Tea tree oil
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil (pronunciation: /tiː triː ɔɪl/), also known as melaleuca oil, is an essential oil with a fresh camphoraceous odor and a color that ranges from pale yellow to nearly colorless and clear. It is derived from the leaves of the tea tree, Melaleuca alternifolia, native to Southeast Queensland and the Northeast coast of New South Wales, Australia.
Etymology
The name tea tree is used for several plants, mostly from Australia and New Zealand, from the family Myrtaceae, related to the myrtle. The use of the name probably originated from Captain James Cook's description of one of these shrubs that he used to make an infusion, to drink in place of tea.
Usage
Tea tree oil has been used traditionally as a topical antiseptic and antifungal treatment. One study found it to be as effective as benzoyl peroxide, but without the associated side effects of skin irritation and dryness.
Related Terms
- Essential oil: A concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing volatile aroma compounds from plants.
- Antiseptic: Antimicrobial substances that are applied to living tissue/skin to reduce the possibility of infection, sepsis, or putrefaction.
- Antifungal: A medication used to treat fungal infections such as athlete's foot, ringworm, candidiasis (thrush), serious systemic infections such as cryptococcal meningitis, and others.
- Benzoyl peroxide: A medication and industrial chemical. As a medication, it is used to treat mild to moderate acne.
- Melaleuca alternifolia: A species of tree or tall shrub in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. Endemic to Australia, it occurs in southeast Queensland and the north coast and adjacent ranges of New South Wales.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Tea tree oil
- Wikipedia's article - Tea tree oil
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