Tea Tree Oil Antifungal

Tea tree oil antifungal treatment is very effective against all kinds of fungal infections, as well as many bacterial and viral infections. Available at most health and natural food stores, this medicine chest in a bottle is a great addition to your first aid kit.

Tea tree oil is produced from the leaves of the Australian tea tree. Like other essential oils, tea tree oil is made by steam distillation. This process uses large amounts of leaves to end up with a small amount of concentrated essential oil. Numerous scientific studies have been done on tea tree oil with positive results. Research has shown over and over again that tea tree oil is effective against fungi, bacteria, and even viruses. Not only is tea tree oil antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral, but it also works with the body to strengthen the entire immune system.

Tea tree oil has chemicals called terpenoids. These terpenoids are believed to be the medicinal component of the oil. Terpinen-4-ol is such an important component that Australia established a standard for the amount that the oil must contain. The best oils contain at least 50 percent of this compound.

This oil is effective against fungal infections such as:

• Athlete's foot
• Ringworm
• Candida
• Nail fungus

If you have a nail fungus, it can be frustrating to try to get rid of it. The average treatment time for prescription medications or natural remedies is about six to eight months. This means six to eight months of continuous treatment. Missing even one day can mean that the whole treatment must be started over again.

The nail grows quite slowly. This treatment will need to be continued until the entire nail has grown out and is clear of the infection. Be consistent for the very best results. This particular essential oil can lose its potency over time, so start out with a new bottle. Some people find that they get better results by using a combination of rosemary essential oil and tea tree oil.

To treat nail fungus follow these steps:

• Using a cotton swab, dab some of the oil on the affected toe or fingernail.
• Treat the nail, under the nail, and the skin around the nail.
• Always wash your hands well afterwards because fungus can spread very easily.
• Allow the tea tree oil to soak into the nail for at least thirty minutes before washing.
• Repeat this process three times a day for as long as it takes for the nail to clear up and look normal.

When the nail is completely healed, you can discontinue the treatment. Watch it carefully though and begin treatment again at the first sign of fungal infection.

Most other fungal infections do not take as long to eradicate as nail infections. It is important with any infection to be consistent in the treatment. Follow the directions carefully and never take tea tree oil internally.

• Athlete's foot: No topical treatment can eradicate the underlying fungus of athlete's foot, but tea tree oil can alleviate the symptoms. Add tea tree oil to a carrier oil at a ratio of two drops of tea tree oil to ten drops of the carrier oil. Rub on the area once or twice a day. You can also mix a few drops of tea tree oil with baking soda to rub on your feet and sprinkle in your shoes.
• Ringworm: Ringworm is also caused by a fungus. Mix four drops of tea tree oil with ten drops of the carrier oil and massage into the area twice daily.
• Vaginal yeast infections: Tea tree oil is very effective against yeast infections. Place one drop of tea tree oil in twenty drops of distilled water. Use this mixture to moisten a tampon. Insert it overnight and repeat the treatment for three days. Discontinue use if irritation develops.
• Thrush: Thrush is a yeast infection which occurs in the mouth and throat when someone's immune system is suppressed, as with HIV and other autoimmune diseases. Sometimes babies get thrush as well. This treatment is for adult use only. Do not use this with a child and be sure never to swallow the mixture. Add three drops of tea tree oil to two tablespoonfuls of distilled water. Gargle with this mixture twice a day, holding it in the mouth for about thirty seconds each time.

Tea tree oil antifungal mixtures can be made at home with pure tea tree oil and either a carrier oil, baking soda, or distilled water. It can be added to shampoos and conditioners in small amounts. You can also find many varieties of tea tree oil products at the health food store, such as:

• Shampoo
• Soap
• Cleaning solutions
• Salves
• Toothpaste
• Mouthwash

Tea tree oil is a natural, effective defense against all types of external fungal infections.

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