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Tea tree
oil is the essential oil steam distilled from the Australian plant
Melaleuca alternifolia. This species is unique to Australia and native
to Northern New South Wales. Tea tree oil contains over 100 components,
mostly monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and their alcohols.
Terpinen-4-ol is present at the highest levels (minimum 30%) and is
responsible for most of the antimicrobial activity.
Description
Tea
tree oil is a natural antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral,
anti-infection oil. It is effective against nail fungus, ringworm,
athlete's foot, dandruff, acne and many types of infestations
including lice, mites and scabies.
Tree oil is not just soothing and disinfecting, it is capable of
penetrating into the lower skin layers with its anti-inflammatory,
disinfectant, analgesic (pain killing) and cicatrizant
(wound-healing) qualities. It helps the skin to heal by encouraging
the formation of scar tissue.
People with sensitive skin should introduce the oil with caution.
Tea tree oil is not to be taken internally except as a mouthwash or
gargle as directed (do
not swallow).
Tea tree has a long history of traditional use. Australian
aboriginals used tea tree leaves for healing skin cuts and
infections, by crushing the leaves and applying them to the affected
area. The oil contains constituents called terpenoids, which kill
fungus and bacteria.
- Acne
- Athlete's
foot
- Minor
injuries
- Vaginitis
- Thrush
- As an
antiseptic
- Boils
- Lice
- Psoriasis
- Yeast
infection
For application
on the toenails, tea tree can be used at a strength of 70-100%.
Any application to the skin or as a gargle or douche should be
diluted under qualified supervision.
Safety
Occasionally,
people have allergic reactions to tea tree oil, such as itching
skin and rashes.
Call your health practitioner if you experience any side
effects: excessive drowsiness, sleepiness, poor coordination,
diarrhea, vomiting.
Important
Points About Tea Tree Oil
- Avoid
taking tea tree oil internally. It is toxic at small doses
and can cause potentially fatal central nervous system
depression (excessive drowsiness, sleepiness etc).
- Keep tea
tree oil out of the reach of children.
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