Did you know, that the use of tea tree oil from a thousand-year-old tree has been scientifically proven to be effective against certain types of skin cancer?
Yes, it’s true. A 3-year study by the University of Western Australia’s Tea Tree Oil Research Group has shown that non-melanoma skin cancers and pre-cancerous lesions treated with the use of tea tree oil inhibits tumor growth and causes tumor regression within one day of treatment. Within 3 days, the tumors are virtually undetectable.
The study was conducted by research associates Dr. Sara Greay and Dr. Demelza Ireland of UWA’s School of Biomedical, Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, and their colleagues. The study’s findings were published in the journal Cancer Chemotherapy Pharmacology.
The anti-cancer effect of tea tree oil appears to involve activation of the immune system, according to Dr Greay. The uses of tea tree oil therapy is considered by many to be favorable compared to other clinically approved skin cancer chemotherapies, which have long treatment times of 3 to 16 weeks — and can cause nausea and flu-like symptoms.
The tea tree oil formulation used in the study produces only mild skin irritation, which often disappears within days after completion of treatment.
Tea tree oil, or melaleuca oil, is an essential oil taken from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia, which is native to the northeast coast of New South Wales, Australia. It has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years by the aborigines as a natural antibiotic. They rubbed the plant’s oily leaves on their skin to treat wounds, repel insects or fight infections.
When applied topically, the oil also has beneficial medical properties including antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral action. It is also believed to have beneficial cosmetic properties — and has been used by many people as a treatment for acne, impetigo, dandruff, and many other skin problems.
Because skin reactions are common when pure tea tree oil is applied topically, the oil is usually diluted before being applied. Mild irritation may still occur in some people, even when it’s diluted. WARNING: Tea tree oil is toxic when taken internally, and should never be taken with food or drinks.
Tea tree oil is widely available at health food stores, such as Whole Foods — and it can also be purchased from online health product retailers.
