July11, 2025
Tea tree oil has a number of medicinal benefits, especially in the form of fighting various infections of the skin.
What is Tea Tree?
The Tea Tree herb is scientifically known as Melaleuca alternifolia. Tea tree is a small tree or shrub that can grow up to seven meters tall. It has narrow, needle-like leaves that are soft and aromatic. The tree produces white or pale-yellow flowers arranged in spikes.
Tea tree is native to the coastal regions of New South Wales and Queensland in Australia. It grows in swampy, waterlogged soils and is commonly found in wet, low-lying areas.
Tea tree oil is typically made through steam distillation of the Melaleuca’s potent leaves.
Primary Compounds in Tea Tree
Terpinenes: These make up the main active components responsible for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Limonene: Another compound contributing to its antimicrobial effects.
Terpineol: Known for its antiseptic properties.
Eucalyptol: Contributes to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Terpinolene: Adds to the antimicrobial activity.
P-cymene: An aromatic compound with antiseptic properties.
Other notable compounds include pinene, linalool, piperitol, cineole, and humulene.
Health Benefits
1. Antimicrobial Properties
2. Anti-inflammatory Effects
3. Antifungal Activity
4. Antiseptic for Minor Cuts and Abrasions
5. Skin Health.
Traditional Uses of Tea Tree
Australia: Indigenous Australians have used tea tree oil for its antiseptic and healing properties for centuries, particularly for treating cuts, wounds, and skin infections.
Tea Tree oil has been used for centuries by Aboriginal peoples of Australia primarily in the New South Wales and Queensland regions where the Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) is indigenous. The oil was used as a topical antiseptic for a variety of wounds and skin issues.
Pacific Islanders: Samoan and Maori indigenous peoples also used Tea tree from other Melaleuca species for its antiseptic properties.
Western Medicine: In contemporary natural medicine, tea tree oil is used globally in a variety of topical applications, including skincare products, shampoos, and disinfectants.
Research on Tea Tree Oil
Numerous studies have shown that Tea tree oil is significantly antibiotic and antifungal. Other research has found it useful against MRSA and other antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Studies have found it removes MRSA infections from the nasal region – matching the effectiveness of mupirocin nasal ointment treatment. Studies have also shown that a gel containing 3% tea tree oil has helped blepharitis. This eyelid condition often correlates with demodex mite infections. A review of 562 people in studies found some treatment successes, but also some uncertainty about complete recovery. A 2022 study that measured four human studies and 14 animal studies found that tea tree oil was successful in treating blepharitis.Other research has found that tea tree oil has been shown to reduce histamine related inflammation, according to a study of 20 people. Other studies have shown that tea tree oil can inhibit scabies infections, along with other parasitic skin infections. A number of lab studies has found that tea tree oil reduces inflammation, along with anti-oxidation. One study found that tea tree oil may significantly help combat neuroinflammation. Australian research found that tea tree oil can be used to treat tungiasis. This is a tropical disease caused by sand flea penetration into the skin, often in the feet. A number of studies have also shown that tea tree oil can combat acne. Other research has found Tea tree is effective against toenail fungus (onychomycosis), athlete's feet (tinea pedis), external/oral candidiasis and dandruff – instigated by the overgrowth of Malassezia yeast species.
https://www.plantmedicines.org/2024/11/tea-tree-helps-heal-and-fight-inf...