Well known and appreciated for its antimicrobial properties, tea tree oil is successfully used for the treatment of various skin disorders.
of the leaves of the homonymous plant which - theoretically - should be previously stored for a period of at least six weeks.The main constituent of tea tree oil is represented by terpinen-4-ol, present in concentrations ranging from 30% to 45%. In addition to terpinen-4-ol, there are also:
- γ-terpinene (in concentrations of about 15%);
- α -terpinene (in concentrations of about 8%);
- 1,8-cineole (in concentrations of 5-6%);
- α -terpineol (in concentrations of 5%);
- α-pinene;
- Limonene;
- p-cimolo;
- Terpinolene;
- Viridiflorene.
Terpinen-4-ol, in addition to being the component present in greater quantity, seems to be the main responsible for the antimicrobial properties ascribed to tea tree oil.
and cosmetic.
These properties will be briefly described below.
Antibacterial properties
As mentioned, tea tree oil has antibacterial properties, amply demonstrated by several studies. In detail, tea tree oil appears to be able to exert its antibacterial action by denaturating the proteins of the cytoplasmic membrane of microorganisms.
Among the bacteria sensitive to the antibacterial action of tea tree oil we find the Bacillus subtilis, L"Enterococcus faecalis, L"Escherichia coli, the Moraxella catarrhalis, lo Streptococcus pyogenes and it Staphylococcus aureus.
Antifungal properties
Tea tree oil has also been shown to have interesting antifungal properties. More precisely, this oil has been shown to be active against various fungi and yeasts capable of causing skin, mucous and skin related disorders, such as Malassezia furfur, the Candida albicans, the Trichophyton rubrum and the Microsporum canis.
Furthermore, in a study conducted on the antifungal properties of tea tree oil, the use of the pure product in the treatment of onychomycosis of the feet has shown an efficacy similar to the treatment carried out with clotrimazole (an antifungal drug).
Anti-inflammatory properties
In addition to its antimicrobial properties, tea tree oil also appears to have anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, a clinical study has shown that tea tree essential oil is able to reduce histamine-induced skin inflammation.
Yet another study demonstrated the anti-inflammatory efficacy of tea tree oil in the treatment of gingivitis.
Antiparasitic properties
Finally, tea tree oil can be useful as a natural remedy against lice infestations. In fact, studies conducted on this have shown that the product is effective both on adult specimens and on eggs.
, hydrogel or emulsified solutions, and can be used in the following cases:- Insect bites, itching and skin inflammation: thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, tea tree oil can prove useful in case of insect bites, itching and skin inflammations. Although it can also be used pure, for this type d "indications, it is advisable to dilute a few drops in a little aloe gel. Alternatively, there are products on the market already suitably diluted and specially formulated for the treatment of the aforementioned ailments.
- Acne: the application of tea tree oil-based products can be effective in the treatment of mild and moderate acne vulgaris. This application of tea tree oil has been the subject of numerous studies. From one of these it emerged that the use of products based on tea tree oil has a slightly lower efficacy than products based on benzoyl peroxide, but - at the same time - it seems to cause fewer undesirable effects.
- Boils: the application of a drop of essential oil directly on the boil can be useful to facilitate its resolution.
- Gingivitis: the application of special tea tree oil-based gels on inflamed gums can favor the resolution of gingivitis. In this context, the use of tea tree oil-based solutions can also be useful, with which it is possible to make rinses.
- Affections of the upper respiratory tract: carrying out fumigations with tea tree oil can be useful for relieving and decongesting the upper airways in case of colds, sinusitis and bronchitis.
- Vaginal infections: given its effectiveness in fighting fungi and yeasts such as Candida albicans, tea tree oil can be used for the preparation of solutions for intimate washing. In this regard, many women delight in the do-it-yourself preparation of products of this type. However, such a practice is definitely not recommended. expressly prescribed by the doctor Therefore, in case of vaginal candidiasis, before resorting to any natural remedy it is always good to contact your doctor and / or your gynecologist.
