Tea tree oil has been widely researched and shown great efficacy for the treatment of acne.

Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin condition caused by many different factors.  Those include excessive sebum production, abnormal shedding of the outer layer of skin, inflammation and the presence of bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes) (1).

Research has shown that diet is very effective for the treatment of acne.  One of the most helpful dietary therapies is a low-glycemic diet (2). This type of diet decreases the inflammation throughout the body which plays a major role in acne. Studies have shown that people following a Mediterranean diet, which has a low glycemic index, have much less cases of acne than people eating a western diet (2).

While diet is very effective, it could take some time to take effect.  For this reason many people turn to over the counter facial products to help with their symptoms.  The most popular topical treatment is 2.5% benzoyl peroxide (3). However, there is a more natural alternative.

Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) has been widely researched and shown great efficacy for the treatment of acne, as well as oral candidiasis, tinea, onychomycosis and molluscum contagiosum (4). The power of tea tree oil is its antimicrobial activity by non-specific cell membrane damage. Tea tree oil has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory actions (5).

There are many products currently on the market that utilize tea tree oil.  Research has found that the active ingredients in tea tree oil do not penetrate to the deepest layers of the skin and most evaporates (6).  The best formulation is microemulsion (6), while the worst is a clay formulation. Another option that shows great efficacy is gel products containing 5% tea tree oil.

***Never apply tea tree essential oil topically without a carrier oil as that may burn the skin. If you want to target a specific area with tea tree oil, mix it with jojoba or argan oil to dilute it and avoid burns.

References

1. Williams H., Dellavalle R., Garner S. Acne vulgaris. Lancet. (2012):379: 361–72
2. Bronsnick T., Murzaku E.C., Rao B.K. Diet in dermatology. J Am Acad Dermatol. (2014):71: 1039.e1-12
3. Armstrong A.W., Cheeney S., Wu J., Harskamp C.T., Schupp C.W. Harnessing the power of crowds: crowdsourcing as a novel research method for evaluation of acne treatments. Am J Clin Dermatol. (2012):13: 405–16
4. Hammer K.A. Treatment of acne with tea tree oil (melaleuca) products: A review of efficacy, tolerablility and potential modes of action. International J Antimicrobial Agents. (2015):45: 106-110
5. Carson C.F., Mee B.J., Riley T.V. Mechanism of action of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil on Staphylococcus aureus determined by time–kill, lysis, leakage, and salt tolerance assays and electron microscopy. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. (2002):46: 1914–20
6. Cross S.E., Russell M., Southwell I., Roberts M.S. Human skin penetration of the major components of Australian tea tree oil applied in its pure form and as a 20% solution in vitro. Eur J Pharm Biopharm. (2008):69: 214–22.

About the Author:

Viktoriya Beliy is a licensed naturopathic physician who completed her education and a year-long residency at the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, OR. During her time at NUNM she also earned her Master’s in Nutrition concurrently with her doctorate in naturopathic medicine. She has additional training in classical homeopathy through the New England School of Homeopathy with Dr. Paul Herscu and Dr. Amy Rothenberg. She enjoys treating all conditions, especially focusing on dermatology, women’s and men’s health, endocrinology, and autoimmune conditions.

Diet plays an incredibly important role in managing blood glucose. What foods will give you the best nutrients to manage Type 2 Diabetes?

Important nutrients such as Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium, Fiber,Vitamins A, C, and E, Chromium, and Omega-3 fatty acids all play a role in effective blood glucose control. Foods listed below are all nutrient dense powerhouses that can support those with Type 2 Diabetes.

Stock up your pantry and refrigerator from the list below:

• Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids:   Try fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines and cod.  Omega-3 fatty acids are important for cardiovascular health.  Studies have shown that type 2 diabetes occurs less often in populations that eat fish regularly compared to those who don’t.
• Legumes:   Full of fiber, protein and other nutrients that are great for blood sugar regulation.
• Green leafy vegetables:   Fill your plate with Swiss chard, mustard greens, spinach and kale.  Low in calories and carbohydrates, high in antioxidant nutrients. These unassuming leaves are full of vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids and flavonoids.  
• Sweet potatoes:    Don’t be fooled by the name, sweet potatoes are a great addition to any diet.  Studies have shown that sweet potatoes stabilize blood sugar and lower insulin resistance.  They are also full of antioxidant nutrients!
• Onions:   Chock full of chromium, onions are perfect for blood sugar regulation because of this important mineral.
• Tomatoes:   Also a good source of chromium and antioxidant nutrients, tomatoes are a colorful addition to any plate.  
• Cinnamon:   This flavorful spice is a diabetes powerhouse.  Compounds in cinnamon stimulate insulin receptors and increase cells’ ability to use glucose.  Sprinkle it on to your morning oatmeal!
• Red and purple fruits:   The beautiful colors of cherries, cranberries, blueberries and other red and purple fruits is due to anthocyanins.  This phytonutrient may help lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
• Walnuts:   Great source of the omega-3 fatty acid ALA and protein, walnuts may help lower heart disease risk.
• Whole Grains:   Include whole grains in your diet for beneficial dietary fiber.  You want the germ and the bran for the highest nutritional impact.  You’ll get magnesium, chromium, omega-3 fatty acids and folate. Pearled barley and oatmeal are a source of fiber and potassium.  Buckwheat is especially great because it has a substance called chiroinositol that may play an important role in the regulation of blood sugar.     

Things to remember:

•    Include these superfoods to manage glucose and for an overall healthier diet.
•    Focus on the foods you can eat, rather than the foods that you should avoid.
•    You are changing your lifestyle, not just going on a new diet.
•    You can’t go wrong with a whole foods, plant based diet for good health!

References:

• American Diabetes Association.  (2013). Standards of medical care in diabetes — 2013. Diabetes Care, 36, S11-S66.
• Diabetes superfoods (http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/what-can-i-eat/making-healthy-food-choices/diabetes-superfoods.html)
• Diabetes type 2-meal planning (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007429.htm)
• Mateljan, G. (2007). The world’s healthiest foods (1st ed.).  Seattle, WA:  George Mateljan Foundation.
• Murray, M., & Pizzorno, J., & Pizzorno, L. (2005). The encyclopedia of healing foods. New York, NY: Atria Books.

About the Author:

Viktoriya Beliy is a licensed naturopathic physician who completed her education and a year-long residency at the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, OR. During her time at NUNM she also earned her Master’s in Nutrition concurrently with her doctorate in naturopathic medicine. She has additional training in classical homeopathy through the New England School of Homeopathy with Dr. Paul Herscu and Dr. Amy Rothenberg. She enjoys treating all conditions, especially focusing on dermatology, women’s and men’s health, endocrinology, and autoimmune conditions.