Symptom: Acne Herb: Tea Tree

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Tea tree

Melaleuca alternifolia

 

Source

Tea tree is a small tree in the myrtle family that grows in wet ground on the

northern coast of New South Wales and southern Queensland, Australia. The

essential oil is produced commercially on plantations in New South Wales.

Traditional Use

Interest in tea tree oil emerged in the 1920s when Australian researchers found

it had up to thirteen times greater antiseptic activity than carbolic acid,

then a well-known germicide. In 1930, The Medicinal Journal of Australia

revealed that the oil, when applied to carbuncles and pusfilled infections,

dissolved pus and inhibited bacterial growth without damaging surrounding

tissues. Further studies established the oil as a disinfectant in soaps, a

topical treatment for parasitic skin diseases, and a deodorant for wounds. A

couple of drops in a glass of water were recommended as a gargle for sore

throat at early stages of inflammation. Its confirmed antiseptic activity,

gentleness to oral mucosa, and apparent lack of toxicity endeared it to

Australian dentists. Physicians used the oil to treat throat infections, dirty

wounds, candida, and fungal infections including ring worm and athlete's foot.

Current Status

Tea tree oil is now one of Australia's

more popular herbal exports. A 1990 clinical trial involving 124 patients

provides evidence of its effectiveness in the treatment of facial acne. A 5

percent solution of tea tree oil in a water-based gel was less effective

(because of slower onset of action) than 5 percent benzoyl peroxide in a

water-based lotion, but was better tolerated by facial skin with less scaling,

dryness, itching, and irritation than with the benzoyl peroxide preparation.

A recent multicenter, randomized, double-blind clinical

study of 117 patients found that 100 percent tea tree oil applied topically to

fungus-infected toenails was as effective as a standard treatment of I percent

clotrimazole solution. Another recent study found that tea tree oil had strong

activity against antibiotic-resistant bacteria strains.

Preparations

The essential oil is generally available, as are vaginal suppositories for

candida. In the mid-1980s, an Australian quality standard for tea tree oil was established,

calling for a component known as terpinen-4-ol to constitute 30 percent or more

of the oil, with less than 15 percent cineole, a compound considered to reduce

the oil's quality. The standard has some latitude, with higher quality oils

containing 40-47 percent terpinen-4-ol, and only 2.5 percent cineole. Oils high

in terpinen-4-ol and low in cineole are considered best for predictable

results.

Cautions

None noted, though as with all essential oils, some individuals may experience

contact dermatitis. Internally, all essential oils are potentially toxic. Use

only as directed.

Symptoms

Acne

Candida

Actions

Antibacterial

Antifungal

 

 

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