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Tea Tree Oil
Description
Ingredients
Melaleuca alternifolia >36% Terpenine-4-ol, <3%Cineole
Indications
It is used as an anti-viral in the treatment of cold sores and warts, as an anti-septic and bacterialcidal agent in cuts, wounds, dermatitis and stings, as a general disinfectant for respiratory and genito-urinary infections. It is also an effective anti-fungal for many common conditions such as athlete's foot, ringworm or vaginal thrush.
Mode of Action
The main mode of action is disruption of the cell membrane which causes leakage of potassium ions. Other actions include inhibition of respiration in E. coli, S. aureus and C. albicans.
Dosage
Oil at a strength of 70-100% should be applied moderately in small areas at least twice per day to the affected areas of skin or nail. For topical treatment of acne, the oil is used at a dilution of 5-15%. Concentrations as strong as 40% may be used-with extreme caution and qualified advice-as vaginal douches.
Caution
The oil should not be applied to broken skin or to areas affected by rashes not due to fungus. The oil may burn if it gets into eyes, the nose, mouth, or other tender areas. Some people have allergic reactions, including rashes and itching, when applying tea tree oil. For this reason, only a small amount should be applied when first using it. Never use the oil internally
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