TEA TREE OIL

About Tea Tree Oil: Tea Tree Oil is a natural agent that is effective against all three categories of infectious organisms: bacteria, viruses and fungi. It is commonly used as an antiseptic, germicide, antibacterial, fungicide or anti-inflammatory agent. Many people use tea tree oil for: ringworm, head lice, seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, athletes foot, oral thrush, cold sores & canker sores, tooth ache & gum infections, mosquito bites, bug repellent, mouth ulcers, herpes, cuts, abrasions, after shave, sunburn, anorectal or vaginal yeast infections, unwanted body odors, acne, toe nail infections, and many other use. 

According to Dr. Anitra Carr of the Linus Pauling Institute, "tea tree oil is rich in terpene alcohols, such as terpinen-4-ol, which is thought to be the active germicidal component, and 1,8-cineol (eucalyptol), which gives eucalypts their characteristic strong fragrance and medicinal properties. High-terpinen-4-ol oils are therapeutically more important than high-cineol oils because the latter irritate mucous membranes and the skin. Numerous instances of contact dermatitis associated with the use of tea tree oil have been reported and resulted in the discovery that 1,8-cineol was the allergen. Most commercial tea tree oils contain less than 10% 1,8-cineol and between 30% and 45% terpinen-4-ol. Nevertheless, the oil should be patch tested on the skin before use." 

Dr. Carr further added that tea tree oil can also be effective in killing stubborn germs such as Staphylococcus

Click below for an in-depth discussions about the healing properties of Tea Tree Oil
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/f-w98/teatrees.html

As an organic solvent - Tea Tree Oil can dissolve the lumps of white blood cells which make pus and allows your blood stream to clean them away, helping to clear infections like boils, sores and ulcers. It also penetrates through the skin and reaches otherwise inaccessible sites such as under the fingernails.

As an antiseptic - Laboratory testing and studies from The Linus Pauling Institute as well as the Associated Foodstuff laboratories of Australia (AFLA) and E.M.L have proven that tea tree oil can effectively kill bacteria, even stubborn germs like Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherischia coli. It was also discovered that unlike most other synthetic antiseptics, tea tree oil actually works more effectively in the presence of organic matter and kills bacteria even more effectively in living tissue than in the test tube. And it is all done without damaging healthy living cells.

Brand Name: Dr. Razack's Tea Tree Oil Shampoo and various over the counter brands in health food stores.  

Side effects: Slight burning sensation may result if full strength is used. Try to patch test or dilute with water before using. 

Topical application:  Use topically as directed. This product is a great adjunct to those who use a lot of topicals on their scalp. A few drops twice weekly can leave your scalp and hair feel refreshing and healthy. 

Vendors

Dr. Razack - Tea Tree Oil Shampoo