TEA TREE
When Captain James Cook dropped anchor off the coast of New South Wales in 1770, some of his sailors went ashore and prepared an aromatic tea from the leaves of a tree growing in the swampy lowlands there. For that reason, the tree became known as the tea tree, not to be confused with the common tea plant, which yields both black and green tea. Subsequently, it was learned that the leaves of the tea tree, Melaleuca alternifolia (Maiden and Betche) Cheel of the family Myrtaceae, had been long used by the aboriginals as a local antiseptic. Settlers in that area gradually began to use the leaves and the volatile oil obtained from them for the treatment of cuts, abrasions, burns, insect bites, athlete's foot, and similar conditions. The oil has since become a very popular home remedy there, and its use is now spreading throughout the world. Tea tree leaves contain about 2 percent of a pale lemon-tinted volatile oil with a strong but pleasant nutmeg odor. It is obtained from the leaves by steam distillation. About one-third of the oil is comprised of various terpene hydrocarbons (pinene, terpinene, cymene); the remainder consists largely of oxygenated terpenes, particularly terpinen-4-ol, which may constitute up to 60 percent of the total oil. Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated sesquiterpenes are also present. The oil possesses pronounced germicidal activity due primarily to the terpinen-4-ol. It is important that the commercial product not be derived from other Melaleuca species, some of which contain high concentrations of cineole, a skin irritant that also reduces the antiseptic effectiveness of terpinen-4-ol. A recent study found the oil effective in vitro against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains. Although terpinen-4-ol is considered the primary active component, Australian researchers have confirmed that other components in the essential oil, including alpha-terpineol and linalool also contribute to its antimicrobial action. During World War II, 1 percent of tea tree oil was routinely incorporated in the machine "cutting" oils used in munitions factories in Australia. This is said to have greatly reduced the number of infections resulting from abrasions on the hands of workers caused by metal filings and turnings. Modern clinical studies of the tea tree oil are neither numerous nor extensive, but some do indicate its possible value in treating various vaginal and skin infections. A trial involving 124 patients has provided evidence of its effectiveness in the treatment of acne vulgaris. A recent controlled trial of 117 patients found tea tree oil an effective topical treatment for toenail onychomycosis (caused by dermatophy, yeast or occasionally mold, infections). The tea tree oil is also incorporated into shampoo used to rid pets of fleas. Irritation may result in sensitive individuals from the local application of tea tree oil. Its topical use is not, however, generally associated with any toxicity. The tea tree oil has a future in the home and hospital environment in various antimicrobial applications, but the tea tree oil is not the miracle product that some of its promoters would have us believe. PARTS USED Leaves, essential oil. USES Traditional remedy - Tea tree is a traditional Aboriginal remedy. The leaves are crushed, and either inhaled or used in infusions for coughs, colds, and skin infections. Skin problems - Tea tree oil or cream can be applied to skin infections such as athlete's foot and ringworm, as well as to corns, warts, acne and boils, infected burns, scrapes, wounds, insect bites and stings, and other skin conditions. Chronic infections - Tea tree may be taken internally to treat infections, notably cystitis, glandular fever; and postviral fatigue syndrome (ME). Oral infections - Tea tree is effective in mouthwashes, countering oral infection and gum disease, and it can also be used as a gargle for sore throats. Vaginal infections - Tea tree is an excellent remedy for a range of vaginal yeast infections. Other medical uses - Abscess, Balanitis, Denture problems.
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