Effects of Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has been used for centuries in traditional native Australian medicine. It is available both as a pure oil, distilled from the leaves of the Australian tea tree, or as a component in a number of natural products. Tea tree oil has a number of positive health effects that can often be produced using very low concentrations of tea tree oil, around 1 or 2 percent. Although the Australian tree is called a "tea" tree, it in fact is not the same species as the bush that produces tea leaves. The tree from which tea tree oil is derived got its name because Australian Aborigines served Captain James Cook a drink made with boiled leaves from the tree.

Antimicrobial

• Tea tree oil has strong antimicrobial properties. According to Clinical Microbiology Review, tea tree oil is a potent bactericide, with tea tree oil concentrations as low as 1 or 2 percent useful in treating bacterial infections like skin-based staphylococci, or staph, infections.

Antiseptic

• Tea tree oil has been used as an antiseptic for centuries by Bundjalung Aborigines living in northeastern Australia. Western medicinal research by Dr. R. A. Penfold of Sydney, Australia, confirmed the antiseptic properties of tea tree oil through research in the 1920s and '30s.

Antifungal

• As an antimicrobial, tea tree oil has also been shown to be a powerful antifungal that is effective against everything from athlete's foot to pyorrhea and gingivitis. As a result, tea tree oil was a common addition to Australian first-aid kits during World War II.

Dandruff

• Because many cases of dandruff are caused by a minor fungal infection, tea tree oil can be helpful in treating dandruff. The fungal infections that respond well to tea tree oil are often yeast-based infections.

Periodontal Disease

• Gum disease and periodontal disease are common afflictions that often require extensive treatment. Tea tree oil has been shown to help in some cases of gum disease. By treating gum disease with tea tree oil, you may be able to avoid painful periodontal treatments.