For decades, numerous research studies have demonstrated Tea Tree oil as having broad spectrum activity against a range of bacteria and fungus, as well as its potency as an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic (Carson et al., 2006), however, new findings by researchers at Curtin University show the medicinal oil is also effective against human respiratory viruses.
Until recently, the understanding of Tea Tree oil as a potent anti-viral had been left wanting, but increasing demand for natural alternatives to fight and kill viruses necessitated a deeper investigation.
Numerous studies illustrate and recognise the broad-spectrum action of Tea Tree oil as an antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and analgesic and as such, it is commonly used for wound healing, as an antiseptic, to kill acne causing bacteria, as an anti-fungal for dandruff, nail fungus and Tinea, as well as a deterrent for head lice, mite infections and the Dermodex mites and rosacea, plus a range of other applications.
Due to limited therapeutic management for viral infections and the side effects of synthetic drugs, current studies globally are focusing on the therapeutic use of medicines from natural sources, like Tea Tree and Eucalyptus in the treatment of viral disease, in particular SARS-CoV-2 (Mieres-Castro et al., 2021).
This latest research from Dr Padraig Strappe and his team at The Curtin Medical School, has demonstrated that ETTO Tea Tree oil is effective at inactivating certain types of viruses, including human influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.
They focused their initial investigations into ascertaining the optimal concentration of Tea Tree oil required that would effectively kill the viruses but without being too strong on the skin cells.
The team tested the anti-viral properties of Tea tree Oil on a range of viruses. It proved effective at inactivating Bovine Herpes, the human influenza virus and the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus using a 10% concentration over 30 to 45 minutes incubation. It also inactivated the herpes virus with a 1-2% concentration.
These are exciting discoveries, and we look forward to seeing where the research goes next. Stay tuned, we’ll be chatting with the team to find out more soon.
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ETTO Tea Tree Oil is exceptionally high in the bioactive component terpinen-4-ol. Our oil is grown and steam distilled without chemicals and is not 'rectified,' resulting in a pure oil that hasn't been stripped of its natural composition.
ETTO 100% Tea Tree Oil, $58
Sources:
Carson, C. F., Hammer, K. A., & Riley, T. V. (2006). Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) oil: a review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. Clinical microbiology reviews, 19(1), 50–62. https://doi.org/10.1128/CMR.19.1.50-62.2006
Mieres-Castro, D., Ahmar, S., Shabbir, R., & Mora-Poblete, F. (2021). Antiviral Activities of Eucalyptus Essential Oils: Their Effectiveness as Therapeutic Targets against Human Viruses. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland), 14(12), 1210. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph14121210