October 29, 1999

Allergens in tea tree caused by the oil's exposure to light

Over 30 cases of allergic sensitivity to tea tree essential oil have been documented.
A study reported in the June 1999 issue of American Journal of Contact Dermatology
found that fresh tea tree oil was actually a very weak allergen. When the oil was exposed
to light for four days on a window sill, it deteriorated, or photo-oxidized. This changed
the chemistry of the oil, tripling the allergens. For instance, the occurrence of peroxides
in the deteriorated oil increased by more than ten times the amount in the fresh oil. The
lessons to be learned from this are to always buy your oils in a dark container, and store
them capped in a dark place.

Other news:

Tea tree not effective as a coolant for burns

True lavender may relieve muscle spasms

Another study supports tea tree's effectiveness against antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Echinacea for early treatment, not prevention

Better symptom relief for PMS with Vitex

German chamomile used to ease benzodiazepine withdrawal

 

Use the back button on your browser to return to your previous page