TEA TREE OIL
EFFICACY + SAFETY
The Proven Tea Tree Oil.
The most evidenced tea tree oil in the world.
100% Pure Australian Tea Tree Oil.
Nearly all research has been conducted on 100% pure Australian tea tree oil so therapeutic benefits are proven only on this product.
Efficacy.
100% pure Australian tea tree oil is underpinned by its effectiveness in laboratory studies and human clinical trials to address a long list of health issues, as well as its use in personal care applications.
“Contemporary data clearly show that the broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity of tea tree oil includes antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and anti-protozoal activity.” ^
Australian Government Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation
^Carson CF, Hammer KA, Riley TV. Compilation and Review of Published and Unpublished Tea Tree Oil Literature. Australian Government Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. September 2005
Antibacterial.
Well-established for its broad spectrum (Gram positive and Gram negative) antibacterial activity, including methicillin-resistant Streptococcus aureus (MRSA).*º
*Carson C, Hammer KA, Riley TV. 2006. Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil: a review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. Clin Microbiol Rev 2006; 19: 50–62.
ºCarson CF, Mee BJ, Riley TV. 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. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2002; 46: 1914–1920.
Antifungal.
Several yeasts are susceptible to tea tree oil, including yeasts from the genera Candida, Malassezia and Trichosporon families.^
^Carson CF, Hammer KA, Riley TV. Compilation and Review of Published and Unpublished Tea Tree Oil Literature. Australian Government Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. September 2005
Anti-inflammatory.
Tea tree oil can inhibit the production of several inflammatory mediators (such as interleukins) and so may reduce the inflammatory response.^
^Carson CF, Hammer KA, Riley TV. Compilation and Review of Published and Unpublished Tea Tree Oil Literature. Australian Government Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. September 2005
Anti-viral.
Tea tree oil may act against viruses in several ways, including lethal effects directly on virus particles.^
^Carson CF, Hammer KA, Riley TV. Compilation and Review of Published and Unpublished Tea Tree Oil Literature. Australian Government Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. September 2005
Safety.
The safety of 100% pure Australian tea tree oil as a consumer product is well documented.
In fact, all oil used in safety studies presented to REACH and the SCCS for tea tree oil use in the European Union were carried out on Australian tea tree oil, as are the literature reports used in the European Monograph.
“Most TTO is used topically. Anecdotal evidence from almost 80 years of use suggests that topical use is safe, and that adverse events are minor and occasional.” ^
Australian Government Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation
^Carson CF, Hammer KA, Riley TV. Compilation and Review of Published and Unpublished Tea Tree Oil Literature. Australian Government Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. September 2005
Oral Toxicity.
Tea tree oil can be toxic if ingested, and tea tree is categorised as a Schedule 6 poison in Australia. The European Union is proposing classification changes, and ATTIA welcomes those related to oral toxicity.
To this end, neat tea tree oil should be labelled that it must be kept out of the reach of children, packaged with a childproof cap, and labelled “not to be taken internally”.^
If these safety features are not present on a consumer product, then you should not purchase it.
^Carson CF, Hammer KA, Riley TV. Compilation and Review of Published and Unpublished Tea Tree Oil Literature. Australian Government Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. September 2005
Irritant Skin Reactions.
Irritant skin reactions are often dependent on the concentration of tea tree oil, how it has been stored, and if the product has been kept beyond its expiry date.
Newly distilled tea tree oil has a relatively low sensitising capacity whereas degraded oil that has been exposed to light, oxygen, warmth and moisture could be a moderate-to-strong sensitiser.^
Contact allergy is rare but can also occur in some individuals.^
It’s important to store your oil correctly by ensuring it has been tightly capped and not exposed to light and fluctuating heat conditions.
^Carson CF, Hammer KA, Riley TV. Compilation and Review of Published and Unpublished Tea Tree Oil Literature. Australian Government Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. September 2005
‘The evidence base for 100% pure Australian tea tree oil’s efficacy and safety is unmatched.’
Tony Marnane - ATTIA Board Director