It is also used in toothpastes, mouth washes for curing bad breath and gum diseases.

•It is also effective in treating minor wounds, insect bites soothe sunburn and ear infection.

•Tea Tree oil diluted solution is also sold as to cure fungal and bacterial infection for pet fish.

These are just the few of its uses and the list surely goes on. Tea tree oil is a amazing gift from mother nature which we can put to a plethora of uses.

Originally posted 2009-10-30 09:07:12. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Related posts:

1. Tea Tree Oil – the Natural Cure
2. Acne Relief From Tea Tree Oil
3. Tea Tree Oil Acne Relief

What is Tea Tree Oil? Basically, it is an oil obtained by steam distillation of the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a plant native to Australia.

Historically, the leaves were used as a substitute for tea, which is how tea tree oil got its name. The part used medicinally is the oil from the leaves.

The Tea Tree has a long history of traditional use. Australian aboriginals used Tea Tree leaves for healing skin cuts, burns, and infections by crushing the leaves and applying them to the affected area. The oils work as an antiseptic and antifungal due to terpenoids found naturally within the oil.

The first to recognize the unique qualities of the essential oil was a government chemist from Sydney, A. R. Penfold. In 1925 he announced the results of laboratory experiments that showed the oil was twelve times stronger than phenol (carbolic acid) which was then the universal standard for antiseptic substances. This led to further research and to the increasing use of the oil in medicine, dentistry and as a home remedy.

In 1930 a report in the Medical Journal of Australia’ commented on its non- toxicity and lack of irritancy. The report noted enthusiastically that tea-tree oil dissolved pus and left the surfaces of infected wounds clean so that its germicidal action became more effective and without any apparent damage to the tissues. ‘Dirty wounds, such as are frequently seen as the result of street accidents, may be washed or syringed out with a 10% watery lotion; the solvent properties will loosen and bring away the dirt which is usually ground in … healing will readily take place.’

In 1936 the same journal reported a very bad case of diabetic gangrene successfully treated with tea-tree oil. In 1937 it was pointed out that one of the outstanding features of the oil is that the presence of blood, pus or other organic matter actually increases the oil’s antiseptic powers by some 10 to 12 per cent.

During the Second World War tea-tree oil was issued in first aid kits to army and navy units in the tropical regions. At one point demand so outstripped supply that synthetic antiseptics had to be substituted. This, coupled with the fervent post-war interest in antibiotic drugs, led to a decline of interest in tea-tree, which persisted right up to the 1970s.

So what are the complete benefits of Tea Tree Oil? Most notoriously, people have used it for the following conditions:

* Acne

* Athlete’s foot

* Dandruff

* Vaginitis

* Thrush

* Periodontal disease

* As an antiseptic

* Boils

* Lice

* Eczema

* Psoriasis

* Yeast infection

There is dispute over whether Tea Tree Oil can be taken internally. Most packaging recommends against it, others claim in reasonable amounts it has various benefits. But taking it internally should only be by the advice of a professional.

So now you have heard of Tea Tree Oil. What are you waiting for, find some for your medicine chest.

Originally posted 2009-11-15 08:19:40. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Related posts:

1. Helath, Wellness & a Tea Tree
2. Helath, Wellness & a Tea Tree
3. Helath, Wellness & a Tea Tree