Tea tree oil and other essential oils have historically been used to combat infection. Now, researchers are proving that many of these aromatherapy oils are effective against a variety of hospital acquired infections, including MRSA.
Uses of Maleleuca Oil
Tea tree oil is steam-distilled from the leaves of the Australian tea tree, Maleleuca alternifolia. In aromatherapy, it is primarily used for its antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.
Of all the essential oils, tea tree is one of the rare few that can be applied to the skin neat (that is, 100% undiluted). It can also be diluted with carrier oils (such as olive oil or grapeseed oil), blended with other essential oils and diluted in a carrier oil, or included in products such as soap and toothpaste.
Tea Tree Oil as an Antibiotic Against Nosocomial Infections
Several in vitro studies have proven that tea tree oil and other essential oils (such as thyme, lavender, and lemongrass) are effective against MRSA, as well as some other nosocomial infections. (In vitro studies are petri dish experiments in which scientists isolate the bacteria, grow them in the lab, then study them "within the glass.")
In vivo experiments (those performed within living systems, in this case human) have also been performed, including one that compared the relative efficacy of tea tree with three standard antibiotic creams. They were each applied topically to eradicate MRSA in the nose. Of the four, tea tree ranked second best at killing MRSA.
More research should be performed to further prove the efficacy of tea tree and other essential oils in eradicating drug resistant infections. One three-year trial studying the effectiveness of tea tree oil in hand soap against MRSA is slated to end in November of 2010. This study is using a standardized concentration of 5% tea tree oil.
Tea Tree Products May Cause Bacterial Resistance
Recent research shows that tea tree oil used in low, sub-lethal concentrations may in fact create antibacterial resistance in strains of bacteria. Although low concentrations of the oil may not be enough to kill bacteria, it triggers them to beef up their defenses. One study used sub-lethal tea tree oil concentrations of 0.25% and 0.1%. (To give an illustration of how small these concentrations are, a one percent concentration would be 5 drops of essential oil per ounce. Now, imagine a tenth of that!)
Because most products that contain tea tree do not state the concentration of oil used, it is difficult to distinguish which products are a threat.
Safe Use of Australian Tea Tree Oil
- Do not confuse Maleleuca (Australian) tea tree oil with Manuka (New Zealand) tea tree oil, which comes from a completely different plant. When purchasing your oil, look for the scientific name Maleleuca alternifolia.
- Choose your tea tree-containing products carefully. Until you know the actual concentration of oil used in a product, you may be using a product that is creating bacterial resistance instead of killing bacteria. Many products contain minute amounts of tea tree -- just enough to lure buyers who shop natural.
- Tea tree oil can cause allergic reactions and sensitivity. People who are allergic to other plants in the Myrtle family may have a cross allergy. These plants include guava, eucalyptus, allspice, and clove.
- When using tea tree oil for the first time, use only a small amount on a patch of unbroken skin to test for sensitivity.
- While tea tree oil can be used undiluted on the skin on people with no allergy/sensitivity, take care with it, especially when using on children.
- Never use tea tree oil on broken or irritated skin. (And certainly do not use on serious wounds!)
- If you are attempting to combat an infection, always consult a health care provider first before attempting to self treat with essential oils.
References
- Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, "The battle against multi-resistant strains: Renaissance of antimicrobial essential oils as a promising force to fight hospital-acquired infections," Warnke and Becker et al., October 2009.
- In Vivo, "Antibacterial effect of tea-tree oil on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation of the tympanostomy tube: an in vitro study," Park and Jang et al., November 2007
- Journal of Hospital Infections, “A randomized, controlled trial of tea tree topical preparations versus a standard topical regimen for the clearance of MRSA colonization,” Dryden, Dailly, and Crouch, April 2004
- 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
- Letters in Applied Microbiology, "Changes in antibiotic susceptibility in staphylococci habituated to sub-lethal concentrations of tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)," McMahon and Tunney et al., October 2008.
- Habituation to sub-lethal concentrations of tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) is associated with reduced susceptibility to antibiotics in human pathogens
Further Reading
Christie Bailey - Christie is an RN, BSN with a passion for holistic health. Currently, she is pursuing her masters degree to become a holistic nurse ...
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