Did you know that a group of trees can fight microorganisms, heal wounds, and even increase healing time? One of these trees is the tea tree. This article will shed light on the unique properties of tea trees' active ingredients, such as essential oils and the uses of tea trees. 

Overview

Tea tree oil is an essential oil isolated from tea leaves and is often in first aid and to treat wounds, burns, and abscesses. The essential oil is also called “Melaleuca alternifolia oil” and is native to Australia. The oil has been used for centuries as botanical medicine and is legendary for its unique antibacterial and antiseptic properties.¹

Tea tree oil is known by various names: essential tea tree oil, melaleuca oil or TTO.  Many types of plants are commonly known as tea trees tree, so it is necessary to recognise the genus and species.² 

Background

Tea tree oil, derived from Melaleuca alternifolia in Australia, has been used for centuries because of its remarkable antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Dr Arthur Penfold introduced it as an antiseptic in 1923, claiming it was more effective than phenol. The Australian army even used it during World War II.¹

Traditionally, Aboriginal tribes used tea tree leaves to create poultices for treating burns, cuts, and bites.¹ 

Tea tree essential oil is obtained through steam distillation of the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia.^2,3 It is a clear, mobile liquid with no visible trace of water and has a distinct odour. It also has a chromatographic profile.² Most variations of tea tree oil contain more than 100 active components.³

Uses of tea tree oils

Tea tree oil has demonstrated effectiveness in various applications, including treating antibiotic-resistant bacteria, osteomyelitis, skin conditions, and infected chronic wounds. It activates monocytes and aids in wound healing by reducing inflammation and controlling infections.^2,3

• Treatment of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus
• Treating osteomyelitis
• Treating superficial skin conditions (e.g., insect bites, head lice, and dandruff)
• Treating infected chronic wounds
• Activates monocytes 
• Aids in wound healing by reducing inflammation and controlling infections

However, more extensive clinical trials are needed to test this magic healing oil's effect on wounds. 

Side effects 

There are a few noticeable side effects with the topical application of tea tree oil in low concentrations.^2,3,4

• Contact dermatitis 
• Acne 
• Tinea 
• Mild irritation 
• Mild sensitivity reactions 

Effectiveness of tea tree oil in managing chronic wounds

There are levels of evidence showing the effect of tea tree oil on wound healing.³

• Level 1 evidence

It showed that it reduced MRSA colonisation and improved wound evaluation scores. 

• Level 3 evidence

The wound was reported to have reduced in size. However, the MRSA colonies did not decrease, and antibiotic therapy was required for most patients.

• Level 4 evidence

It was reported that the wound bed granulated successfully and healed completely.

• Level 5 evidence

 Tea tree oil was effective against bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

This limited evidence was insufficient to make a graded recommendation for using tea tree oil to promote the healing of chronic wounds. However, no side effects were reported in the studies. Tea tree oil products could be used to treat chronic wounds in clinical contexts where there is no access to modern antimicrobial agents.³

Summary  

Tea tree oil, or Melaleuca alternifolia oil, is an essential oil from Australia traditionally used for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. The systemic literature search showed the effectiveness of tea tree oil against bacteria. However, this evidence was insufficient to recommend using tea tree oil to promote the healing of chronic wounds. There were also no side effects. Therefore, further clinical trials are needed.