What is the difference between melaleuca and tea tree oil

Today, tea tree oil is commonly found in cosmetics, topical medicines, and household products. The oil has been used for almost years as a healing treatment in Australia, particularly for skin conditions.

Today it is used for a number of conditions. Some research suggests that the broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity associated with the oil comes from its ability to damage the cell walls of bacteria. More research is needed to understand how it might work.

Tea tree oil may help quell inflammation , possibly due to its high concentration of terpinenol, a compound with anti-inflammatory properties.

In animal tests , terpinenol was found to suppress inflammatory activity in cases of mouth infection. In humans, topically applied tea tree oil reduced swelling in histamine-induced skin inflammation more effectively than paraffin oil. A review of the effectiveness of tea tree oil highlights its ability to kill a range of yeasts and fungi.

The majority of the studies reviewed focus on Candida albicans, a type of yeast which commonly affects the skin, genitals, throat, and mouth. Other research suggests suggests that terpinenol enhances the activity of fluconazole, a common antifungal drug, in cases of resistant strains of Candida albicans. Some studies show that tea tree oil can help treat certain viruses, but research is limited in this area.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health advise that research into the effects of topically applied tea tree oil in people is limited. However, the oil may be useful for a number of skin complaints. One study found a significant difference between tea tree oil gel and a placebo in treating acne. Participants treated with tea tree oil experienced improvement in both total acne count and the severity of the acne. This builds on earlier research which compared 5 percent tea tree oil gel with 5 percent benzoyl peroxide lotion in treating cases of mild to moderate acne.

Both treatments significantly reduced the number of acne lesions, although the tea tree oil worked more slowly. Those using the tea tree oil experienced fewer side effects. A 10 percent tea tree oil cream appeared to reduce the symptoms as effectively as 1 percent tolnaftate, an antifungal medication.

However, the tea tree oil was no more effective than a placebo in achieving a total cure. A marked improvement in symptoms was seen in 68 percent of people who used a 50 percent tea tree oil application, with 64 percent achieving total cure.

This was over double the improvement seen in the placebo group. Contact dermatitis is a form of eczema caused by contact with an irritant or allergen. Several treatments for contact dermatitis were compared, including tea tree oil, zinc oxide, and clobetasone butyrate.

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Topic Overview What is tea tree oil? What is tea tree oil used for? References Citations Murray MT Melaleuca alternifolia tea tree. Louis: Mosby. This holiday season, give your loved ones pure gifts of the earth.

Come see, learn, and experience it all for yourself. For a list of dates and locations, as well as information on how to register, click the link below. Learn More. Tea Tree essential oil has over 90 different compounds and limitless applications.

The leaves of the Tea Tree have been used by the Aboriginal peoples of Australia for centuries. They would apply crushed leaves directly to the skin for a cooling effect. Tea Tree is best known for its purifying properties. It can be used to cleanse and purify the skin and nails and to support a healthy looking complexion.

Tea Tree is used on occasional skin irritations to soothe the skin and diffusing Tea Tree will help freshen the air. Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice. Topical use: Apply one to two drops to desired area. Dilute with a carrier oil to minimize any skin sensitivity. See additional precautions below.