Tea Tree Oil

 Wow, this article sheds a different light of tea tree oil. I will think twice before I use it. I think it shows us how we can be sold on anything if the marketing is very good.

 (Berkeley Wellness)
Tea tree oil is promoted as a “natural” remedy for cuts, burns, insect bites, athlete’s foot, and many other skin disorders, particularly acne. Does it deliver?

The leaves of the tea tree, Melaleuca alternifolia, a native Australian hardwood, contain chemicals that, at least under laboratory conditions, kill a wide range of bacteria and fungi. Native Australians and then European settlers used tea tree leaves medicinally and even brewed a tea from them. The oil is toxic when swallowed. During the 1930s, lacking anything better, Australian surgeons began using it as a disinfectant and germicide. After World War II and the discovery of penicillin, tea tree oil fell out of medical use, but it’s become popular again. Tea tree oil is an ingredient in deodorants, sunscreens, laundry detergents, fabric softeners, toothpastes, shampoos, mouth rinses, vaginal suppositories, and a host of other products. With its camphor-like smell, it is used for massage and aromatherapy.

Scientific study of tea tree oil has mainly been carried out in Australia—not surprising since the oil is an important agricultural export and industry down under. As with many other herbal products, studies have been small, brief, and mostly conducted in test tubes or with mice. One case study of athlete’s foot found tea tree oil kept the fungus from growing for 48 hours—but that was in only one pair of feet for two days. Tea tree oil can reduce yeast growth—in test tubes, anyway. It has shown some promise against toenail fungus in some studies, but recurrence rates were high. It is difficult to compare one study with another, because varying types and concentrations of tea tree oil have been used.

From plus to minus

And some studies have suggested harm rather than benefits. A few years ago, for instance, Australian researchers found that tea tree oil actually damaged human tissue in burn wounds, rather than promoting healing. And one lab study suggested it might help promote antibiotic resistance.

Bottom line: As an ingredient in various products, tea tree oil is probably safe. Many researchers have called for real clinical trials. Meanwhile, if you want to try tea tree oil or a product containing it for acne, toe nail fungus, or athlete’s foot, it probably won’t hurt and might help. But never put it on lacerated skin or open wounds, and discontinue use if a rash or itching develops. Don’t swallow the oil, and keep it out of children’s reach. There are better remedies than tea tree oil for almost any ailment it’s touted for. Ask your doctor or dermatologist for advice.