Re: tea tree oil and flax seed

[Guest guest]

Dear Moya and All,

Regarding tea tree: Melaleuca alternifolia. It is an antifungal,

antibacterial, antiviral (and some claim anesthetic) to the skin. It is not

recommended for internal use or for use by children. Keep out of reach of

children. A 17 month old ingested 10mls of the oil and became ataxic and drowsy

(s et al., 1994) It is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women.

It is not recommeded for people with allergy to any of the chemical components

or in people prone to contact dermatitis. A patch test is recommended prior to

use of this oil. Know your source as the chemical composition varies greatly.

Always monitor your skin for worsening of condition.

Parts used: EO(essential oil) from leaves

Chemical components: terpinene, gamma-terpinene, alpha-terpinene and cinneol

(more than 100 different terpinenes have been found in tea tree)

There are over 150 different species which are used interchangeablly with

Melaleuca alternifolia

Studies: in vitro studies have shown significant antifungal and antibacterial

activity. Susceptible organisms: E coli, Staph aureus, Proprionibacterium

acnes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus species, Candida albicans.

Possibly effective agains methicillin resistant staph aureus and vancomycin

resistant enterococcus.

Sources: " Professional's Handbook of Complimentary & Alternative Medicines " ,

W. Fetrow, PharmD and R. Avila, PharmD. Published by Springhouse.

This handy book lists studies and other resources (perfect for the skeptical and

critically thinking). " The Herbal Pharmacy " by Bridget Mars (traditional

herbalism)

Please note that this is in general, common knowledge regarding Tea Tree Oil and

is in no way advising anyone to use this oil as part of their treatment

modality.

Re: Flax Seed Oil: Linum usitatissimum. Also known as linseed oil which i use

to hydrate bare woods. I do not use flax seed oil and do not recommend it to

anyone. This herb is totally contraindicated in pregnant and breast feeding

women. Because of this herbs hormonal effect it may cause teratogenicity or

spontaneous abortion. It should never be used in men with prostate cancer. It

should never be used in people with abdominal pain. Never give this to children

and keep it out of reach of children. Do not take witth oral meds as it can

reduce absorption. Do not take with laxatives or stool softeners as it may

potentiate laxattive actions. Flaxseed Oil should be refridgerated to avoid

breakdown of he essenial fatty acids. Never ingest immature seed pods...they

are poisonous: cyanogenic nitrates and glucosides (linamarin).

Overdose(toxicity) symptoms include: cyanosis (blue skin), shortness of breath,

fast breathing, weakness, unstable gait, progressive paralysis and seizures.

Sources: same as tea tree oil

Herbler