tea tree oil Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Treating the Root Cause of Toenail Fungus

AHA Publisher — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 07:00:46 +0000

Michael Greger M.D. FACLM via Nutrition Facts – Does Tea Tree Oil Work for Nail Fungus? Tea tree essential oil is pitted against the antifungal cream lotrimin for the treatment of fungal nail infection, but what about treating the underlying cause? Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of our nails, usually the toenails, but sometimes the fingernails. It is characterized by nail discoloration, deformity, detachment, thickening, crumbling, and ridging. You can see an example of onychomycosis at 0:19 in my video Does Tea Tree Oil Work for Nail Fungus?. The reported prevalence is estimated to be about 1 in every 25 people, though it’s more common in older individuals—one in five individuals over 60 years of age and half of those older than 70 years. Unfortunately, it’s really hard to treat. The fungus can hide deep inside the nail, so it can remain protected from the blood supply on one side and any treatment you apply topically on the other. Therefore, “recurrence after treatment is common due to residual hyphae or spores that were not previously eliminated” even if you had been able to beat back the fungus. Many of the systemic oral treatments can be toxic, and “many topical applications require long treatment courses, which may limit patient compliance, especially in patients who want to use nail polish for cosmesis or camouflage” to cover it up. Given all the problems with prescription antifungals, there has been “a renewed interest” in natural remedies. If tea tree oil can affect athlete’s foot and dandruff fungus, what about nail fungus? A study combining the antifungal drug in Lotrimin cream with tea tree oil seemed pretty effective. “After 16 weeks, 80% of patients using medicated cream were cured, as opposed to none in the placebo group,” so we know the drug and tea tree oil were better than no treatment, but what about compared to each other? A head-to-head study compared tea tree oil with clotrimazole, a common antifungal drug. In a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial, patients received twice-daily application on the nail of either the drug or pure tea tree oil over a six-month period. Debridement was performed every few months, where some of the fungal mass was debulked, scraped, or ground off. As you can see at 1:56 in my video, after six months, the drug completely wiped out the fungus in only about 1 in every 10 cases, but the infection looked better, with partial or full resolution of the appearance, in the majority of subjects either from the doctor’s assessment or the patient’s own assessment. And the tea tree oil? It did just as well as the drug! “The two preparations were comparable in efficacy of cure, clinical assessment, and subjective improvement. Their cost is also comparable.” “For patients desiring a ‘natural’ treatment for tinea pedis [athlete’s foot] or onychomycosis [nail fungus], topical tea tree oil is a reasonable alternative to prescription or over-the-counter antifungals.” Speaking of natural treatments, how about a truly natural treatment? “One potential reason for the poor long-term benefits of any therapy [for nail fungus] is that it may be treating only a manifestation of underlying disease(s), such as generalized immune suppression or peripheral micro- or macrovascular disease.” Maybe fungal nail infections are just a manifestation of poor peripheral blood circulation that would normally allow your body’s natural defenses to keep the fungus from taking root in the first place. There was a non-English language study of 400 patients that “looked at the ‘relationship between blood circulation of the skin and the development of fungus disease’ and found a greater than 50% reduction in blood flow in patients with tinea pedis [athlete’s foot] and onychomycosis [nail fungus] as compared with patients without these disorders.” If fungal nail infections are just “a symptom of an underlying process, then treatment aimed at eradication of a pathogen may be unrealistic.” No wonder the fungus so often just grows right back. A more appropriate goal may be to give up and live with it. Hold on, though. If it’s a circulation problem, why not try to improve the circulation? We’ve known since the 1950s that you can effectively switch peripheral artery circulation on and off like a light switch within days by switching people between a low-fat, plant-based diet and the more conventional diet that contributed to the problem in the first place. You can see an interesting graph on this below and at 3:50 in my video. Interested in learning more about improving peripheral circulation? See my video Benefits of Beans for Peripheral Vascular Disease. What about other fungal infections? Check out Does Tea Tree Oil Work for Dandruff and Athlete’s Foot?. KEY TAKEAWAYS Onychomycosis, a fungal infection of our nails, is characterized by discoloration, deformity, detaching, thickening, crumbling, and ridging, and may affect about 1 in 25 people, typically older adults. The infection is difficult to treat as the fungus is deep inside the nail, protected from the blood supply on one side and any topical treatment applied on the other. As well, systemic oral treatments can be toxic. Combining Lotrimin cream, an antifungal drug, with tea tree oil was effective in 80 percent of patients after 16 weeks, compared with none in the placebo group. In a head-to-head study of tea tree oil with clotrimazole, a common antifungal, the two preparations were comparable; patients wanting a “natural” treatment for athlete’s foot or nail fungus may consider topical tea tree oil over prescription of over-the-counter antifungals. Might there be a relationship between poor circulation and the development of fungal disease? A study found a greater than 50 percent reduction in blood flow in patients with athlete’s foot and nail fungus. Switching to a low-fat, plant-based diet can improve peripheral artery circulation, compared with a more conventional diet that contributes to the problem. To read the original article click here.

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Do Natural Thymol Cleaning Products Disinfect as Well as Bleach?

AHA Publisher — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 07:00:28 +0000

Michael Greger M.D. FACLM via Nutrition Facts – What’s the best household cleaning product to use? Household cleaning products can be hazardous, landing hundreds of thousands of children in U.S. emergency rooms. The product most commonly associated with injury is bleach, which can be toxic, even if used as directed. We know that those with asthma who work with cleaning products day in and day out can experience adverse respiratory effects, worsening of symptoms, decline in lung function, and inflamed airways, but even cleaning workers without asthma can be affected. Indeed, even below so-called acceptable exposure levels, cleaners with or without reactive airways can suffer “a substantial decrease” in lung function. “Although it is recognized that occupational use of bleach may have adverse respiratory health effects, it is unknown whether common domestic use of bleach may be a risk factor for asthma”—rather, it was unknown…until now. Bleach use was significantly associated with nearly five times the odds of non-allergic adult-onset asthma, as well as ongoing lower respiratory symptoms, such as chronic cough. Bleach works as such a strong pro-oxidant that the thought is it can lead to leaky lungs, allowing allergens to penetrate. The phenomenon of cleaning product–induced asthma has been known for decades. More than three quarters of the dozens of population studies investigating this issue have found an increased risk of asthma or nasal inflammation. “Ideally, good cleaning products that are safer for the respiratory system should be available.” Unfortunately, this body of evidence has been largely ignored by the manufacturers and commercial cleaning companies. Most of the workers put at risk are women. In fact, that may help explain some of the gender differences in asthma. “The relatively high frequency of bleach use for home-cleaning by women all around the world, together with the strong association between bleach use and non-allergic asthma…emphasize the need for (re)-considering the use of bleach for cleaning as a potential concern for public health.” There are natural, environmentally friendly cleaning products that may offer a safer alternative. Safer, perhaps, but are they as effective? That’s the topic of my video Flashback Friday: Do Natural and DIY Tea Tree Oil Cleaning Products Disinfect as Well as Bleach? “The effectiveness of three home products in cleaning and disinfection of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli on home environmental surfaces” was the title of “the first report of performance of purportedly safer alternatives for both cleaning and disinfection” of the bacteria that cause staph infections as well as E. coli “for use in home health care.” “In the home setting, some individuals select conventional products such as bleach due to familiarity. It has been shown that some people associate the smell of bleach with cleanliness…Others are seeking less hazardous and environmentally preferable disinfectants…claim[ing] to be ‘green,’ ‘organic’ or ‘natural,’” which you can buy or make yourself with so-called do-it-yourself (DIY) recipes that typically involve ingredients such as vinegar, club soda, and plant essential oils, such as tea tree oil, which is prized for its antimicrobial qualities. Researchers pitted three solutions head-to-head: Clorox bleach, a natural disinfectant based on thymol, which is from thyme essential oil, and a DIY cleaner recipe consisting of half club soda, half white vinegar, and a few drops of tea tree oil. You could probably buy the bleach for around $3 and the natural disinfectant for more like $7, and make the DIY mix for less than a dollar. Quite the bargain, but does it work? On the bottle of Clorox, it says bleach “kills 99.9% of common household germs,” which is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standard for the disinfection of surfaces that don’t come into contact with food, such as the bathroom sink. When put to the test, though, the bleach actually killed 99.9999 percent of germs. As you can see at 3:48 in my video, the Clorox completely wiped out the E. coli and Staph germs and even exceeded the EPA standard for food contact surfaces, such as the kitchen counter. The more expensive natural disinfectant worked just as well as bleach, though. What about the DIY solution? The club soda, vinegar, and tea tree oil concoction flopped, allowing as many as a few percent of the Staph bugs to thrive. The researchers might not have used enough of the tea tree oil, though, only adding about a drop per cup, but, from a performance perspective, the environmentally preferable product based on thymol from the thyme essential oil is “an effective alternative” to conventional bleach. I would say it’s even better because bleach is “well known as a respiratory irritant” and is corrosive, too, so it may end up damaging surfaces. I would find it interesting to test how effective a cheap DIY thyme oil solution would be. KEY TAKEAWAYS Among hazardous household cleaning products, bleach, which can be toxic, is most commonly associated with injury. Regular occupational use of cleaning products can have adverse effects, such as impaired lung function, even for those without asthma and when used below so-called acceptable exposure levels. Bleach use is associated with nearly five times the odds of ongoing lower respiratory symptoms and non-allergic adult-onset asthma, and more than 75 percent of population studies on cleaning product-induced asthma have found increased risk of nasal inflammation or asthma. When researchers conducted a head-to-head challenge of Clorox bleach, a natural disinfectant based on thymol (from thyme essential oil), and a DIY cleaner (equal parts club soda and white vinegar with a few drops of tea tree oil), the thymol disinfectant worked as well as bleach, completely eliminating coli and Steph germs, but the DIY tea tree cleaner allowed as many as a few percent of Staph bugs to live. The researchers only added about one drop of tea tree oil per cup in making the DIY solution, so more may have made it a more effective cleaner, but it is clear that the natural and environmentally friendlier thymol-based solution is “an effective alternative” to bleach. This article has been modified. To read the original article click here.

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DIY Face Scrub with Coffee

AHA Publisher — Wed, 23 Feb 2022 08:00:15 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN – Getting rid of dead skin by exfoliating with a face scrub reduces buildup of dirt, bacteria and dead skin in the pores and helps eliminate whiteheads. Face scrub, or a facial scrub, is a gentle exfoliating cleanser. It typically consists of small granular particles to get rid of old skin cells. This allows new skin cells to emerge, resulting in refreshed skin. In addition, it deeply cleanses the skin. This type of cleansing smooths the skin and also soften it. And where does the glow come from? The exfoliating process encourages blood flow to the surface of the skin, giving you that warm, healthy glow. So, what are the best DIY face scrub ingredients? This is key. While gently exfoliating is important, what you use to exfoliate is crucial to maintaining healthy skin. Most off-the-shelf facial scrubs contain chemicals that may seem great at first, but over time can cause problems for your skin. The great news is that it is very easy to make your own face scrub right at home, including using coffee. Let’s dig right into this great DIY exfoliating face scrub! Face Scrub Ingredients Coffee contains antioxidants that can help heal the skin, but it also has just the right texture to work as a scrub, helping slough off those dead skin cells. Coconut oil is a natural antifungal and antimicrobial ingredient. It also helps moisturize the skin. Raw honey is great for healing skin and helps absorb and retain moisture, which helps keep the skin soft and dewy. This homemade face scrub with honey is just perfect for your weekly skin regimen. Carrot seed oil is amber in color and is extracted from carrot seeds. It has been used for centuries due to its medicinal properties. It can do wonders for dry, sun-damaged skin. Carrot seed oil works well for both dry and oily complexions. Tea tree oil can really help the skin stay healthy and blemish-free, making it a great part of this homemade face scrub for acne. Like carrot seed oil, tea tree oil contains antibacterial properties known as terpenes. How to Make Your Own DIY Face Scrub By blending a few ingredients together, you can make an amazing face scrub, leaving you with soft, supple and glowing skin. This DIY coffee face scrub recipe is sure to be one of your favorites. Let’s get started! You can make your homemade face scrub right in the jar that you plan to store it in, or you can make it in a small bowl and transfer it to a tight-lidded jar. Pour the coconut oil and honey into the jar or bowl. Next, add the coffee grounds. You can even use this morning’s coffee grounds — what a great way to repurpose that coffee! If you don’t drink coffee, you can purchase organic ground coffee for this recipe. Blend the ingredients together. Add the carrot seed oil and tea tree oil next. Blend all of these ingredients together and you are all set to do a facial scrub. You can store the product in the fridge to help preserve it. Now, let’s try it! Make sure you have clean skin, so wash your face first. You can even try my Homemade Face Wash. Pat your skin dry, then use a spoon or small spatula to scoop out a little facial scrub. Stand over the sink or do this in the shower to minimize any mess. Gently rub the scrub over your face and neck (you can even put it on the backs of your hands!). Make sure to avoid the eyes. Once you have covered all areas, allow it to sit for a couple of minutes. Then gently rinse with warm water. Pat your skin dry. Apply a dab of coconut oil or one of my facial moisturizers, such as DIY Facial Moisturizer with Shea Butter or my Lavender and Coconut Oil Moisturizer. Repeat once or twice a week for best results. Homemade Face Scrub Recipe With some of the best DIY face scrub ingredients, you will be able to exfoliate to maintain healthy skin. Fortunately, it’s very easy to make your own face scrub right at home. INGREDIENTS 2 tablespoons coconut oil 2 teaspoons organic raw honey 4 tablespoons organic coffee grounds 8 drops carrot seed oil 6 drops tea tree essential oil INSTRUCTIONS Put the coconut oil and honey into a small bowl or jar. Next, add the coffee grounds. Blend the ingredients. Add the carrot seed oil and tea tree oil. Blend all of the ingredients together. Store product in a small jar in the fridge. To read the original article click here.

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5 INCREDIBLE Health Benefits of Tea Tree Oil You Should Know

AHA Publisher — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 08:00:19 +0000

Karen Sanders via NaturalHealth365 – For millennia, the indigenous people of Australia have prized the oil of the tea tree or Melaleuca alternifolia. The aromatic oil from this evergreen tree contains powerful antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral and anti-proliferative compounds known as phytochemicals. Why should I care about tea tree oil? These botanical elements offer a range of health benefits, from clearing acne and athlete’s foot to eliminating dandruff, alleviating periodontal disease’s effects to speeding up wound repair, and even preventing the growth spread of cancerous tumors. Concerned With the Overuse of Antibiotics? Could Tea Tree Oil Be Used as an Alternative? History would suggest the answer is yes. The tea tree’s name stems from 18th-century explorer Captain Cook, whose sailors made tea from the tree’s leaves while exploring the Australian coastline. Despite its name, however, the Melaleuca tree isn’t related to the plants commonly used to make black or green tea. Unfortunately, most conventionally-trained physicians have never learned about the healing properties of natural plant compounds. Perhaps shocking to most doctors, tea tree oil was commonly used as an antiseptic in surgery, burn, and dental care applications before the widespread use of antibiotics. Here Are the Top 5 Health Benefits of Tea Tree Oil 1. Acne According to the American Academy of Dermatology, one of the most common skin conditions, acne, affects as many as 50 million Americans – and 85 percent of people experience acne at least once in their lives. Tea tree oil contains high levels of terpenin-4-ol, a terpene alcohol that eliminate many common germs, bacteria, and fungi. Studies indicate that tea tree oil is just as effective at killing the microorganisms that cause acne as benzoyl peroxide, a commonly prescribed treatment. However, the tea tree works without all of the benzoyl peroxide’s unpleasant side effects, says the Linus Pauling Institute. 2. Athlete’s Foot The potent terpene alcohols in tea tree oil inhibit fungi’ growth, such as the types that cause athlete’s foot or Tinea pedis. Multiple studies indicate that this oil, both when applied alone and in combination with other essential oils, is effective at eliminating the fungi-yeast overgrowth that causes athlete’s foot. Studies also indicate that the oil is an effective treatment for the microbes that cause toenail fungal infections, according to the NYU Langone Medical Center. 3. Dandruff A 2002 study found that using a shampoo that contains a 5% concentration of tea tree oil effectively eliminated the growth of the yeast Pityrosporum ovale – a known cause of dandruff. Participants in the study reported a decrease in flaking, scaling, itchiness, and greasiness after 4 weeks of use. 4. Periodontal Disease Tea tree oil kills many of the bacteria associated with periodontal disease and gum inflammation, according to a 2011 study. So, for infected gums, you can try swishing a few drops of the oil in some warm water or put a drop or two in your toothpaste and brush for about 2 minutes. Either way, do not swallow any of the oil and it will help to reduce the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth. By the way, another great oral health remedy is neem oil to boost immunity by killing pathogens. 5. Cancer According to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, multiple studies indicate that the terpenin-4-ol in tea tree oil inhibits the growth of melanoma cancer cells. The oil’s cytotoxic effects have been shown to slow cancer cell proliferation, suggesting promise in the area of cancer treatment and prevention. Naturally, no one is suggesting to treat cancer with just this oil, but it’s good to know that nature provides many anti-cancer therapies without toxic side effects. Just to be perfectly clear, if you’re ever diagnosed with cancer and want to incorporate natural remedies, it’s essential to find a qualified (experienced) medical professional to help in the healing process. Tea tree oil is regarded as safe for topical use; though side effects are rare, they may include skin irritation or redness. Diluting it in a carrier oil, such as sweet almond or avocado, may eliminate any skin irritation. Remember, this oil is not for internal use or consumption, as it is toxic in large amounts. This natural oil is available in various forms, from soap, toothpaste, and shampoo to lotions, creams, gels, and essential oil. So, I encourage you to learn more about these natural remedies and enjoy the self-empowering journey. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov NIH.gov AAD.org NIH.gov To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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