Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)

• Active Compounds: Terpinen-4-ol, γ-terpinene, α-terpinene

• Antifungal Activity: Tea tree oil is a widely known essential oil with potent antifungal properties. It has been shown to be effective against Candida albicans, Trichophyton (which causes athlete’s foot), and Aspergillus.

• Mechanism of Action: The compounds in tea tree oil can disrupt the fungal cell membrane, leading to leakage of cellular contents and cell death. They also inhibit the growth of the fungi by affecting their cellular metabolism.

• Traditional Uses: Tea tree oil has long been used in topical applications for fungal skin infections, such as athlete’s foot, ringworm, and nail fungus.

• How to Use: Tea tree oil can be diluted with a carrier oil (like coconut oil) and applied topically. It can also be added to bathwater or used in sprays for fungal infections.