Although much has been made of the potential for TTO to be used in the treatment of vaginal candidiasis, no clinical data have been published. However, results from an animal rat model of vaginal candidiasis support the use of TTO for the treatment of this infection There were no statistically significant differences between the two treatment groups for any parameter.
Unfortunately, butenafine alone was not evaluated. The observation that TTO may be useful adjunct therapy for onychomycosis has been made by Klimmek et al. However, onychomycosis is considered to be largely unresponsive to topical treatment of any kind, and a high rate of cure should therefore not be expected. The effectiveness of TTO in treating tinea pedis has been evaluated in two trials. These studies highlight the importance of considering the formulation of the TTO product when conducting in vivo work, since it is likely that the sorbolene vehicle used in the first tinea trial may have significantly compromised the antifungal activity of the oil.
TTO has been evaluated as a mouthwash in the treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis. In a case series, 13 human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients who had already failed treatment with a day course of oral fluconazole were treated with an alcohol-based TTO solution for up to 28 days After treatment, of the 12 evaluable patients, 2 were cured, 6 were improved, 4 were unchanged, and 1 had deteriorated.
Overall, eight patients had a clinical response and seven had a mycological response. Of patients receiving the alcohol-based solution, two were cured, six improved, four were unchanged, and one had deteriorated. Of patients receiving the alcohol-free solution, five were cured, two improved, two were unchanged, and one had deteriorated.
Three patients were lost to follow-up and were considered nonresponders. Comparison of the patient groups each containing nine evaluable patients at the end of the study showed that reepithelialization after treatment occurred after 9 days for the TTO group and after Other measures, such as duration of virus positivity by culture or PCR, viral titers, and time to crust formation, were not significantly different, possibly due to small patient numbers.
Interestingly, when TTO was evaluated for its protective efficacy in an in vivo mouse model of genital HSV type 2 infection, it did not perform well In contrast, the oil component 1,8-cineole performed well, protecting 7 of 16 animals from disease. There are a number of limitations to the clinical studies described above. Several had low numbers of participants, meaning that statistical analyses could not be performed or differences did not reach significance.
While most studies compared the efficacy of TTO to a placebo, many did not compare TTO to a conventional therapy or treatment regimen, again limiting the conclusions that could be drawn about efficacy.
Several publications noted that patient blinding was compromised or impracticable due to the characteristic odor of TTO 14 , 30 , , These studies, while perhaps conducted as double blinded, are technically only single blinded, which is not ideal.
Perhaps most importantly, few studies have been replicated independently. Therefore, although some of these data indicate that TTO has potential as a therapeutic agent, confirmatory studies are required. In addition, factors such as the final TTO concentration, product formulation, and length and frequency of treatment undoubtedly influence clinical efficacy, and these factors must be considered in future studies.
The cost-effectiveness of any potential TTO treatments must also be considered. For example, TTO therapy may offer no cost advantage over the azoles in the treatment of tinea but is probably more economical than treatment with the allylamines. Numerous recent studies now support the anecdotal evidence attributing anti-inflammatory activity to TTO. In vitro work over the last decade has demonstrated that TTO affects a range of immune responses, both in vitro and in vivo. In contrast, similar work found that TTO decreases the production of reactive oxygen species by both stimulated neutrophils and monocytes and that it also stimulates the production of reactive oxygen species by nonprimed neutrophils and monocytes These studies identify specific mechanisms by which TTO may act in vivo to diminish the normal inflammatory response.
In vivo, topically applied TTO has been shown to modulate the edema associated with the efferent phase of a contact hypersensitivity response in mice 23 but not the development of edema in the skin of nonsensitized mice or the edematous response to UVB exposure. Human studies on histamine-induced wheal and flare provided further evidence to support the in vitro and animal data, with the topical application of neat TTO significantly reducing mean wheal volume but not mean flare area Despite the progress in characterizing the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil, less work has been done on the safety and toxicity of the oil.
The rationale for continued use of the oil rests largely on the apparently safe use of the oil for almost 80 years. Anecdotal evidence over this time suggests that topical use is safe and that adverse events are minor, self-limiting, and infrequent. More concrete evidence such as published scientific work is scarce, and much information remains out of the public domain in the form of reports from company-sponsored work.
The oral and dermal toxicities of TTO are summarized briefly below. TTO can be toxic if ingested, as evidenced by studies with animals and from cases of human poisoning. Kim, D. Cerven, S. Craig, and G. De George, Abstr. Incidences of oral poisoning in children 55 , 91 , and adults 57 , have been reported. In all cases, patients responded to supportive care and recovered without apparent sequelae. No human deaths due to TTO have been reported in the literature. TTO can cause both irritant and allergic reactions.
A mean irritancy score of 0. Since irritant reactions may frequently be avoided through the use of lower concentrations of the irritant, this bolsters the case for discouraging the use of neat oil and promoting the use of well-formulated products. Allergic reactions have been reported 54 , , and although a range of components have been suggested as responsible, the most definitive work indicates that they are caused mainly by oxidation products that occur in aged or improperly stored oil There is little scientific support for the notion that 1,8-cineole is the major irritant in TTO.
No evidence of irritation was seen when patch testing was performed on rabbits with intact and abraded skin , guinea pigs 82 , and humans , , including those who had previous positive reactions to TTO Rarely, topically applied tea tree oil has been reported to cause systemic effects in domestic animals. Dermal application of approximately ml of undiluted TTO to three cats with shaved but intact skin resulted in symptoms of hypothermia, uncoordination, dehydration, and trembling and in the death of one of the cats The physical characteristics of TTO present certain difficulties for the formulation and packaging of products.
Its lipophilicity leads to miscibility problems in water-based products, while its volatility means that packaging must provide an adequate barrier to volatilization. Since TTO is readily absorbed into plastics, packaging must cater to and minimize this effect. Consideration must also be given to the properties of the finished product.
Early suggestions that the antimicrobial activity of TTO may be compromised by organic matter came from disk diffusion studies in which the addition of blood to agar medium decreased zone sizes 8. This observation contrasts sharply with historical claims that the activity of TTO may in fact be enhanced in the presence of organic matter such as blood and pus.
A thorough investigation of this claim comprehensively refuted this idea 76 and also showed that product excipients may compromise activity. Some work on the characteristics and behavior of TTO within formulations has been conducted. Caboi et al. The activity of TTO products in vitro has also been investigated 16 , 77 , However, very little work has been conducted in this area, and if stable, biologically active formulations of TTO are going to be developed, much remains to be done.
A paradigm shift in the treatment of infectious diseases is necessary to prevent antibiotics becoming obsolete, and where appropriate, alternatives to antibiotics ought to be considered. There are already several nonantibiotic approaches to the treatment and prevention of infection, including probiotics, phages, and phytomedicines. Alternative therapies are viewed favorably by many patients because they are often not being helped by conventional therapy and they believe there are fewer detrimental side effects.
In addition, many report significant improvement while taking complementary and alternative medicines. Unfortunately, the medical profession has been slow to embrace these therapies, and good scientific data are still scarce.
A wealth of in vitro data now supports the long-held beliefs that TTO has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Despite some progress, there is still a lack of clinical evidence demonstrating efficacy against bacterial, fungal, or viral infections. Large randomized clinical trials are now required to cement a place for TTO as a topical medicinal agent.
National Center for Biotechnology Information , U. Journal List Clin Microbiol Rev v. Clin Microbiol Rev. Carson , 1 K.
Hammer , 1 and T. Author information Copyright and License information Disclaimer. Phone: 61 8 Fax: 61 8 E-mail: ua. This article has been cited by other articles in PMC. Abstract Complementary and alternative medicines such as tea tree melaleuca oil have become increasingly popular in recent decades. TABLE 1. Composition of M. Open in a separate window. TABLE 2. Properties of TTO components.
Antibacterial Activity The few reports of the antibacterial activity of TTO appearing in the literature from the s to the s 11 , 15 , , have been reviewed elsewhere previously TABLE 3.
Susceptibility data for bacteria tested against M. Mechanism of antibacterial action. Antifungal Activity Comprehensive investigations of the susceptibility of fungi to TTO have only recently been completed. TABLE 4. Susceptibility data for fungi tested against M. Mechanism of antifungal action.
Antiviral Activity The antiviral activity of TTO was first shown using tobacco mosaic virus and tobacco plants Resistance to TTO The question of whether true resistance to TTO can be induced in vitro or may occur spontaneously in vivo has not been examined systematically. TABLE 5. Summary of clinical studies using TTO. Study population Study type Treatment groups no. Oral Toxicity TTO can be toxic if ingested, as evidenced by studies with animals and from cases of human poisoning.
Dermal Toxicity TTO can cause both irritant and allergic reactions. Abe, S. Maruyama, K. Hayama, S. Inouye, H. Oshima, and H. Suppression of neutrophil recruitment in mice by geranium essential oil. Hayama, H. Ishibashi, S. Inoue, H. Suppression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced neutrophil adherence responses by essential oils. Altman, P. Australian tea tree oil. Andrews, R. Parks, and K. Some effects of Douglas fir terpenes on certain microorganisms.
Anonymous An Australian antiseptic oil. A retrospect. Ti-trol oil. The effect of tea tree oil on human pathogenic bacteria and fungi in a laboratory study. Arweiler, N.
Donos, L. Netuschil, E. Reich, and A. Clinical and antibacterial effect of tea tree oil—a pilot study. Oral Investig. Aspres, N. Predictive testing for irritancy and allergenicity of tea tree oil in normal human subjects. Exogenous Dermatol. Atkinson, N. Antibacterial substances produced by flowering plants. Baker, G. Tea tree breeding, p. Southwell and R. Lowe ed. Banes-Marshall, L. Cawley, and C. In vitro activity of Melaleuca alternifolia tea tree oil against bacterial and Candida spp.
Bassett, I. Pannowitz, and R. A comparative study of tea-tree oil versus benzoylperoxide in the treatment of acne. Beylier, M. Bacteriostatic activity of some Australian essential oils. Flavourist 4 : Biju, S. Ahuja, R. Khar, and R. Formulation and evaluation of an effective pH balanced topical antimicrobial product containing tea tree oil. Pharmazie 60 : Bischoff, K. Australian tea tree Melaleuca alternifolia oil poisoning in three purebred cats.
Bishop, C. Oil Res. Blackwell, A. Tea tree oil and anaerobic bacterial vaginosis. Lancet : Blackwell, R. An insight into aromatic oils: lavender and tea tree. Bourne, K. Bourne, S. Reising, and L. Plant products as topical microbicide candidates: assessment of in vitro and in vivo activity against herpes simplex virus type 2.
Antiviral Res. Brand, C. Ferrante, R. Prager, T. Riley, C. Carson, J. Finlay-Jones, and P. The water soluble-components of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia tea tree oil suppress the production of superoxide by human monocytes, but not neutrophils, activated in vitro. Grimbaldeston, J. Gamble, J. Drew, J. Tea tree oil reduces the swelling associated with the efferent phase of a contact hypersensitivity response.
Townley, J. Tea tree oil reduces histamine-induced oedema in murine ears. Brophy, J. Davies, I. Southwell, I. Stiff, and L. Gas chromatographic quality control for oil of Melaleuca terpinenol type Australian tea tree. Food Chem. Buck, D. Nidorf, and J. Comparison of two topical preparations for the treatment of onychomycosis: Melaleuca alternifolia tea tree oil and clotrimazole.
Caboi, F. Murgia, M. Monduzzi, and P. NMR investigation on Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil dispersed in the monoolein aqueous system: phase behavior and dynamics. Langmuir 18 : Caelli, M. Porteous, C. Carson, R. Heller, and T.
Tea tree oil as an alternative topical decolonization agent for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Guerry, J. Chalchat, C. Fusillier, M. Vasson, and J.
Anti-inflammatory effects of Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil on human polymorphonuclear neutrophils and monocytes.
Free Rad. Carson, C. Ashton, L. Dry, D. Smith, and T. Cookson, H. Farrelly, and T. Susceptibility of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus to the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia. Hammer, and T. Broth micro-dilution method for determining the susceptibility of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus to the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia tea tree oil.
Microbios 82 : In-vitro activity of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia against Streptococcus spp. Mee, and T. Mechanism of action of Melaleuca alternifolia tea tree oil on Staphylococcus aureus determined by time-kill, lysis, leakage, and salt tolerance assays and electron microscopy. Agents Chemother. Antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia. Antimicrobial activity of the major components of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia. Susceptibility of Propionibacterium acnes to the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia.
Cassella, S. Cassella, and I. Synergistic antifungal activity of tea tree Melaleuca alternifolia and lavender Lavandula angustifolia essential oils against dermatophyte infection. Chan, C. Chand, S. Lusunzi, D. Veal, L. Williams, and P. Rapid screening of the antimicrobial activity of extracts and natural products. Chao, S. Young, and C. Screening for inhibitory activity of essential oils on selected bacteria, fungi and viruses. Christoph, F. Kaulfers, and E. A comparative study of the in vitro antimicrobial activity of tea tree oils s.
Planta Med. Stahl-Biskup, and P. Death kinetics of Staphylococcus aureus exposed to commercial tea tree oils s. Colton, R. Cultivation of tea tree, p. Cotmore, J. Burke, N. Lee, and I. Respiratory inhibition of isolated rat liver mitochondria by eugenol. Oral Biol. Cox, S. Gustafson, C. Mann, J. Markham, Y. Liew, R. Hartland, H. Bell, J.
Warmington, and S. Mann, and J. Interactions between components of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia. Markham, H. Gustafson, J. The mode of antimicrobial action of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia tea tree oil. Markham, J. Determining the antimicrobial actions of tea tree oil. Molecules 6 : Craven, L. Behind the names: the botany of tea tree, cajuput and niaouli, p. D'Auria, F. Laino, V. Strippoli, M. Tecca, G. Salvatore, L. Battinelli, and G. Carvacrol and its isomer thymol obtained from oregano have been shown to inhibit viral host cell fusion via depletion of viral cholesterol from the HIV-1 envelope membranes, thus blocking the entry of the virus into the host system Mediouni et al.
Owing to the lipophilic nature of EOs, these have the potential to intercalate into the lipid double layer of the viral envelope. Subsequently, the fluidity of the membranes is changed and, at a higher concentration, the membranes are even ruptured Wink Major mechanisms through which EOs induce antiviral actions are, direct actions on free viruses, inhibition of steps involved in virus attachment, penetration, intracellular replication, and release from host cells and inhibition of vital viral enzymes Ma and Yao ; Schnitzler et al.
The current review provides precise and comprehensive information on the essential oils and their possible contribution in the prevention and treatment of COVID The study database encompassed articles of peer-reviewed journals, books, thesis, dissertations, various patents, and supplementary reports covering anti-SARC-CoV-2 properties of traditionally used essential oils. Essential oils having scientifically established antiviral activities against SARC-CoV-2 in in vitro, docking models, or in clinical settings were selected for reporting.
Essential oils having antiviral activities against other viruses and lacking any scientific evidence against SARC-CoV-2 were excluded. Enveloped viruses are known to respond sensitively to essential oils Schnitzler et al.
Essential oils obtained from eucalyptus Eucalyptus globulus are traditionally used to treat various respiratory ailments including pharyngitis, bronchitis, and sinusitis. Eucalyptus oil and its active constituent, 1,8-cineole have been shown to exhibit muscle relaxant effects by decreasing smooth muscle contractions of airways induced by different agents Bastos et al.
Moreover, clinical studies have indicated that inhalation of cineole extracted from eucalyptus exerted anti-inflammatory by blocking cytokines release and analgesic effects; hence, it can be effectively used in COPD and asthmatic patients Juergens et al.
Eucalyptus oil is reported to have in vitro antiviral activities against various strains of viruses including enveloped mumps viruses MV and herpes simplex viruses HSV-1 and HSV-2 Lau et al. Brochot and colleagues also reported the antiviral activities of eucalyptus oil and its active constituent, i.
Both essential oil and 1,8-cineole were proposed to inactivate free influenza A virus and disrupt the envelope structures of virus Brochot et al. Having established the antiviral activity of eucalyptus oil and eucalyptol against respiratory viruses, multiple researchers have attempted to explore the antiviral efficacy of eucalyptus oil and its active ingredients against SARC-CoV-2 using in vitro assays and molecular docking techniques. Sharma and colleagues also predicted preprints the anti-proteinase efficacy of 1,8-cineole eucalyptol , another active constituent of eucalyptus oil, using molecular docking techniques.
Data obtained showed that 1,8-cineole can bind with Mpro and thus can inhibit viral reproduction. Among these two compounds, 1,8-cineole is more extensively studied for its pharmacological potentials against various respiratory ailments Juergens et al. Juergens and colleagues conducted a double-blind clinical trial to check the efficacy of 1,8-cineole in steroid-dependent bronchial asthma patients.
A recent review highlighted the favourable safety and efficacy profile of eucalyptol 1,8-cinoele in numerous multi-centre, double-blinded, and randomized clinical trials conducted in Germany in patients having acute and chronic respiratory conditions including rhinosinusitis, bronchitis, COPD, and asthma, respectively Juergens et al. This hyper-inflammatory state is associated with increased levels of circulating cytokines, profound lymphopaenia, and substantial mononuclear cell infiltration in the lungs and other organs including heart, spleen, lymph nodes, and kidneys.
The systemic cytokine profiles observed in patients showed increased production of cytokines such as IL-6, IL-7, and tumour necrosis factor TNF and many other pro-inflammatory cytokines Merad and Martin Various in vitro and ex vivo studies were conducted to study the effects of eucalyptus oils and eucalyptol treatments on monocytes and macrophage recruitment in response to lung inflammation and infections.
Data of these studies demonstrate marked immunomodulatory properties of both eucalyptus oil and its active ingredient, i. Both treatments reduced the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines from monocytes and macrophages, but their phagocytic properties were not halted Juergens et al.
Eucalyptol is also known to have mucolytic and bronchodilatory properties Juergens et al. Interestingly, eucalyptus oil has also been shown to have disinfection properties and inhibited the growth of viruses on various utensils and filter devices Usachev et al. Taken together, data from both preclinical and clinical trials point towards the promising therapeutic potential that resides in eucalyptus oil and its active constituent, i.
Therefore, further studies are urgently warranted in this regard. Garlic has been used as a medication to treat common cold, influenza, and other kinds of infections for centuries.
Garlic oil was chemically analysed by the GC—MS method and 18 compounds were identified, out of which allyl disulphide ACE2 is involved in the viral invasion of host cells, while Mpro is involved in viral replication. All the 17 compounds studied showed interactions with host protein ACE2 as well as with viral proteases, indicating that garlic oil has great potential to treat COVID patients Thuy et al. Virus-induced oxidative stress plays a critical role in the viral life cycle as well as in the pathogenesis of viral diseases.
This leads to the activation of host antioxidant pathways including nuclear factor erythroid 2prelated factor 2 Nrf2 Lee Nrf2 transcription factor is known to control the expression of various genes involved in antiviral actions McCord et al.
Thus, on the basis of these docking and in vitro studies, it is proposed that garlic essential oils and their isolated constituents, especially DAS, have potential to prevent the entry of virus into host cells as well as to activate molecular antioxidant pathways that decrease the secretions of culprit pro-inflammatory cytokines.
The best docking scores against RdRp were obtained for E , E -farnesol. These phytochemicals are present in variable quantities in essential oils obtained from different plants which can be used used to treat COVID but data from well-established preclinical and clinical studies is required.
S1 protein is known to be involved in the interaction with host ACE2 receptors. In silico study findings revealed that among the evaluated EOs, anethole, cinnamaldehyde, carvacrol, geraniol, cinnamyl acetate, Lterpineol, thymol, and pulegone showed better potential to inhibit S1 subunit of S proteins.
Cinnamaldehyde was found to have more favourable binding properties as compared with other compounds Kulkarni et al. Data obtained showed that both compounds have low binding affinities with RdRps Elfiky Further in vitro and in vivo studies, however, are required to establish this.
The protective effects of cinnamaldehyde in lipopolysaccharide LPS -induced acute lung injury ALI mice model were evaluated by Huang and colleagues.
Cinnamaldehyde also significantly inhibited neutrophils, macrophages, and total cell number in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. This data along with findings of the above in silico studies give a clue about the possible beneficial role of cinnamaldehyde in COVID, but detailed in vitro and in vivo studies are required to establish its efficacy. Another in silico study conducted by Kumar and colleagues evaluated the binding potential of carvacrol against SARC-CoV-2 main protease Mpro and showed that it has the potential to inhibit Mpro and thus can halt viral replication Kumar et al.
Plant extracts rich in menthol have been used in traditional medicine in Asia for the treatment of respiratory ailments since centuries. Menthol has been reported to provide symptomatic relief from nasal congestion associated with rhinitis and the sensation of dyspnoea associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by its specific interaction with a cold-menthol-sensitive receptor CMR1 located on trigeminal nerve endings Eccles Menthol has also been shown to have gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties in rat models.
Treatment with menthol was found to significantly reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, i. Besides, it has anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to protect the lungs against lipopolysaccharide- LPS induced acute injury. An in vivo study conducted by Games and colleagues evaluated the effects of three compounds including carvacrol in an elastase-induced pulmonary emphysema mice model Games et al.
The lung inflammation and emphysema were significantly less in the carvacrol-treated mice as compared with the disease control group. Moreover, carvacrol has also been reported to have antiviral activities against HSV-1, acyclovir-resistant herpes simplex virus type 1, human respiratory syncytial virus HRSV , and human rotavirus RV Kamalabadi et al. In summary, data of in silico and in vivo animal models give a clue about the potential role of e ugenol, menthol, and carvacrol in the treatment of COVID but further studies desinged to evaluate the anti-SARC-CoV-2 efficacies of these EOs are required.
The proposed anti-SARC-CoV-2 actions of essential oils and their complementary effects on the human respiratory tract. After the emergence of shreds of preliminary scientific evidences about anti-SARC-CoV-2 potentials of essential oils and their active components, various essential oils selling and extraction companies claimed about efficacy of their essential oils bearing products against COVID These claims were immediately noticed by the Food and Drug Administration FDA authority of USA and other authorities, and warning letters were issued to the companies selling essential oils with these claims.
A warning letter MARCS-CMS was issued to a company by the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, USA and was asked to withdraw the material about anti-corona efficacy of essential oils obtained from Eucalyptus species, cinnamon, clove, frankincense, ginger, grapefruit, lemongrass, rosemary, tea tree, and lavender. Another issue associated with the use of essential oils is hypersensitivity reactions. Essential oils containing pinene and linalool are known to cause wide variety of respiratory complications including seasonal asthma and rhinitis in allergic patients Gibbs COVID has emerged as a very serious threat to global health.
Unfortunately, very few medications have been clinically shown to have efficacies against SARC-CoV-2 and its inflammatory complications. Drugs having different labelled uses are currently being tried in various combinations as supportive treatments. Tea tree oil comes from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia , a small tree native to Queensland and New South Wales, Australia.
Although Melaleuca alternifolia is known as the tea tree, it should not be confused with the plant that produces leaves used to make black, green and oolong tea. Tea tree oil has been used as a traditional medicine by Aborigines for centuries. These native Australians crush tea tree leaves to extract the oil, which is then inhaled to treat coughs and colds or applied directly to the skin for healing.
Tea tree oil contains a number of compounds, including terpinenol, that have been shown to kill certain bacteria, viruses and fungi 1 , 2. Terpinenol also appears to increase the activity of your white blood cells, which help fight germs and other foreign invaders 3. These germ-fighting properties make tea tree oil a valued natural remedy for treating bacterial and fungal skin conditions, preventing infection and promoting healing. Studies have shown that it kills several common bacteria and viruses responsible for causing illness, including E.
Moreover, a study testing several types of hand wash shows that adding tea tree oil to the cleansers boosted their effectiveness against E. Here is a simple recipe to make your own moisturizing, all-natural hand sanitizer using tea tree oil. Using tree oil as a natural hand sanitizer may help kill a number of germs responsible for colds, flu and other illness. Furthermore, a test-tube study revealed that tea tree oil had a greater ability to repel mosquitoes than DEET, the most common active ingredient in commercial insect repellents 6.
Try this easy-to-make insect repellent using tea tree oil and other natural ingredients. Tea tree oil has been shown to kill or repel insects. In some cases, it is as effective or more effective than standard insecticides or repellents. Sweat itself does not smell.
However, when secretions from your sweat glands combine with bacteria on your skin, a moderate to strong odor is produced. Here is a safe and effective natural deodorant that can be made from tea tree oil and a few other ingredients. Tea tree oil contains compounds that fight bacteria responsible for body odor.
It can be used to make a safe and effective deodorant. Injuries that result in broken skin make it easy for germs to enter your bloodstream, which can lead to infection. Tea tree oil can be used to treat and disinfect minor cuts and abrasions by killing S.
Find coconut oil online. Applying a mixture of tea tree oil and coconut oil can help prevent minor cuts and abrasions from becoming infected. In addition to preventing infection in cuts and abrasions, tea tree oil may also encourage wound healing.
Research has shown that tea tree oil helps reduce inflammation and triggers the activity of white blood cells that are instrumental in the healing process 3 , 7 , 8. In a small study of 10 people with wounds, adding tea tree oil to conventional wound treatment led to decreased healing time in all but one participant 9. Tea tree oil may help speed wound healing by reducing inflammation and increasing white blood cell activity.
Tea tree oil can be a powerful weapon against acne. Several studies have shown that it helps reduce the amount and overall severity of acne 10 , 11 , It was nearly six times as effective in reducing severity In another study, tea tree oil was found to be as effective against acne as benzoyl peroxide, the most common anti-acne medication Tea tree oil-based acne gels can be purchased at natural grocery stores or from online retailers.
Alternatively, you can make your own acne treatment by mixing one part tea tree oil with nine parts water and applying the mixture to affected areas with a cotton swab once or twice a day, as needed. Gels containing tea tree oil have been shown to reduce the number of lesions and severity of acne in a number of studies. Fungal nail infections are quite common.
There are medications that can treat nail fungus, though some people may prefer a more natural approach. Tea tree oil has been shown to help get rid of nail fungus when used alone or in combination with other natural remedies 14 , In a controlled study, people with nail fungus used straight tea tree oil or an antifungal medication for six months.
You can use a few drops of tea tree oil alone or mix it with an equal amount of coconut oil and apply it to the affected area.
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