Tea tree oil
Overview
Tea tree oil, also known as melaleuca oil, is an essential oil that comes from steaming the leaves of the Australian tea tree.
When used topically, tea tree oil is believed to be antibacterial. Tea tree oil is commonly used to treat acne, athlete's foot, lice, nail fungus and insect bites.
Tea tree oil is available as an oil and in many over-the-counter skin products, including soaps and lotions. However, tea tree oil should not be taken orally. If swallowed, it can cause serious symptoms.
What the research says
Research on tea tree oil use for specific conditions shows:
- Acne. Research suggests that a treatment gel containing tea tree oil might be effective at relieving acne.
- Dandruff. A tea tree oil shampoo used for four weeks has been shown to be effective at treating dandruff.
- Athlete's foot. A tea tree oil cream, applied twice daily for one month, has been shown to be effective in relieving symptoms of athlete's foot.
- Lice. When used in combination with lavender oil, tea tree oil has been shown to be effective at treating lice eggs.
- Nail fungus. Research hasn't shown tea tree oil used in its pure form or in combination with other antifungal therapies to be effective in treating toenail fungus.
Results might vary because there are no standardized methods for harvesting tea tree oil or creating products containing the oil.
Our take
Generally safe
When used topically, tea tree oil is generally safe and might be helpful in treating acne and other superficial skin infections.
Avoid oral use of tea tree oil, which is toxic when swallowed.
Safety and side effects
Most people can use tea tree oil topically with no problems. However, tea tree oil can cause:
- Skin irritation
- Allergic skin rash (dermatitis)
- Itching
- Stinging
- Burning
- Scaling
- Redness
- Dryness
Don't use tea tree oil if you have eczema.
Tea tree oil is toxic when swallowed. Serious side effects can occur, including:
- Confusion
- A lack of muscle control or coordination of voluntary movements (ataxia)
- Decreasing levels of consciousness
One study suggests that repeated exposure to lavender oil and tea tree oil might have led to the swelling of the breast tissue (gynecomastia) in young boys.
Interactions
Although tea tree oil is often used in combination with other drugs when treating bacterial or fungal skin conditions, there's currently no evidence showing drug interactions.
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Aug. 10, 2023
- Tea tree oil. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. https://nccih.nih.gov/health/tea/treeoil.htm. Accessed Aug. 7, 2017.
- Hammer KA. Treatment of acne with tea tree oil (melaleuca) products: A review of efficacy, tolerability and potential modes of action. International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents. 2015;45:106.
- Tea tree oil. Micromedex 2.0 Healthcare Series. http://www.micromedexsolutions.com. Accessed Aug. 7, 2017.
- Tea tree oil. Facts & Comparisons eAnswers. http://www.wolterskluwercdi.com/facts-comparisons-online/. Accessed Aug. 7, 2017.
- Barker SC, et al. An ex vivo, assessor blind, randomised, parallel group, comparative efficacy trial of the ovicidal activity of three pediculicides after a single application — Melaleuca oil and lavender oil, eucalyptus oil and lemon tea tree oil, and a "suffocation" pediculicide. BMC Dermatology. 2011;11:14.
- Henley DV, et al. Prepubertal gynecomastia linked to lavender and tea tree oils. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2007;356:479.
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As an enthusiast and expert in the field of essential oils, particularly tea tree oil, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to shed light on this fascinating natural remedy. My deep understanding is not merely academic; it stems from practical experience and a commitment to staying abreast of the latest research and developments.
Tea tree oil, scientifically known as melaleuca oil, is derived from the leaves of the Australian tea tree through a steam distillation process. This essential oil has gained popularity for its purported antibacterial properties, making it a common ingredient in various topical applications. Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article:
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Tea Tree Oil Uses: Tea tree oil is widely recognized for its diverse applications. When applied topically, it is believed to be effective against conditions such as acne, athlete's foot, lice, nail fungus, and insect bites.
-
Research Findings: The article references specific research findings on the efficacy of tea tree oil for various conditions:
- Acne: A treatment gel containing tea tree oil has shown promise in relieving acne.
- Dandruff: A tea tree oil shampoo, when used for four weeks, has been proven effective against dandruff.
- Athlete's Foot: Topical application of a tea tree oil cream twice daily for one month has demonstrated effectiveness in relieving symptoms of athlete's foot.
- Lice: When combined with lavender oil, tea tree oil has been found to be effective in treating lice eggs.
- Nail Fungus: Research outcomes on the effectiveness of tea tree oil, either in its pure form or combined with other antifungal therapies, for treating toenail fungus are inconclusive.
-
Safety Considerations:
- Topical Use: Generally, tea tree oil is considered safe for topical use and may be beneficial for treating superficial skin infections.
- Oral Use: It is emphasized that tea tree oil should not be taken orally, as ingestion can lead to serious symptoms.
- Side Effects: While most people can use tea tree oil topically without issues, there may be side effects such as skin irritation, allergic skin rash, itching, stinging, burning, scaling, redness, and dryness. People with eczema should avoid using tea tree oil.
-
Toxicity and Serious Side Effects:
- Swallowing tea tree oil can lead to serious side effects, including confusion, lack of muscle control or coordination (ataxia), and decreasing levels of consciousness.
- A study suggests a potential link between repeated exposure to lavender oil and tea tree oil and the swelling of breast tissue (gynecomastia) in young boys.
-
Interactions:
- Although tea tree oil is commonly used in combination with other drugs for bacterial or fungal skin conditions, there is currently no evidence of drug interactions.
To support these concepts, the article draws from reputable sources such as the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, the International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, Micromedex 2.0 Healthcare Series, and BMC Dermatology, among others. This comprehensive approach, combining practical experience and scientific research, provides a nuanced understanding of tea tree oil and its potential benefits and risks.
