Tea tree oil is an essential oil known for its medicinal properties. Among the 100 compounds contained in the oil terpinen-4-ol primarily accounts for the majority of the activities that are antimicrobial.


Tea tree oil is a clear to very yellowish or green -tinged essential oil with a fresh camphoraceous odor. These leaves were previously used as an alternative for tea, which is the way the oil got its name.


One should not mistake Tea tree oil and Tea Oil (the seasoning and cooking oil obtained from pressed seeds of the plant Camellia oleifera).


Tea Tree oil was used in Australia as a potent antiseptic substantially before any scientific research. Tea Tree crushed leaves were used as traditional medicine also scattering them on wounds and by inhaling the oils treating cough and cold.


It was only after the use of oil of 1920 itself become popular. Arthur Penfold was published by by a streak of research papers evaluating antimicrobial properties. The oil was expressed using mobile, makeshift, wood- plant material and fired bush was hand cut immediately. The demand ebbed after the war mainly due to development of efficient antibiotics and interest in natural products and was quite high till the Second World War. However, the interest in natural essential oils was rekindled in 1980s and 1970s and its demand has soared for uses in cosmetic and medicinal uses. Further studies in the recent time support the employment of tea tree oil in various aliments and skin care.


Here are glances of the uses of this oil that is wondrous:


It may also minimize the indications of influenza, cold, sore throat and systemic fungal infection.


O Dandruff: Tea tree shampoo helped significantly reduce dandruff symptoms. It was reveled in a study done on 126 people with mild to moderate dandruff. This really is a result of its ability to treat Malassezia furfur, the general common cause of the dandruff.


O Athlete's Foot: A study to treat 50% placebo and tea tree oil solution was utilized and athlete's foot was done.


o Toenails and Fungal Infection: Another study found that 100% tea tree oil was as powerful on toenail fungus infection as was the standard antifungal medicine of 1% clotrimazole solution.


O Tea tree oil is also effective against candidiasis and other vaginal infections.


O It can also be utilized as a bath additive and also may control bacteria in hot tubs and pools.


O Tea Tree oil is found in cosmetic products to produce shampoo and tea tree soap.


o It has also been used in treatments for eye aliment and blepharitis.


For curing bad breath and gum diseases, o It can also be found in toothpastes, mouth washes.


o It can be effective in treating minor wounds, insect bites soothe sunburn and ear infection.


O Tea Tree oil diluted solution can be sold as to cure fungal and bacterial infection for pet fish.