Tea tree oil: The natural solution to fungi and germs!

22/08/2019
teatree

Tea tree or otherwise Melaleuca alterinfolia is a plant known for its strong antimicrobial properties. It is very popular in Australia, where it has been traditionally used for many years mainly in the form of its oil: tea tree oil!

Tea tree oil: Uses

Tea tree oil is basically the essential oil derived from the distillation of the leaves of the homonymous plant. In recent years its use has been spread all over the world as a natural solution to many alternative therapies and we now find it in many cosmetics, topical ointments and gels, but also in home cleansers.

Tea tree oil has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antifungal properties. It is used in fungi, acne, athlete’s foot, lice and dermatological problems (1). Thus, it is often found in dandruff shampoos, foot fungal creams, and also anti lice products.

Attention must be paid in the use of Tea tree oil, as it is strong enough to be used alone. Many people use a small amount of tea tree oil topically for pimples or insect bites. But most of the time it is dissolved in some cream, gel or shampoo depending on the problem for which it is intended.

Tea tree oil for fungi

The ability of tea tree oil to fight fungi has been extensively studied. Most studies, however, focus on the fungus Candida albicans, a type of yeast that often affects the skin, genitals, mouth and throat. Recent data indicate that several other yeasts, dermatophytes and filamentous fungi are also susceptible to tea tree oil (2).

This property makes tea tree oil necessary for every home, as it can be easily dissolved in water for a foot bath or for spraying mattresses and shoes. An easy and fast solution that will help you get rid of growing fungi and bacteria quickly.

Tea tree oil and acne

Tea tree oil is widely used in cleansers and acne creams. Indeed, in a recent study comparing gel with 5% tea tree oil versus lotion with 5% benzoyl peroxide, there was a significant improvement in mild to moderate acne. Tea tree oil seemed to work slower. However, the important thing was that those who used tea tree oil gel noticed fewer side effects (3).

Tea tree oil – Side effects

Tea tree oil is not recommended for oral use as it becomes toxic! Consuming it can cause serious problems such as confusion or ataxia (lack of muscle coordination). (4)

Although most use Tea tree oil products without any problems, there have been cases where its application has caused skin irritation or contact dermatitis (4).

In general, Tea tree oil is probably the most potent antimicrobial we could find in nature. Discover its properties and face unwanted fungi!

Find in Vita4you tea tree oil from many companies!

Sources

  1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/262944.php
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1360273/
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2145499
  4. https://nccih.nih.gov/health/tea/treeoil.htm#know

 

Pelagia Damianou

Bsc, Nutritionist - Dietician specializing in Clinical Nutrition, in Food Disorders in Children and Adolescents and in Nutritional Supplements. Certified Consultant of Vichy and La Roche Posay.

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Disclaimer

The content of this blogspot is not and can not be considered as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All information is provided to readers solely for informational purposes. There is no intention to substitute this content for personalized medical advice, diagnosis, prognosis or treatment.

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