Sources & Additional Links

Australian Tea Tree Industry Association (ATTIA). (2010). Australian Tea Tree Oil. Retrieved from, http://www.teatree.org.au/teatree_about.php.

Carson, C.F., Ashton, L., Dry, L., Smith, D.W. & Riley, T.V. (2001). Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil gel (6%) for the treatment of recurrent herpes labialis. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy 48: 450–451.

Carson, C.F., Hammer, K.A., & Riley, T.V. (2006). Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil: a Review of Antimicrobial and Other Medicinal Properties. Clinical Microbiology Reviews 19(1): 50-62.

Enshaieh, S., Jooya, A., Siadat, A.H., & Iraji, F. (2007). The efficacy of 5% topical tea tree oil gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venerology and Leprology 73(1): 22-25.

Flaxman, D., & Griffiths, P. (2005). Is tea tree oil effective at eradicating MRSA colonization? A Review. British Journal of Community Nursing 10(3):123-126.

Greay, S.J., Irelenad, D.J., Kissick, H.T., Heenan, P.J., Carson, C.F., Riley, T.V., & Beilharz, M.W. (2010). Inhibition of established subcutaneous murine tumour growth with topical melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil. Cancer Chemotherapy Pharmacology 66:1095-1102.

Ruben, D.M., Freeman, S., & Southwell, I.A. (1998). Tea tree oil allergy: what is the offending agent? Report of three cases of tea tree oil allergy and review of literature. Australasian Journal of Dermatology 39(4): 244-247.

Southwell, I., & Lowe, R. (1999). Tea Tree: the genus Melaleuca. Amsterdam : Harwood Academic Publishers.

Thompson, G., Blackwood, B., McMullan, R., Alderice, F.A., Trinder, T.J., Lavery, G.G., & McAuley, D.F. (2008). A randomized controlled trial of tea tree oil (5%) body wash versus standard body wash to prevent colonization with methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in critically ill adults: research protocol. BMC Infectious Diseases 8:161.

Image Citations:

Melaluca Alternifolia

http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Myrtaceae/Melaleuca_alternifolia.jpg

Captain James Cook

http://i.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/00786/captain-cook-220_786409f.jpg

Tea Tree Plantation

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tea_tree_plantation.JPG

Terpinen-4-ol

http://www.pherobase.com/pherobase/gif/terpinen-4-ol.GIF

TTO Products/Review

 These are the TT products I have purchased and used. All of which I recommend and encourage you to check out:

The Body Shop –Tea Tree Line

http://www.thebodyshop.ca/shopbyline-subcat-teatree.html

Thursday Plantation 100% Tea Tree Oil

http://www.thursdayplantation.com/page/Tea-Tree-Oil/


Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Invigorating Shampoo
http://www.giovannicosmetics.com/products.php

Organix Hydrating Teatree Mint Conditioner

http://www.organixhair.com/teatreemint.asp

Lush Tea Tree Water
http://www.lush.ca/shop/products/face/toners-toner-tabs/tea-tree-water

Adverse Effects/Cautions/Herb & Drug Interactions

Numerous studies, particularly with the use of skin patch tests, have been performed and among all of them the only major side effects seen with TTO are irritant and allergic reactions. However, much of the evidence is in fact anecdotal, indicating a need for statistical and deductive evidence. Fortunately, the toxicity of TTO is very low, for example, a study indicated that “a 50% lethal dose for TTO in a rat model is 1.9 to 2.6 ml/kg, and rats dosed with ≤1.5 g/kg TTO appeared lethargic and ataxic” (Carson et. al, 2006). Therefore, if humans accidently consume TTO or even experience TTO poisoning, the outcome is non-life threatening. There have yet to be claims that TTO has led to death over the 100 years of its use. Moreover, the most likely cause of TTO irritant and allergic reactions is due to inappropriate handling, packaging, age and storage of the oil. For instance, oxidation of products can alter the chemical composition of the oil (Ruben et. al, 1998; Australian Tea Tree Industry Association, 2010). Furthermore, TTO works beautifully with other essential oils and carriers like that of DMSO to treat MRSA (Thompson et. al, 2008). Clearly, research directed towards identifying the allergenic components of TTO is required in order to better its efficacy and safety.

Current Use & What the Science Says?

TTO is currently used for a multitude of skin ailments and infections including acne dermatitis, dandruff, cold sores, scrapes, cuts, burns, insect bites, MRSA, lice, and even toe nail fungus (Carson et. al, 2001; Enshaieh et. al, 2007; Greay, et. al, 2010). With various studies claiming TTO as an antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and anti-inflammatory agent, it is no wonder that new and upcoming research is looking at the anti-tumour properties of TTO.

A study by Greay et. al (2010) examines the topical use of TTO in order to treat subcutaneous murine tumour growth. More specifically, 10% TTO/DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) is tested and analyzed to render proof of in vivo anti-tumour activity. The trial claims topical TTO/DMSO to be a “potentially safe and effective anti-tumour treatment” (Greay, et. al, 2010). This particular formula is the most effective treatment in comparison to the other topical formulas which include: 10% TTO/acetone, 10% TTO/isopropanol, neat TTO, 10% TTO/DMSO and vehicle control-10%H2O/DMSO.

However, despite such positive reviews, the sample population and methods used to perform the study are questionable. First, the study is performed on 25 female mice that are 6-8 weeks old, immune-competent and tumour-bearing. The fact that the study is performed on mice suggests that there is scepticism surrounding TTO as an anti-tumour treatment. Moreover, this suggests that the most successful formulation of TTO treatment is yet to be determined. Furthermore, reasoning as to why only female mice aged 6-8 weeks is used, is not specified. For example, researchers should consider males and older mice in order to reduce variation. In addition, it is stated that 5 mice were assigned per topical treatment.  With no indication of whether or not the mice were randomly assigned renders the possibility of sampling error. Also, if the researchers were not blinded towards the treatments applied to each group of mice, there is a possibility for bias. Lastly, in the trial, treatments were applied once over 4 days. According to Greay et. al (2010), this is a sufficient time period to allow for the regression and growth inhibition of tumours. Yet, there is evidence of 10% TTO/DMSO resulting in temporary skin irritations that clear once treatment ended. Ultimately, because it is the first trial to demonstrate the topical anti-tumour efficacy of a TTO formulation, more testing is required. Nonetheless, the efficacy of TTO as anti-tumour treatment can be proven sound if it is eventually tested on humans (large sample) and is a randomized, double-blinded study.

Another recent study is one that was proposed as a result of conflicting views surrounding the efficacy of TTO to treat methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). According to Flaxman and Griffiths (2005), there is “insufficient evidence to support the routine use of tea tree oil in clinical practice for eradication of MRSA colonization”. In response, Thompson et. al (2008), created specific research protocol for a study to compare 5% TTO body wash with a Johnson’s Baby Softwash (standard body wash). Like the previous study, this is the first of its kind. However, the methods used to perform this trial exemplify the appropriate steps needed for valid and sound results. First, the trial is clinical, randomized and controlled. With a large sample size of 224 patients, 41% of those in the TTO group were decolonized from MRSA. Therefore, 5% TTO body wash is a highly successful and effective treatment. Moreover, the trial goes above and beyond, taking into consideration: participant consent, participant withdrawal, potential risk factors and ethics approval. Furthermore, the trial assesses the cost-effectiveness of TTO body wash, evaluates the effectiveness of the PCR assay in detecting MRSA, and monitors each patient’s progress efficiently through consistent swabbing of each patient’s mouth and groin. Overall, this study proves that TTO is an effective preventative treatment for infection.

Active Components & Preparation

Terpinen-4-ol*

TTO is primarily composed of terpinen-4-ol: a terpene hydrocarbon with an alcohol group. Terpenes are often described as volatile and aromatic hydrocarbons. There are other terpene hydrocarbons that contribute to TTO’s chemical composition which can result in roughly a 100 components. An examination via gas chromatography and mass spectrometry of more than 800 TTO samples was performed by Brophy and colleagues to verify these 100  components (Carson et. al, 2006, Thompson et. al, 2008).



(Carson et. al, 2006).




(Carson et. al, 2006)


















As mentioned, TTO is derived from the plant, Melaleuca alternifolia. In order to produce the essential oil on a commercial scale, the following steps must take place:

1.       The leaves and the branches of the plant are collected.

2.       Steam distillation (separation of oil from wet plant material) of these parts of the plant occurs.

3.      Oil (translucent or pale yellow in colour) is separated from wet plant material.

It is important to note that the TTO is regulated using an international standard titled: “Oil of Melaleuca-terpinen-4-ol type”. The standard allows for a deviation (up or down) of 14 components in TTO (Carson et. al, 2006).

*Image citation found in post titled  Sources & Additional Links

History & Traditional Use



Melaleuca Alternifolia*

TTO comes from the Tea Tree plant which is scientifically identified as Melaleuca alternifolia. The plant is named Tea Tree as a result of Captain James Cook of the British ship H.M.S. Endeavor. In 1770, during his exploration of Australia, he discovered the native plant in which his sailors used its leaves to create tea, hence, the name ‘Tea Tree’. The most common use of this aromatic and medicinal plant is its production of medicinal essential oils (Southwell & Lowe, 1999). The plant originated specifically from New South Wales, Australia. According to Carson et. al (2006), the Tea Tree plant and the essential oil produced from it, has been used in Australia for almost 100 years. In fact, the “indigenous Bundjalung people of Eastern Australia are believed to have used tea trees as a traditional medicine for many years”, for instance, they crushed the leaves to release the oil, which they would inhale to treat a cold (Australian Tea Tree Industry Association, 2010). Moreover, TTO’s antimicrobial properties were already identified during the 1920s by Arthur Penfold and F.R. Morrison. At that time, TTO was claimed to be a topical germicidal product. By the 1930s, TTO was purchased all across Europe. In particular, during World War II, TTO was not only a household remedy, but also a part of an Australian soldier’s kit, which ultimately generated global awareness about its properties and uses. Finally, during the 1970s and 1980s, TT plantations and TTO distillation plants developed and continue to expand outside of Australia like Zimbabwe, New Zealand and China (Australian Tea Tree Industry Association, 2010; Southwell & Lowe, 1999). Today, TTO is found in drug stores, used in an array of products and applied in various treatments.



Captain James Cook*




Tea Tree Plantation*



*Image citations found in Sources and Additional Links Post

Introduction & My Experience

Welcome to 'Tea Tree Oil': a blog dedicated to the amazing properties and uses of Tea Tree Oil (TTO). Here I have created posts looking into the History/Traditional Use, Current Use/What the Science Says?, Adverse Effects/Cautions and more about TTO.

Feel free to explore each of these Posts and share your thoughts, concerns and experiences with TTO!

My Experience 

    I discovered TTO during my quest for a natural product that would help treat my acne. Having acne throughout my adolescence, I have tried a multitude of over-the-counter products and products prescribed from the dermatologist. Over the course of 7 years, I still have not managed to find the “holy-grail” product that will treat and get rid of my acne for good. So with much determination, I decided I would give natural remedies a shot. It was through YouTube where I first heard of TTO and from then on I have been eager to try products containing this essential oil.

Enjoy!