Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree Oil Benefits & Features
- Tea tree has been found in Australia (Sellar, 1992)
- It was included in military aid kits in tropical areas and munition factories during World War Two for skin injuries (Sellar, 1992)
- The oil possesses Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory, Antiviral, and Anti-fungal Properties (Sellar, 1992).
- Can treat acne, athlete’s foot, contact dermatitis, or head lice (Davis, 1988)
- Can help soothe dry skin by reducing itching and irritation (K. A. Hammer, 2004)
- Help to reduce redness and swelling (C. F. Carson, 1993)
- It is an effective wound healer (C. F. Carson, 1993)
- Treat dandruff by removing chemicals and dead skin cells from the scalp (Park, 2005).
- The oil is as effective as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid for treating acne (Andrew C. Satchell MB, 2002)
Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree Oil Info:
INCI: Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Also called like this: Tea Tree Oil, TTO
What it Does: soothing, anti-acne, antioxidant, antimicrobial/antibacterial, perfuming
All Functions: antioxidant, perfuming
Description: melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil is the oil distilled from the leaves of the tea tree, melaleuca alternifolia, Myrtaceae
CAS #: 85085-48-9 / 8022-72-8 / 68647-73-4
Color: Colourless to pale yellow
Melaleuca alternifolia, commonly called the Tea Tree has been used for medical purposes since Australia was colonized in 1788. When captain cook and his sailors first visited the Australian continent, they were said to have used the leaves of this tree to make a refreshing hot drink. Whether or not they liked the brew is uncertain, but the tree has kept the name they gave it. When the rest of the world thought it was just a weed, the Australian used the leaves to cure infected wounds. Around 1927, it was introduced into Europe and quickly noted for its antiseptic quality. It was included in military aid kits in tropical areas and munition factories during World War Two for skin injuries (Sellar, 1992).
Tea Tree is a relatively new addition to Aromatherapy; a small tree that grows up to 5 m has papery bark, narrow, pointed leaves up to 20 mm in length, and flowers in summer. its natural habitat is a relatively small area around the Clarence and Richmond rivers in the northeast coastal area of New South Wales, where the terrain is generally low-lying and swampy. (C. F. Carson, 1993).
Our Product with Tea Tree Oil
Scalp Care effectively treats both Dry & Oily Dandruff with a combination of Sulfonated Shale Oil & Salicylic Acid. Sulfonated Shale Oil lessens cell growth to control the scalp’s excess desquamation. The antibiotic, anti-inflammatory & anti-seborrheic actions reduce Dandruff, itchiness & over secretion of sebum. Exfoliating & Anti-inflammatory nature of Salicylic acid dissolves thick patches of dead skin cells, soothes the scalp & treats sebum concern problems.
Scalp Care effectively treats both Dry & Oily Dandruff with a combination of Sulfonated Shale Oil & Salicylic Acid. Sulfonated Shale Oil lessens cell growth to control the scalp’s excess desquamation. The antibiotic, anti-inflammatory & anti-seborrheic actions reduce Dandruff, itchiness & over secretion of sebum. Exfoliating & Anti-inflammatory nature of Salicylic acid dissolves thick patches of dead skin cells, soothes the scalp & treats sebum concern problems.
Tae Tree Oil Research Findings
Chemical Compounds in Tae Tree Oil :
This essential oil is a popular remedy for many skin diseases and may be used as neat oil or be present in cosmetics, topical pharmaceuticals, and household products. It has caused most (published) allergic reactions to all essential oils since the first cases were reported in 1991. The major constituents of commercial Tea Tree Oil are terpinen-4-ol, γ-terpinene, 1,8-cineole, α-terpinene, α-terpineol, p-cymene, and α-pinene.
Tea Tree Oil Benefits for Face
Tea tree oil is an essential oil that has many benefits for the skin. It’s an alternative to conventional treatments. Terpinen-4-ol is a major Tea Tree oil component with strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Tea tree oil exerts antioxidant activity and has been reported to have broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacterial, viral, fungal, and protozoal infections affecting the skin. Several studies have suggested using Tea Tree oil to treat acne vulgaris, seborrheic dermatitis, and chronic gingivitis. It also accelerates the wound healing process and exhibits anti-skin cancer activity. (Nader Pazyar MD, 2012) Tea tree oil promotes healthy skin by soothing and healing many skin issues. Use tea tree oil with a few precautions.
Tea Tree Oil for Acne -Over-the-counter acne treatments containing tea tree oil from the plant Melaleuca alternifolia are widely available, and evidence indicates that they are a common choice amongst those self-treating their acne. (Hammer, 2015). Acne is viewed as a chronic inflammatory skin disorder caused by a combination of factors, including excessive sebum production, abnormal desquamation of the follicular epithelium, inflammation, and the presence of the bacterium Propionibacterium acnes. Acne primarily affects adolescents and young adults, with up to 90% of adolescents affected by acne at some stage. Author Wonda Seller wrote in her Book “ The Directory Of Essential Oil” (Sellar, 1992) that tea tree oil is the second most commonly used topical treatment which closely follows the most commonly used product of 2.5% benzoyl peroxide. So, we can say that tea tree oil is a relatively common choice for those self-treating their acne. Tea tree oil is a monoterpene-rich, lipophilic, essential oil. The oil contains ca. 100 components, with the most abundant component (terpinen-4-ol) typically comprising ca. 40% of the oil. Tea tree oil has broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, and non-specific cell membrane damage is a major mechanism of antibacterial action (Hammer, 2015). A search found that they have systematically evaluated the efficacy of tea tree oil products for treating acne. Several studies have shown that applying tea tree oil products reduces the number of lesions in those with mild-to-moderate acne. Comparative trials showed that tea tree oil products were better than placebo and were equivalent to comparators, including 5% benzoyl peroxide and 2% topical erythromycin. Adverse events were typical of those experienced with other topical treatments and occurred at similar rates (Hammer, 2015).
Tea Tree Oil for Skin
Author Wonda Seller wrote in her Book “ The Directory Of Essential Oil” (seller, 1992) that its cleansing reduces pus in infected wounds, boils, and carbuncles. And very useful for burns, sores, sunburn, ringworm, warts, tinea herpes, and athlete’s foot.
Cicatrisant properties - Due to its cicatrisant properties tea tree oil quickly heals wounds and protects them from infections. It also helps to diminish the scar marks left by eruptions, boils, pox, and acne (Sidra Sabir).
Expectorant properties – It relieves cough and cold, congestion, bronchitis and other troubles associated with colds by rubbing tea tree oil on the chest (K. A. Hammer, 2004).
Insecticidal properties - Tea tree oil is an efficient insect killer. It does not allow parasites and other insects like mosquitoes, fleas, lice, or flies to come near someone who has rubbed some of this oil on their body (K. A. Hammer, 2004).
Antiseptic - Tea tree oil is an excellent antiseptic so it can be a wise preventative choice in case of wounds It can be applied on wounds, boils, sores, cuts, skin eruptions, insect bites, and stings to protect them from infections (K. A. Hammer, 2004).
Stimulant - Tea tree oil stimulates hormone 85 Sabir et al. Int. J. Biosci. 2014 secretions, blood circulation, and most importantly, on the immune system. It acts as a protective shield against many different types of infections. (Sidra Sabir)
Sudorific properties - Tea tree essential oil promotes sweating and removes toxins like uric acid. Furthermore, it helps to remove excess water and salts from the body and clean the pores. It also prevents the occurrence of acne. (Sidra Sabir)
Prevention from Vaginitis and cervicitis- According to a study, 40% emulsified Tea tree Oil in 13% isopropyl alcohol is effective in treating 130 women with cervicitis or vaginitis due to Trichomonas vaginalisor vaginitis due to Candida albicans. Intravaginal application of tampons saturated with a 20% emulsified solution healed cervicitis caused by Trichomonas vaginalis after four weekly treatments. In patients with vaginitis due to Trichomonas vaginalis, intravaginal application of a 1% emulsified solution using a saturated tampon and vaginal douching resulted in clinical cures and restoration of the cervix (Pena, 1962). According to another study without controls, 28 women suffering with vaginitis due to Candida albicans were treated with vaginal pessaries (containing 0.2 g essential oil) every night for 90 days. After 30 days of treatment, 21 were free of Candida albican and 24 were free of symptoms such as leukorrhea and burning sensation (Belaiche, 1988) (Sidra Sabir).
Tea Tree Oil for Hair
Aromatherapy began to draw attention again as an alternative therapy because the essential oils used for aromatherapy not only allow the human body to maintain homeostasis but also affect curing a mental feeling of fatigue and fatigue because these efficacies and effects are proceeding being proven scientifically. Also, with a high voice of concern about the severe side effects of modern medicine and synthetic chemistry, aromatherapy came to be paid attention to as the replacement therapy that can substitute for and supplement this. At the time of requiring a study on a substance to substitute for this after having announced in Japan in 1998 a risk of Zincpyrithione that is being used as a component of dandruff treatment, it was thought that the aroma oil that was known for having an anti-dandruff effect has a merit of being easy in a user's access (Andrew C. Satchell MB, 2002). Thus it will be effective in curing the symptom of dandruff. Some studies conducted the following experiment to examine whether Tea tree oil has an anti-microbial effect on the actual Malassezia; it measured the minimum concentration of tea tree oil in which the growth of Malassezia is inhibited by carrying out MIC (Minimum Inhibition Concentration) test in terms of anti-microbial activity against Malassezia furfur KCTC 7744 while using oils of Patchouli, Rosemary, Lavender, and Tea tree among aroma oils that are being used for dandruff treatment. As a result, Tea tree oil has the most excellent anti-microbial activity. Next, it is eased by applying Tea tree oil directly to the scalp of dandruff. Because of the experiment, the tea tree oil massage indicated the result of relieving the symptoms of dandruff, such as scale, itch, pain, inflammation, and sebum. Among these symptoms of dandruff, it was shown to be most effective in easing itch. Especially this clinical experiment indicated that the massage of Tea tree oil has the most effect on relieving the itch of targets with a dry-skin type who had no experience with dandruff treatment. (Park, 2005)
How to Use:
Though Tea Tree essential oil can be used on any hair type or skin to treat dandruff or acne, before use, always dilute the oil with any carrier oil or your favorite oil. If you have sensitive skin and are unsure how your scalp skin may react, talk to your dermatologist about integrating the oil into your routine. There’s no recommended dose for Tea Tree Oil. Follow all directions on the product label.
Five possible uses of tea tree oil
Tea tree oil has many applications. Some suggestions include:
- Wound dressing. Place a few drops of oil onto fresh wound dressing to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation.
- Homemade mouthwash. Add 2 drops of tea tree oil to a cup of water and use as mouthwash. Do not swallow as tea tree oil is toxic if taken internally.
- Natural dandruff remedy. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil into regular shampoo and wash hair as normal.
- Acne treatment. Add 4 drops of tea tree oil to a half cup of water. Apply to the face with a cotton pad once daily.
- Household cleaner. Mix 20 drops of tea tree oil with a cup of water and a half cup of white vinegar. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and use as an all-purpose antimicrobial cleaner.
Precaution:
Avoid using this oil if you have eczema, as it could worsen your condition. Also, use caution with inhaling the oil if you have asthma, as it may worsen your symptoms. It may irritate sensitive areas of the skin. It’s a good rule of thumb to consult your doctor if you’re considering using tea tree oil but have questions or concerns. This is particularly true if you:
- are pregnant
- are breastfeeding
- take prescription medications
- have an underlying health condition
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Which tea tree oil is best for acne?
Ans. You can buy any brand of Tea Tree Oil, but you must follow these 4tips,
- Make sure the plant’s Latin name is listed on the label or on the webpage if you are shopping online. If only the common name is listed (for example, "lavender essential oil"), you might be shelling out for a lower-cost hybrid.
- Check the bottle. A quality supplier will sell their essential oils in a tightly sealed dark (usually amber) glass bottle. Light and heat can damage essential oils (hence why the bottle needs to be dark), and the highly volatile chemical compounds in EOs don’t mix well with plastic, so they must be kept in the glass. If you ever see an essential oil in a plastic bottle, do not buy it!
- Read the label; it should also state what plant parts were used (i.e., on a bottle of niaouli, it should say “Plant part: Leaf and twig”), how it was extracted (distillation or expression), and how it was grown (aka organic, wild-crafted, traditional). The label should also specify that it is “100 percent pure essential oil” and list the net contents (including metric measurement). If it says “essence oil,” that’s not a pure essential oil but typically a premixed blend of essential oil(s) in a base of carrier oil (like jojoba). This is great for specific applications but is not pure essential oil. The label should list all ingredients in the formula, and if you’re shopping for a pure EO, it should have only one ingredient.
- Verify the source; you should easily find where it originated. If the label doesn’t outright mention the country of origin, you might see a “lot#,” which you can then look up. If you’re buying from a website, it should state where the oil is from on the product page, even if the individual bottles may not (simply because labels can be pretty small).
- Therapeutic Grade, two types of essential oil are available in the market, Commercial type & Therapeutic Grade; shopping for essential oils is like shopping for diamonds; some sellers will claim EOs can be grade A, B, C, etc., but if you see any bottles marked this way, remember that it’s just grade A bull.
2. How much tea tree oil is to add to carrier oil?
Ans. For every 1 to 2 drops of tea tree oil, add 12 drops of carrier oil.
3. Which tea tree oil is best for hair?
Ans. You can buy any brand of Tea Tree Oil, but you must follow these 4tips,
- Make sure the plant’s Latin name is listed on the label or on the webpage if you are shopping online. If only the common name is listed (for example, "lavender essential oil"), you might be shelling out for a lower-cost hybrid.
- Check the bottle. A quality supplier will sell their essential oils in a tightly sealed dark (usually amber) glass bottle. Light and heat can damage essential oils (hence why the bottle needs to be dark), and the highly volatile chemical compounds in EOs don’t mix well with plastic, so they must be kept in the glass. If you ever see an essential oil in a plastic bottle, do not buy it!
- Read the label; it should also state what plant parts were used (i.e., on a bottle of niaouli, it should say “Plant part: Leaf and twig”), how it was extracted (distillation or expression), and how it was grown (aka organic, wild-crafted, traditional). The label should also specify that it is “100 percent pure essential oil” and list the net contents (including metric measurement). If it says “essence oil,” that’s not a pure essential oil but typically a premixed blend of essential oil(s) in a base of carrier oil (like jojoba). This is great for specific applications but is not pure essential oil. The label should list all ingredients in the formula, and if you’re shopping for a pure EO, it should have only one ingredient.
- Verify the source; you should easily find where it originated. If the label doesn’t outright mention the country of origin, you might see a “lot#,” which you can then look up. If you’re buying from a website, it should state where the oil is from on the product page, even if the individual bottles may not (simply because labels can be pretty small).
- Therapeutic Grade, two types of essential oil are available in the market, Commercial type & Therapeutic Grade; shopping for essential oils is like shopping for diamonds; some sellers will claim EOs can be grade A, B, C, etc., but if you see any bottles marked this way, remember that it’s just grade A bull.
4. What tea tree oil does for the skin?
Ans. Tea tree oil is a popular choice for treating acne because of its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It's thought to calm redness, swelling, and inflammation. It may even help to prevent and reduce acne scars, leaving you with smooth, clear skin.
5. What does tea tree oil smell like?
Ans. Tea Tree Oil smells Fresh & Sanitary, camphoraceous Aroma.
6. Which tea tree oil is best for acne scars?
Ans.You can buy any brand of Tea Tree Oil, but you must follow these 4tips,
- Make sure the plant’s Latin name is listed on the label or on the webpage if you are shopping online. If only the common name is listed (for example, "lavender essential oil"), you might be shelling out for a lower-cost hybrid.
- Check the bottle. A quality supplier will sell their essential oils in a tightly sealed dark (usually amber) glass bottle. Light and heat can damage essential oils (hence why the bottle needs to be dark), and the highly volatile chemical compounds in EOs don’t mix well with plastic, so they must be kept in the glass. If you ever see an essential oil in a plastic bottle, do not buy it!
- Read the label; it should also state what plant parts were used (i.e., on a bottle of niaouli, it should say “Plant part: Leaf and twig”), how it was extracted (distillation or expression), and how it was grown (aka organic, wild-crafted, traditional). The label should also specify that it is “100 percent pure essential oil” and list the net contents (including metric measurement). If it says “essence oil,” that’s not a pure essential oil but typically a premixed blend of essential oil(s) in a base of carrier oil (like jojoba). This is great for specific applications but is not pure essential oil. The label should list all ingredients in the formula, and if you’re shopping for a pure EO, it should have only one ingredient.
- Verify the source; you should easily find where it originated. If the label doesn’t outright mention the country of origin, you might see a “lot#,” which you can then look up. If you’re buying from a website, it should state where the oil is from on the product page, even if the individual bottles may not (simply because labels can be pretty small).
- Therapeutic Grade, two types of essential oil are available in the market, Commercial type & Therapeutic Grade; shopping for essential oils is like shopping for diamonds; some sellers will claim EOs can be grade A, B, C, etc., but if you see any bottles marked this way, remember that it’s just grade A bull.
7. Why is tea tree oil bad for piercings?
Ans. Tea tree oil is also an antiseptic, which means that it may help prevent infections around wounds. That said, it might be best to avoid using tea tree oil on new piercings, as the drying effects of the oil may interrupt the natural healing process.
8. Which tea tree oil is best for dandruff?
Ans. You can buy any brand of Tea Tree Oil, but you must follow these 4tips,
- Make sure the plant’s Latin name is listed on the label or on the webpage if you are shopping online. If only the common name is listed (for example, "lavender essential oil"), you might be shelling out for a lower-cost hybrid.
- Check the bottle. A quality supplier will sell their essential oils in a tightly sealed dark (usually amber) glass bottle. Light and heat can damage essential oils (hence why the bottle needs to be dark), and the highly volatile chemical compounds in EOs don’t mix well with plastic, so they must be kept in the glass. If you ever see an essential oil in a plastic bottle, do not buy it!
- Read the label; it should also state what plant parts were used (i.e., on a bottle of niaouli, it should say “Plant part: Leaf and twig”), how it was extracted (distillation or expression), and how it was grown (aka organic, wild-crafted, traditional). The label should also specify that it is “100 percent pure essential oil” and list the net contents (including metric measurement). If it says “essence oil,” that’s not a pure essential oil but typically a premixed blend of essential oil(s) in a base of carrier oil (like jojoba). This is great for specific applications but is not pure essential oil. The label should list all ingredients in the formula, and if you’re shopping for a pure EO, it should have only one ingredient.
- Verify the source; you should easily find where it originated. If the label doesn’t outright mention the country of origin, you might see a “lot#,” which you can then look up. If you’re buying from a website, it should state where the oil is from on the product page, even if the individual bottles may not (simply because labels can be pretty small).
- Therapeutic Grade, two types of essential oil are available in the market, Commercial type & Therapeutic Grade; shopping for essential oils is like shopping for diamonds; some sellers will claim EOs can be grade A, B, C, etc., but if you see any bottles marked this way, remember that it’s just grade A bull.
9. When to use tea tree oil on the face?Ans. Tea tree oil can be used on the face to treat skin conditions such as spots, pimples, blemishes, dryness, and infections. The oil has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties, making it ideal for treating and soothing skin conditions.
10. Are tea tree oil suppositories safe?
Ans. Tea tree therapy suppositories with tea tree oil are an easy and safe complement to dietary treatments. They allow the body's natural defenses to regain control when the system has become unbalanced.
11. Will tea tree oil remove acne?
Ans. It's widely accepted that tea tree oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. This can help prevent acne lesions while also reducing swelling associated with inflammatory acne.
12. Will tea tree oil help dandruff?
Ans. Tea tree oil’s natural antifungal properties make it a good option for treating fungal conditions, such as dandruff, flakes, and Itchy scalp.
Suggested Research Papers for Further Reading:
- Treatment of acne with tea tree oil (melaleuca) products: A review of efficacy, tolerability and potential modes of action, K.A. Hammer, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2014.10.011
- Andrew C. Satchell MB, B. A. (2002, December). Treatment of dandruff with 5% tea tree oil shampoo. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 852-855. doi:https://doi.org/10.1067/mjd.2002.122734
- Hammer, K. (2015, February ). Treatment of acne with tea tree oil (melaleuca) products: A review of efficacy, tolerability and potential modes of action. International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, 106-110. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2014.10.011
- K. A. Hammer, C. F. ( 2004, June). Antifungal effects of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil and its components on Candida albicans, Candida glabrata and Saccharomyces cerevisiae . journal of Antimicrobial chemotherapy , 1081–1085. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/jac/dkh243
References:
- Andrew C. Satchell MB, B. A. (2002, December). Treatment of dandruff with 5% tea tree oil shampoo. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 852-855. doi:https://doi.org/10.1067/mjd.2002.122734
- C. F. Carson, T. V. (1993, February 1st). Antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia. Letters in Applied Microbiology, 49–55. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1472-765X.1993.tb00340.x
- Hammer, K. (2015, February ). Treatment of acne with tea tree oil (melaleuca) products: A review of efficacy, tolerability and potential modes of action. International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, 106-110. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2014.10.011
- K. A. Hammer, C. F. ( 2004, June). Antifungal effects of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil and its components on Candida albicans, Candida glabrata and Saccharomyces cerevisiae . journal of Antimicrobial chemotherapy , 1081–1085. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/jac/dkh243
- Nader Pazyar MD, R. Y. (2012, September 24). A review of applications of tea tree oil in dermatology. International Journal of Dermatology , 114. doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-4632.2012.05654.x
- Park, E.-H. (2005). A Study on Efficiency of Essential Oil for Dandruff Symptoms Relief - Focused on Tea tree oil -. Journal of the Korean Society of Fashion and Beauty. Retrieved from https://koreascience.kr/article/JAKO200506142241534.page
- Sellar, W. (1992). The Directory Of Essential Oils. London: Vermilion an imprint of Ebury.
- Sidra Sabir, M. A. (n.d.). Pharmacological attributes and nutritional benefits of tea tree. International Journal of Biosciences . doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.12692/ijb/5.2.80-91