What is tea tree and why is it a natural antibacterial?

For many years, people have used tea tree oil to treat acne, improve skin and hair, especially tea tree oil is used to treat skin wounds, coughs and colds.

What is tea tree?

Melaleuca is a flowering plant in the family Kim Nuong Peach family, the scientific name of this plant is Melaleuca alternifolia. The tea tree, native to Australia, is suitable for moist, sunny soil. Currently, this plant is widely grown in many places, including Vietnam.

Characteristics of tea tree:

Tea tree has a height of 2-30m. Leaves dark green or gray, alternate, ovate or lanceolate, 1-25 cm long and 0.5-7 cm wide.

The flowers of the tea tree come in many colors: white, pink, pale yellow, green, and grow in thick clusters along the stem, each flower has small petals and a dense cluster of stamens.

The fruit is a small capsule containing many small seeds.

The reason tea tree is said to be a natural antibacterial agent

Tea tree contains α-Terpineol, a substance with natural antibacterial effects that helps prevent colds, wind, cough, inhibit viruses , etc. Derived from the use of α-Terpineol in human tea tree. We have used this substance as an ingredient in the production of many drugs that inhibit the H5N1 influenza virus and some commonly used drugs, especially during the peak season of influenza, fever….

In a clinical trial at Westmead Hospital in Sydney , tea tree also has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antibacterial properties, so it can be applied in cases such as burns, wounds, skin infections…

In addition, the essential oil of the naturally extracted tea tree creates a pleasant aroma, antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic. Tea tree oil is also widely used in manufacturing: cosmetics, toothpaste, shower gel, shampoo, mouthwash, etc.

Hopefully, the sharing of the article will help you better understand the use of tea tree, which is why it is said to be a natural antibacterial agent. If possible, use products extracted from typical tea tree trees such as tea tree oil to protect your health!

Source: vnexpress

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