Tea tree oil is a common name for what has been called Melaleuca oil. It is found exclusively on one coast of Australia, It has been taken from the leaves of melaleuca alternifolia, and has been confused in the past with tea oil, which is commonly known as green tea, white tea, black tea, or camellia sinesis. When you use this, it is one of the rarer acne treatments.

History of Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil was traditionally used by the indigenous Bundjalang people of Australia. They used it as a traditional medicine inhaled to treat coughs and colds. It was used as part of treatments used to treat sore throats and skin ailments, and its antimicrobial benefits were first published in the 1920’s and 1930’s. It was at that time rated as 11 times more effective than phenol. Since then, it has been tested in multiple studies for its effects in fighting acne, dandruff, and a number of other potentially serious problems.

Uses Of Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has been used mainly for its antiseptic properties in Australia. However, it has been scientifically studied and proven to have quite a few different effects. When you use tea tree oil, you will find that it can be used to fight bacteria, scabies, viruses, fungal infections, mites, lice, and many other infections. It has specifically used against the bacteria known as staphylococcus aureus and MRSA when used in 10% concentrations. It has also been used for shingles, and when used in 5% concentrations, it can be used to fight acne.

Studies On Tea Tree Oil
A number of years ago, tea tree oil was studied and shown to promote certain benefits and results. When you use tea tree oil, you will find that it has been used to treat things like head lice obviously. But one specific study conducted on tea tree oil and benzoyl peroxide showed that in a 5% concentration, they promoted the same grade of acne fighting benefits. The difference was that tea tree oil did not cause major side effects.

The Cost Of Tea Tree Oil
You might be surprised to know that some tea tree oil based acne treatments are more affordable than benzoyl peroxide products! Tea tree oil does actually cost manufacturers more. But its name is not as big. When using organic tea tree oil, you should be able to actually expect a lower price despite its higher quality than most other products.