The Truth About the Benefits of Tea Tree Oil

In recent years, the almost miraculous medicinal properties of tea tree oil (scientifically known as Melaleuca alternifolia) have gained popularity.  It is claimed to have antifungal properties and can cure dandruff, athlete's foot and herpes among others.  It is also reputed to have antiviral is an effective treatment for warts, cold sores and respiratory infection.   Finally, it is also known to have antibacterial properties and therefore is being recommended to treat acne and other bacterial infection.  Are these claims factual or just another marketing hype?

Tea tree oil came from a plant native in the coastal area of Australia.  It was first used in the middle of 1920s in surgery and in dentistry.  During World War two, records show that it was used to treat skin injuries of people who were working the munitions factories.  In modern times, it became popular again and is usually used as an ingredient for shampoos, soap, lotions and other beauty products.

Tea tree is clinically proven to have antimicrobial effects.  It has been applied to cuts, stings, acne and burns to prevent infection.  Hospitals also use soap with tea tree oil for hand washing and blankets for burn victims are soaked in tea tree oil to render it antibacterial.  Some studies also ran it through air conditioning ducts and results shows that it has bactericidal effect.  A study conducted for the Australian Government Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) in August 2005 for RIRDC by Messager, Hammer and Riley had shown that it was effective in preventing infection and helping the healing process of wounds from radioactive therapy.

The same study also proved that Tea tree oils is a good antiseptic agent and a 15% concentration can fight Bacillus cereus, a bacteria that can cause food poisoning.  It also showed that it can be as effective as alcoholic hygienic hand wash.

A study from the University of Western Australia also revealed that tea tree oil has antimicrobial effect against yeast infection (caused by Candida Albicans) and MRSA (caused by staphylococcus aureus). It fights other infections caused by Escherichia Coli and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa. 

Another study in August 2005 conducted for RIRDC by Carson, Ashton, Dry, Smith and Riley to observe if tea tree oil can treat cold sore, showed that it can reduce the symptoms of the cold sore but does not offer a cure. Therefore it may be safe to conclude that the claim that it can cure antifungal infection is not substantiated.

At the moment, tea tree oil is only recommended as topical use as there is not enough information available as to its toxicity.  However, a laboratory study conducted in 1990, a 2g/kg of body weight proved lethal to a rat.

Did you like this article? Visit http://www.justwriting4u.co.uk

Copy Rights 2010 Hope Varnes All Rights Reserved

Hope Varnes is a freelance web content and copy writer who helps small and medium businesses increase the results of their marketing and advertising campaign. To increase your sales visit http://www.justwriting4u.co.uk