I always carry a bottle of tea tree essential oil its no more than 2" high and 1/2" across but if the dog gets a skin tear , puncture or split pad a couple of drops of this acts as a strong natural antiseptic
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Agreed, I also prefer to carry lavender oil ... it's amazing stuff, use it on/for so many different things. I don't think teatree can cause epileptic seizures though, just exacerbate them in already epileptic dogs.
found this so people can make their own minds up, it also mentions lavander
Tea tree oil or melaleuca oil is a clear to very pale golden yellow in colour hydrophobic essential oil with a fresh camphoraceous odor. It is taken from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia which is native to the northeast coast of New South Wales, Australia. Tea tree oil should not be confused with tea oil, the sweet seasoning and cooking oil from pressed seeds of the tea plant Camellia sinensis (beverage tea), or the tea oil plant Camellia oleifera.
Tea tree oil has beneficial medical properties when applied topically, including antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral action, and is also believed to have beneficial cosmetic properties. Tea tree oil is usually used diluted, as reactions are common with pure tea tree oil, but it can also cause irritation for some people when diluted. Tea tree oil is toxic when taken internally, and so should never be added to food or drinks.
Tea tree oil has strong activity against Staphylococcus aureus including MRSA.[1] When used at 5% concentration it has not been shown to cause drug resistance; however, some resistance occurs at lower concentrations such as 0.5%.[2]
Contents [hide]
1 History and extraction
2 Composition
3 Medicinal use
3.1 In aquarium fish
4 Safety
5 External links
6 References
[edit] History and extraction
Terpinen-4-olThe indigenous Bundjalung people of eastern Australia use “tea trees” as a traditional medicine by inhaling the oils from the crushed leaves to treat coughs and colds. They also sprinkle leaves on wounds, after which a poultice is applied. In addition, tea tree leaves are soaked to make an infusion to treat sore throats or skin ailments.[3][4]
Use of the oil itself, as opposed to the unextracted plant material, did not become common practice until researcher Arthur Penfold published the first reports of its antimicrobial activity in a series of papers in the 1920s and 1930s. In evaluating the antimicrobial activity of M. alternifolia, tea tree oil was rated as 11 times more active than phenol.[5]
The commercial tea tree oil industry was born after the medicinal properties of the oil were first reported by Penfold in the 1920s. It was produced from natural bush stands of M. alternifolia that produced oil with the appropriate chemotype. The plant material was hand cut and often distilled on the spot in makeshift, mobile, wood-fired bush stills.
Tea tree plantation, Coraki.Production ebbed after World War II as demand for the oil declined, presumably due to the development of effective antibiotics and the waning image of natural products. Interest in the oil was rekindled in the 1970s as part of the general renaissance of interest in natural products. Commercial plantations were established in the 1970s and 1980s, which lead to mechanization and large-scale production of a consistent essential oil product.[6]
Among over 98 compounds contained in the oil, terpinen-4-ol is responsible for most of the antimicrobial activity.[citation needed]
Although tea tree oil normally is extracted from Melaleuca alternifolia commercially, it can also be extracted from Melaleuca dissitiflora and Melaleuca linariifolia. Tea tree oil is defined by international standard ISO 4730 (2004) ("Oil of Melaleuca, Terpinen-4-ol type"), which specifies levels of 15 components which are needed to define the oil as "tea tree oil."
[edit] Composition
Tea tree oil ISO 4730 (2004) Concentration [%]
terpinen-4-ol 30-48
γ-terpinene 10–28
α-terpinene 5–13
1,8-Cineole 0–15
α-terpinolene 1.5–5
α-terpineol 1.5–8
α-pinene 1–6
p-cymene 0.5–8
[edit] Medicinal use
Tea tree oil has been recognized as a potent antiseptic in Australia anecdotally for many years, but has been scientifically investigated only relatively recently. Recent studies support a role for the topical application of tea tree oil in skin care and for the treatment of various diseases and conditions. Tea tree oil appears to be effective against bacteria, viruses, fungal infections, mites such as scabies, and lice such as head lice.
Tea tree oil has activity against the bacteria staphylococcus aureus including MRSA, and when used at a 10% concentration is comparable with mupirocin for application to the skin. At this concentration, it has the added benefit of having never been shown to cause resistance. However, this can occur at lower percentages. Tea tree oil is less successful for application in the nose.[7] Also, there is clinical evidence that topical dermatological preparations containing tea tree oil may be more effective than conventional antibiotics in preventing transmittal of CA-MRSA. [8]
In the treatment of moderate common acne, topical application of 5% tea tree oil has shown an effect comparable to 5% benzoyl peroxide, albeit with slower onset of action.[9] In another study in 2007, a gel of 5% tea tree oil was compared against a placebo with statistically significant results.[10]
Tea tree oil is a known antifungal agent, effective in vitro against multiple dermatophytes found on the skin.[11] In vivo, shampoo with 5% tea tree oil has been shown to be an effective treatment for dandruff due to its ability to treat Malassezia furfur, the most common cause of the condition.[12]
The effectiveness of topical tea tree oil preparations for the treatment of the yeast infection Candidiasis is supported by its ability to kill Candida in vitro.[13]
There is some very limited research that has shown that tea tree oil may have topical anti-viral activity, especially against the Herpes virus (cold sores), chicken pox, shingles blisters, etc.[14]
One study has shown a 5% tea tree oil solution to be more effective than commercial medications against the scabies mite in an in vitro situation.[15]
[edit] In aquarium fish
Diluted solutions of tea tree oil are often used as a remedy to treat bacterial and fungal infection in aquarium fish. Common brand names are Melafix and Bettafix. Melafix is a stronger dilution and Bettafix is a lighter dilution that makes it harder to overdose smaller fish, especially Betta. It is most commonly used to promote fin and tissue regrowth, but is also effective in treating other conditions such as fin rot or velvet. The remedy is used mostly on Betta fish but can also be used with other aquarium fish.
[edit] Safety
According to the American Cancer Society: "Tea tree oil is toxic when swallowed. It has been reported to cause drowsiness, confusion, hallucinations, coma, unsteadiness, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach upset, blood cell abnormalities, and severe rashes. It should be kept away from pets and children."[16]
A small number of people experience allergic contact dermatitis as a reaction to dermal contact with tea tree oil. In an Italian study of 725 consecutive patients, patients were patch tested with undiluted, 1%, and 0.1% tea tree oil. For undiluted tea tree oil, nearly 6% of the patients observed positive reactions of skin irritation. Only 1 of 725 patients observed a positive reaction of skin irritation with the 1% dilution. None of the 725 patients observed adverse reactions with the 0.1% dilution.[17] Allergic reactions may be due to the various oxidation products that are formed by exposure of the oil to light and/or air.[18][19]
External application of tea tree oil undiluted and/or at inappropriate high doses has been associated with toxicity, including death, in cats and other animals due to ingestion during grooming.[20][21][22]
A highly disputed case study reported in The New England Journal of Medicine concluded that repeated topical exposure of lavender and tea tree oils may have caused prepubertal gynecomastia in three young boys.[23] The study involved just three individuals and found lavender to be the only common ingredient used by the boys in the study. While all three cases involved the use of products containing lavender oil as an ingredient, only one boy also used products containing tea tree oil. In all cases, the prepubertal gynecomastia reversed after several months. Researchers have noted that estrogenic or antiandrogenic activities have also been reported for some other commonly used essential oils as well as some foods such as almonds and peanuts.[23] Others have cast doubt on the conclusions of the article and dismissed the study as having used "poor methodology". The research has been most criticized for making medically related conclusions about tea tree oil based on a single individual, while outside factors were more likely to have caused the condition. Critics of the study note that millions of people use products containing tea tree oil on a regular basis and there has never been another documented relation of tea tree oil and gynecomastia before or after this study was published.[24][25][26][27][28]
If used in concentrations below 4% or particularly below 1%, tea tree oil may fail to kill bacteria and create selection pressure, which may result in them becoming less sensitive to tea tree oil and even some antibiotics in vitro.[2]
Tea tree oil may cause hearing loss when used in the ears
Tea tree oil or melaleuca oil is a clear to very pale golden yellow in colour hydrophobic essential oil with a fresh camphoraceous odor. It is taken from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia which is native to the northeast coast of New South Wales, Australia. Tea tree oil should not be confused with tea oil, the sweet seasoning and cooking oil from pressed seeds of the tea plant Camellia sinensis (beverage tea), or the tea oil plant Camellia oleifera.
Tea tree oil has beneficial medical properties when applied topically, including antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral action, and is also believed to have beneficial cosmetic properties. Tea tree oil is usually used diluted, as reactions are common with pure tea tree oil, but it can also cause irritation for some people when diluted. Tea tree oil is toxic when taken internally, and so should never be added to food or drinks.
Tea tree oil has strong activity against Staphylococcus aureus including MRSA.[1] When used at 5% concentration it has not been shown to cause drug resistance; however, some resistance occurs at lower concentrations such as 0.5%.[2]
Contents [hide]
1 History and extraction
2 Composition
3 Medicinal use
3.1 In aquarium fish
4 Safety
5 External links
6 References
[edit] History and extraction
Terpinen-4-olThe indigenous Bundjalung people of eastern Australia use “tea trees” as a traditional medicine by inhaling the oils from the crushed leaves to treat coughs and colds. They also sprinkle leaves on wounds, after which a poultice is applied. In addition, tea tree leaves are soaked to make an infusion to treat sore throats or skin ailments.[3][4]
Use of the oil itself, as opposed to the unextracted plant material, did not become common practice until researcher Arthur Penfold published the first reports of its antimicrobial activity in a series of papers in the 1920s and 1930s. In evaluating the antimicrobial activity of M. alternifolia, tea tree oil was rated as 11 times more active than phenol.[5]
The commercial tea tree oil industry was born after the medicinal properties of the oil were first reported by Penfold in the 1920s. It was produced from natural bush stands of M. alternifolia that produced oil with the appropriate chemotype. The plant material was hand cut and often distilled on the spot in makeshift, mobile, wood-fired bush stills.
Tea tree plantation, Coraki.Production ebbed after World War II as demand for the oil declined, presumably due to the development of effective antibiotics and the waning image of natural products. Interest in the oil was rekindled in the 1970s as part of the general renaissance of interest in natural products. Commercial plantations were established in the 1970s and 1980s, which lead to mechanization and large-scale production of a consistent essential oil product.[6]
Among over 98 compounds contained in the oil, terpinen-4-ol is responsible for most of the antimicrobial activity.[citation needed]
Although tea tree oil normally is extracted from Melaleuca alternifolia commercially, it can also be extracted from Melaleuca dissitiflora and Melaleuca linariifolia. Tea tree oil is defined by international standard ISO 4730 (2004) ("Oil of Melaleuca, Terpinen-4-ol type"), which specifies levels of 15 components which are needed to define the oil as "tea tree oil."
[edit] Composition
Tea tree oil ISO 4730 (2004) Concentration [%]
terpinen-4-ol 30-48
γ-terpinene 10–28
α-terpinene 5–13
1,8-Cineole 0–15
α-terpinolene 1.5–5
α-terpineol 1.5–8
α-pinene 1–6
p-cymene 0.5–8
[edit] Medicinal use
Tea tree oil has been recognized as a potent antiseptic in Australia anecdotally for many years, but has been scientifically investigated only relatively recently. Recent studies support a role for the topical application of tea tree oil in skin care and for the treatment of various diseases and conditions. Tea tree oil appears to be effective against bacteria, viruses, fungal infections, mites such as scabies, and lice such as head lice.
Tea tree oil has activity against the bacteria staphylococcus aureus including MRSA, and when used at a 10% concentration is comparable with mupirocin for application to the skin. At this concentration, it has the added benefit of having never been shown to cause resistance. However, this can occur at lower percentages. Tea tree oil is less successful for application in the nose.[7] Also, there is clinical evidence that topical dermatological preparations containing tea tree oil may be more effective than conventional antibiotics in preventing transmittal of CA-MRSA. [8]
In the treatment of moderate common acne, topical application of 5% tea tree oil has shown an effect comparable to 5% benzoyl peroxide, albeit with slower onset of action.[9] In another study in 2007, a gel of 5% tea tree oil was compared against a placebo with statistically significant results.[10]
Tea tree oil is a known antifungal agent, effective in vitro against multiple dermatophytes found on the skin.[11] In vivo, shampoo with 5% tea tree oil has been shown to be an effective treatment for dandruff due to its ability to treat Malassezia furfur, the most common cause of the condition.[12]
The effectiveness of topical tea tree oil preparations for the treatment of the yeast infection Candidiasis is supported by its ability to kill Candida in vitro.[13]
There is some very limited research that has shown that tea tree oil may have topical anti-viral activity, especially against the Herpes virus (cold sores), chicken pox, shingles blisters, etc.[14]
One study has shown a 5% tea tree oil solution to be more effective than commercial medications against the scabies mite in an in vitro situation.[15]
[edit] In aquarium fish
Diluted solutions of tea tree oil are often used as a remedy to treat bacterial and fungal infection in aquarium fish. Common brand names are Melafix and Bettafix. Melafix is a stronger dilution and Bettafix is a lighter dilution that makes it harder to overdose smaller fish, especially Betta. It is most commonly used to promote fin and tissue regrowth, but is also effective in treating other conditions such as fin rot or velvet. The remedy is used mostly on Betta fish but can also be used with other aquarium fish.
[edit] Safety
According to the American Cancer Society: "Tea tree oil is toxic when swallowed. It has been reported to cause drowsiness, confusion, hallucinations, coma, unsteadiness, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach upset, blood cell abnormalities, and severe rashes. It should be kept away from pets and children."[16]
A small number of people experience allergic contact dermatitis as a reaction to dermal contact with tea tree oil. In an Italian study of 725 consecutive patients, patients were patch tested with undiluted, 1%, and 0.1% tea tree oil. For undiluted tea tree oil, nearly 6% of the patients observed positive reactions of skin irritation. Only 1 of 725 patients observed a positive reaction of skin irritation with the 1% dilution. None of the 725 patients observed adverse reactions with the 0.1% dilution.[17] Allergic reactions may be due to the various oxidation products that are formed by exposure of the oil to light and/or air.[18][19]
External application of tea tree oil undiluted and/or at inappropriate high doses has been associated with toxicity, including death, in cats and other animals due to ingestion during grooming.[20][21][22]
A highly disputed case study reported in The New England Journal of Medicine concluded that repeated topical exposure of lavender and tea tree oils may have caused prepubertal gynecomastia in three young boys.[23] The study involved just three individuals and found lavender to be the only common ingredient used by the boys in the study. While all three cases involved the use of products containing lavender oil as an ingredient, only one boy also used products containing tea tree oil. In all cases, the prepubertal gynecomastia reversed after several months. Researchers have noted that estrogenic or antiandrogenic activities have also been reported for some other commonly used essential oils as well as some foods such as almonds and peanuts.[23] Others have cast doubt on the conclusions of the article and dismissed the study as having used "poor methodology". The research has been most criticized for making medically related conclusions about tea tree oil based on a single individual, while outside factors were more likely to have caused the condition. Critics of the study note that millions of people use products containing tea tree oil on a regular basis and there has never been another documented relation of tea tree oil and gynecomastia before or after this study was published.[24][25][26][27][28]
If used in concentrations below 4% or particularly below 1%, tea tree oil may fail to kill bacteria and create selection pressure, which may result in them becoming less sensitive to tea tree oil and even some antibiotics in vitro.[2]
Tea tree oil may cause hearing loss when used in the ears
PMSL (w00t) :clown: :teehee:
Darren,just remember that not everything that's suitable for treating humans is necessarily suitable for dogs!!
I agree with Lavender oil,i have used it on my dogs for years.Brilliant for cuts & stings & very soothing & antiseptic/anti bacterial & promotes quick healing,& more importantly it's safe!!
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I use tea tree oil for all sorts of things, neat and in different preparations, on humans and dogs, but not neat on cuts as you have recommended, because it is too astringent for that. I don't think people are disagreeing with you about the beneficial properties of tea tree oil, just suggesting that lavender is as effective and is also kinder on broken skin.
Last edited by a moderator:
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I tend to use sterile saline solution followed by blue spray on open cuts/grazes etc. I carry a vial of intrasite gel and some vetwrap when out and about.
One of the potions which I have had remarkable results with using on my point-to-point horses is Wonder Gel
http://www.4dobbin.com/product-Wonder-Gel-Gold-Label.html
It seems to have an amazing analgesic effect and the healing properties are quite incredible. It has Tea Tree Oil in it :thumbsup:
I have also used this on the whippets with no problems and they seem to appreciate it as much as the horses do
One of the potions which I have had remarkable results with using on my point-to-point horses is Wonder Gel
http://www.4dobbin.com/product-Wonder-Gel-Gold-Label.html
It seems to have an amazing analgesic effect and the healing properties are quite incredible. It has Tea Tree Oil in it :thumbsup:
I have also used this on the whippets with no problems and they seem to appreciate it as much as the horses do
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:thumbsup: Wonder Gel. I used it for many years on my horses, great for the hunters and pointers as Jane says.I tend to use sterile saline solution followed by blue spray on open cuts/grazes etc. I carry a vial of intrasite gel and some vetwrap when out and about.
One of the potions which I have had remarkable results with using on my point-to-point horses is Wonder Gel
http://www.4dobbin.com/product-Wonder-Gel-Gold-Label.html
It seems to have an amazing analgesic effect and the healing properties are quite incredible. It has Tea Tree Oil in it :thumbsup:
I have also used this on the whippets with no problems and they seem to appreciate it as much as the horses do
all ways makes me laugh. how do you know its soothing?? ive used products that sting like a bitch yet they still jump into the motor and fall asleep
BTW Darren tea tree is safe and effective
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I've used Lavender Oil on myself and it didn't sting
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I use genetian violet, messy but good :thumbsup:
thoight id use google too to find out a bit more about this stuff when used on pets.it can be toxic as its absorbed through the skin
http://www.exoticbird.com/gillian/teatree.html
http://www.exoticbird.com/gillian/teatree.html
But your not a dog
are these the same people would spread the rumour / urban myth that raisons are poisonous to dogs when they have been used as treat/training aid for years and years with no problems
How do you know?I can be a right bitch if the mood takes me!! (w00t) :nuke:But your not a dog
I think my dogs would 'tell me' if it hurt them
I'm sure you're right that a few grapes or raisins won't hurt the average dog, but larger quantities can cause renal failure and even death, that is not a myth.
http://www.ukvet.co.uk/ukvet/articles/toxi...-%20raisins.pdf
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