Products
The pure tea tree oil is available in pharmacies and drugstores. There are numerous products with the essential oil on the market, for example, body care products, lip balms, mouthwashes and toothpastes. These are usually not registered medicines.
Structure and properties
Tea tree oil is the essential oil obtained by steam distillation from the leaves and branch tips of , , and/or other -species. The Australian tea tree is a small tree or shrub of about three to six meters in height, native to the coast of New South Wales and Queensland in Australia, and has been used by the Aborigines since time immemorial. Like eucalyptus, it belongs to the myrtle family (Myrtaceae). Tea tree oil has been used since the 1920s. Tea tree oil exists as a clear, slightly mobile, colorless to pale yellow and volatile liquid with a characteristic, intensely aromatic odor, which is practically insoluble in water. The more than one hundred ingredients include mainly isoprenoids and especially cyclic monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and the corresponding alcohols. Terpinen-4-ol, 1,8-cineole, γ-terpinene and α-terpinene are representatives found in high concentrations in the oil.
Effects
Tea tree oil has antiseptic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is bactericidal against Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens, fungicidal, antiviral and antiparasitic. Sensitive pathogens include, for example, streptococci and staphylococci, , , dermatophytes, herpes simplex virus, scabies mites, lice and trichomonads. The effects are due in part to disruption of the structure and integrity of the cell membrane.
Indications for use
Potential indications for use include (examples):
- Bacterial skin infections, e.g. acne, circulation, abscess.
- Athlete’s foot, nail fungus, vaginal fungus, seborrheic dermatitis.
- Cold sores, genital herpes
- Head lice
- Inflammation of the oral mucosa, for oral hygiene.
Dosage
According to the instructions for use. The dosage depends on the field of application. For the majority of indications, dilutions are used, for example, with water, alcohol, or almond oil. Examples of preparation can be found in Reichling et al (2003).
Contraindications
Tea tree oil is contraindicated in cases of hypersensitivity. It should not be ingested and should not enter the eyes. We do not have a complete list of precautions.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include local and allergic reactions, including allergic contact dermatitis. Irritation occurs primarily when undiluted oil or highly concentrated agents are used. Tea tree oil is toxic when ingested orally and can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, incoordination, hallucinations, and coma. Fortunately, no deaths have been reported to date.
