Tea Tree Oils

Researchers have identified several antifungal herbs that are effective against tinea pedis (athlete s foot), such as tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) and garlic (Allium sativum). 

Tea tree oil comes from an evergreen tree native to Australia. The herb has been used as a nonirritating, antimicrobial for cuts stings wounds burns and acne. It can be found in shampoos soaps and lotions. Tea tree oil should not be ingested orally but is effective when used topically for minor cuts and stings. Tea tree oil is used as an antifungal to relieve and control the symptoms of tinea pedis Topical application is most effective when used in a cream with at least 10% tea tree oil. Several commercially prepared ointments are available. The cream is applied to affected areas twice daily for several weeks... 

Garlic is used as an antifungal. A cream of 0.4% ajoene (the antifungal component of garlic) was found to relieve symptoms of athlete s foot and, tike tea tree oil, is applied twice daily. (For more information on garlic, see Herbal Alert in Chap. 44.)... 

Tea tree oil Melaleuca alternifolia Topical antimicrobial Contact dermatitis For topical use only do not take orally. 

Home remedies offer an inexpensive and safe option for treating skin diseases. Eor example, regularly washing the face with a face wash that contains tea tree oil, a natural antibacterial agent, helps to kill the bacteria residing in the pores of the skin and helps to reduce instances of acne. Epsom salt baths or mud baths coupled with frequent exposure to sunhght are excellent home remedies for psoriasis. The application of oatmeal or seawater can help reduce the inflammation and itchiness associated with eczema. 

Hammer KA, Carson CF, Riley TV. (2004) Antifungal effects of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil and its components on Candida albicans, Candida glabrata and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. J Antimicrob Chemother 53 1081-1085. 

Tea tree oil is obtained by steam distillation of leaves and twig tips of Melaleuca alternifolia L., and other Melaleuca species, which are trees growing in Australia (Myrtaceae). It is a pale to light yellow liquid with an earthy, spicy odor. 

Fig. 17.10 Stir-bar sorptive extraction-enantio-MDGC-MS analysis of tea tree oil, main column separation [45]...

Unfortunately, enantiomeric purities and total percentages of a-pinene, ]3-pinene, limonene and a-terpineol from tea tree oils more or less overlap with those of Eucalyptus oils (Table 17.3). Only enantiomeric purities and total percentages of terpinen-4-ol and a-phellandrene are significantly different, when Melaleuca and Eucalyptus oils are compared with regard to authenticity assessment [45]. 

Tea tree oil Melaleuca alternifolia Cheel, Melaleuca linariifolia Sm., Melaleuca dissitiflora Mueller Eucalyptus oil Eucalyptus globulus Lab ill., Eucalyptus fructicetorum R v. Mueller ex Miquel, Eucalyptus smithii R. T. Baker... 

Tea tree oil had an ameliorating effect on mild to moderate acne in a single-blind, randomized trial in which benzoyl peroxide served as comparator. It has also shown promise in onychomycosis in a comparative trial with clotrimazole. Among the antimicrobial constituents are terpinen-4-ol, linalool, and a-terpineol. 

Both Australia and New Zealand have indigenous tea trees in the family Myrtaceae, which were reputedly used for brewing tea by Captain Cook. There is, however, no resemblance between real tea Camellia sinensis, Camelliaceae, and the taste or odor of these species. The Australian tea tree oil from Melaleuca alternifolia and other Melaleuca species has strong antimicrobial potential (see Lis-Balchin et al., 2000, for a review and references). 

Many of the folk-medicinal uses of the New Zealand tea tree oils are related to both species, e.g., the leaves of Manuka and Kanuka were used as vapor baths for colds an infusion was very astringent and various uses were found for concoctions including urinary complaints and as a febrifuge. Kanuka was applied to scalds and bums, used to stop coughing, and as a sedative it was also used against dysentery. The decoction of boiled leaves and bark was used to treat stiff backs, etc. Seed capsules were boiled to yield a decoction to apply externally to treat inflammation or to drink for diarrhea the capsules or leaves were also chewed for dysentery. The water from boiled bark was used for treating inflamed breasts and also to treat mouth, throat, and eye problems. 

There is a vogue for many scientifically nonqualified aromatherapists to practice clinical aromatherapy, in which they prescribe the internal usage of essential oils. Internal prescribing involves oral, rectal, and vaginal intake however, the use of tampons soaked in various potentially toxic essential oils, such as the various tea tree oils, with variable biological potential could have a possible harmful effect on the delicate internal mucosal membranes. The possibility of misdiagnosis of a urogenital condition by medically unqualified aromatherapists or by the patients themselves could also result in serious consequences. 

Lis-Balchin, M., Hart, S.L., and Deans, S.G., Pharmacological and antimicrobial studies on different tea-tree oils (Melaleuca alternifolia, Leptospermum scoparium or Manuka and Kunzea ericoides or Kanuka), originating in Australia and New Zealand, Phytother. Res., 14, 623-629, 2000. 

When possible, it is best to prevent or treat it with natural remedies, such as organic tea tree oil (use only externally) and Molkosan (rinse vaginally... 

Organic Tea Tree Oil www.911health shop.com/orteatreoilb.html... 

Choose an all-natural anti-mosquito product, such as the Herbal Insect Repellent from Real Purity (http //realpu rity.com) or a different product that can be easily tolerated, but avoid all chemical creams and spray cans. It is very risky to keep using such products with regard to the possible deterioration of your situation. If you re able to tolerate essential oils, tea tree oil is also a good substance to ward off mosquitoes and other biting insects. It also helps treat the itch and the swelling when you ve already been bitten. Use organic tea tree oil (see entry 297) Avoid cheaper (often synthetic) essential oils, which can cause reactions in those with sensitivities. Do not use a mosquito net that has been treated with an insecticide. 

If the MCS patient can endure essential oils, then these are excellent substances with which to tackle skin problems. Make sure to research the given oil, because most oils cannot be applied to the skin in concentrated form — tea tree oil and lavender oil are a few exceptions to this, but just to be safe you should carefully test it. 

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