El asombroso aceite de árbol de té, sus beneficios y sus aplicaciones

The amazing tea tree oil, its benefits and its applications

Originally from Australia, this plant has been used traditionally for over 100 years, both in the form of essential oil and as its active ingredient, but its benefits have only become known in the West in recent decades, and above all, for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions.

History

Oral history among the Aboriginals of Australia tells of healing lakes, which were actually ponds into which leaves of the tea tree or Melaleuca fell and decomposed over time, passing on some of their properties to the water. In northern New South Wales, the Bundjalung Aborigines would crush the leaves of these trees and then inhale them to treat coughs and colds or apply the powder to wounds as poultices. In addition, the leaves were soaked to make infusions to treat sore throats or skin problems.

The use of tea tree essential oil as such did not come into practice until Penfold published the first reports of its antimicrobial activity in a series of papers between 1920 and 1930 showing the results of comparative studies between melaleuca oil and phenol or carbolic acid. As a result, melaleuca oil was promoted to a therapeutic agent for its medicinal properties.

This led to melaleuca essential oil being incorporated into the survival kit of Australian soldiers during the Second World War.

However, current studies show a broad spectrum of antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and antiprotozoal activity. However, further studies are still needed to consolidate these results, so for now it is used in alternative medicine and as a complement to these treatments.

Oil extraction

Tea tree oil is produced by distillation of the leaves and branch terminals of Melaleuca Alternifolia . The oil product is typically 1-2% of the wet plant material by weight. Alternate extraction methods such as the use of microwave technology have been considered, but none have been used on a commercial scale.

Melaleuca Alternifolia or Melaleuca Quinquenervia ?

The origin of tea tree oil is not very clear and it has several names. The Maori and Samoan people know the Cordyline plant as “Ti tree” or “melaleuca”. Even the term Melaleuca is a bit ambiguous as there are several species distilled from Melaleuca such as cajeput oil from Melaleuca Cajuputi, or niaouli oil from Melaleuca Quinquenervia (often confused with Melaleuca viridiflora).

International standards for tea tree oil do not specify which species of Melaleuca should be used for the production of the oil. However, oils that meet the requirements for distillation other than Alternifolia include M. dissitiflora , linariifolia , and uncinata .

For the purposes of this text, we used data from Melaleuca Alternifolia.

Components

Type of compound

function

 

Terpinen-4-ol

monocyclic terpene alcohol

Anti-inflammatory, inhibits cancer cells ( * )

and-Terpinene

monocyclic terpene

Antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory

α -t erpinene

monocyclic terpene

Highly effective antioxidant, against migraines, headaches and skin allergens ( * )

1,8-cineole

monocyclic terpene alcohol

Respiratory anti-inflammatory against asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( * )

α - terpinolene

monocyclic terpene

Aromatic, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory analgesic

ρ - Cymene

dicyclic terpene

Antifungal, antibacterial and antioxidant. aromatic

(+)- α Pinene                          

monocyclic terpene alcohol

Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and memory aid ( * )

α - terpineol .

monocyclic terpene alcohol

Aromatic in lilacs and other essences. Anticonvulsant, anti-hypertensive, enhances skin absorption.

Aromadendrene

Sesquiterpene

antibacterial

δ - Cadinene

Sesquiterpene

Anti-inflammatory of the gastrointestinal tract and spasms. Treatment of skin diseases

(+)- Limonene

monocyclic terpene

Promotes weight loss, anti-cancer, against bronchitis

Sabinene

dicyclic monoterpene

Against skin inflammation and dermatophytosis. Antiseptic and antibacterial.

Globulol

sesquiterpene alcohol

Antifungal, anesthetic, sedative

Main applications of tea tree oil

 

Antibacterial

Of all the properties attributed to tea tree essential oil, its antimicrobial action is one of the most outstanding. In recent years, a wide range of bacteria have been tested with this oil to determine their degree of susceptibility. Although most of these bacteria are vulnerable to concentrations of 1.0% or less of tea tree essential oil, a concentration of 2% has been reported for organisms such as staphylococcus and micrococcus of the skin, enterococcus fecalis and pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Bacteria susceptible to the action of tea tree essential oil

Escherichia coli

Fusobacterium nucleatum

Klebsiella pneumoniae

Lactobacillus spp

Micrococcus Luteus

Peptostreptococcus anaerobius

Porphynomonas endodentalis

  1. gingivalis

Intermediate prevotella

Propionibacterium acnes

Proteus vulgaris

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Staphylococcus aureus

  1. aureus (methicillin resistant)
  2. epidermidis
  3. hominids

Streptococcus pyogenes

Veillonella spp.

The activity of tea tree essential oil has attracted attention especially for its action against antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus .

The damaging effects of E. coli on potassium balance, glucose-dependent respiration, morphology and ability to exude propidium iodide have also been reported. Cell destruction (lysis) has been found to occur when treated with tea tree essential oil and this effect is exacerbated when treated with ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid. All of these effects confirm that tea tree essential oil compromises the functional integrity of bacterial membranes.

Antifungal activity

Tea tree oil vapors have been shown to inhibit fungal growth and affect sporulation (reproduction).

Fungi susceptible to the effect of tea tree essential oil:

Alternaria spp., Aspergillus flavus, A Fumigatus, A niger, Blastoschizomyces capitatus, Candida albicans

  1. glabrata
  2. parapsilosis
  3. tropicalis

Cladosporium spp., Cryptococcus neoformans, Epidermophyton

Flocossum, Fusarium spp., Malassezia furfur, sympodialis

Microsporum canis, gypseum, Penicillium spp., Rhodotorula rubra, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, rubrum, tonsurans, trichosporon spp.

Antiviral

Experiments have been done with viruses ( Nicotiniana glutinosa ) in tobacco plants that were sprayed with tea tree essential oil solutions and after 10 days presented fewer lesions per square centimeter in the plants.

Other experiments to treat herpes simplex virus using tea tree essential oil along with eucalyptus essential oil showed that after four days, plaque formation was reduced by 50% compared to control groups. ( study )

Antiprotozoal activity

There are two publications demonstrating the anti-protozoal activity of tea tree oil. The use of tea tree oil produced a 50% reduction in the growth (compared to control groups) of Leishmania major and Trypanosoma brucei at concentrations of 403 mg/ml and 0.5 mg/ml respectively. ( study ) Further investigations showed that terpinen-4-ol played a major role in this activity.

In another study, tea tree oil at a concentration of 300 mg/ml killed all Trichomonas vaginalis cells. ( study ) and there is evidence that it may be effective in treating Trichomonas vaginalis infections. ( study )

 

Anti-inflammatory activity

Tea tree oil is said to help soothe inflammation and is most likely due to its high concentration of terpinen-4-ol which, as mentioned above, has strong anti-inflammatory properties.

In animal experiments, terpinen-4-ol was found to suppress inflammatory activity in cases of oral infection. In humans, topical application of tea tree oil was shown to reduce swelling from histamine-induced skin inflammation more effectively than paraffin oil. ( study )

Toxicity

Tea tree oil is not normally an oil to be used internally or ingested . The risks in doing so may result in

  • Severe urticaria
  • Abnormalities in red blood cells
  • Stomachache
  • Diarrhea
  • vomit
  • nausea
  • hallucinations
  • confusion
  • lethargy
  • coma

Oral health

Using a natural toothpaste containing tea tree oil is beneficial for people who suffer from chronic gingivitis (inflammation of the gums that bleed easily when brushing their teeth).

Participants in a study using a preparation containing tea tree oil experienced a significant reduction in both inflammation and bleeding compared to those using an antiseptic gel containing chlorhexidine or regular toothpaste, but cases differed from person to person, so if inflammation is very advanced or there is too much dental plaque, it may be best to stay with chlorhexidine and use tea tree essential oil instead as a preventative measure. ( study )

Other in vitro studies indicate that the type of bacteria associated with bad breath can be treated with tea tree essential oil and alpha bisabolol or levomenol, the active ingredient found in chamomile. ( study )

Dose

The amounts used in the in vitro experiments were solutions of tea tree essential oil in a hydroalcoholic extract of chamomile. The quantities themselves depend on the requirements, the severity of the ailment and the concentration of the essential oil.

 

Skin application

How does tea tree oil help the skin? 

Tea tree oil is very effective in treating and healing a wide range of skin conditions. Use the oil following these precautions:

  • If you have sensitive skin, do not apply the oil directly to the affected area, dissolve it in a carrier oil (fractionated coconut, olive, almond) or hydroalcoholic chamomile extract (also works for the skin).
  • For every 1-2 drops of tea tree essential oil, add 12 drops of carrier oil.
  • Avoid the area around the eyes which may become red and irritated.
  • Before using tea tree essential oil, test it on a small area of ​​skin to make sure you are not hypersensitive to its components.

 

Skin conditions that tea tree essential oil can help with:

  • Dry skin and eczema : Mix a couple of drops of the essential oil with a small amount of moisturizer or carrier oil and apply to the affected areas immediately after getting out of the shower at least once or more a day.
  • Oily skin: Mix a couple of drops of essential oil into your toner, moisturizer, or sunscreen. You can also prepare a mask with two drops of oil mixed with white clay to form the paste. 
  • Itchy skin: Mix a few drops into a moisturizer or carrier oil and apply to skin several times a day.
  • Inflammation: Studies have shown that tea tree oil reduces skin inflammation due to nickel sensitivity. These studies have used the pure oil on the affected skin, but in general, it is recommended to dilute it in a carrier oil for application.

Add 1 drop of tea tree essential oil to a carrier oil or moisturizer and apply to the affected area several times a day.

  • Infections, cuts, wounds, burns: I can attest to the effectiveness of this essential oil on cuts, wounds and burns. I have personally applied it directly and mixed it with lavender essential oil to relieve pain and speed healing.

Typically, a drop of tea tree oil is added to a cream or liniment and applied to the affected area several times a day.

  • Hair Treatment: Tea tree oil has been widely used to treat dandruff by removing dead cells and chemicals from the scalp. Using this essential oil on your hair helps keep it healthy and moisturized, thus promoting optimal growth.

Apply a mixture of tea tree essential oil and carrier oil to your hair and scalp.

Leave for about 20 minutes and then wash with a shampoo containing 5% tea tree essential oil.

Massage the scalp and hair for a few minutes before rinsing. Follow with a conditioner that hopefully also contains a percentage of essential oil.

 

  • Acne: Dissolve 3 drops of tea tree oil in 60 ml of witch hazel extract. Use as a facial toner throughout the day. You can also use a face wash, moisturizer, and spot treatment that contains this essential oil.

 

  • Psoriasis: Further studies are still needed to corroborate the effects of tea tree oil in treating psoriasis. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that tea tree oil may be helpful in treating some psoriasis symptoms such as infection and inflammation while also strengthening the immune system.

To use, dilute 1-2 drops of essential oil in a small amount of carrier oil and gently apply to affected areas several times a day.

Other forms of use :

  • In the poultice to reduce inflammation and bacteria of a wound, apply a few drops and then apply to the wound.
  • Homemade Mouthwash: Add 2 drops of tea tree oil to a cup of filtered water and use as a mouthwash. DO NOT SWALLOW the mouthwash as the oil can be toxic if ingested.
  • For dandruff: add a few drops of essential oil to your regular shampoo and wash your hair as usual.
  • Acne Treatment: Add 4 drops of tea tree oil to half a cup of water and apply to your face with a cotton pad once a day.
  • Homemade cleaner: Mix 20 drops of essential oil to one cup of water and half a cup of white vinegar. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and use as an anti-microbial, multi-purpose cleaner.

Where to get tea tree or Melaleuca essential oil

You can get it at the following link, or by contacting me directly at +57 310 780 97 55 or by Whatsapp at that same number

http://mydoterra.com/johannakoelle1

Please note that therapeutic grade A essential oils are of the highest quality and therefore the highest price. However, you should know that with one or two drops of the oil diluted, you can obtain good quantities of the preparations mentioned above.

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