Uses and Benefits of Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is an essential oil traditionally used to treat wounds, burns, and other skin infections. Today, proponents say the oil may benefit conditions from acne to gingivitis, but the research is limited.

Tea tree oil is distilled from Melaleuca alternifolia, a plant native to Australia. Tea tree oil may be applied directly to the skin, but more commonly, it's diluted with another oil, like almond or olive, before it's applied. Many products like cosmetics and acne treatments include this essential oil in their ingredients. It's also used in aromatherapy.

As with any supplement, check the label on products with tea tree oil for information about the concentration of the essential oil and any other ingredients that have been added.

Benefits of Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil contains active ingredients called terpenoids, which have antibacterial and antifungal effects. The compound terpinen-4-ol is the most abundant and is thought to be responsible for most of tea tree oil's activity.

Research on the use of tea tree oil is still limited, and its efficacy is unclear. Some evidence suggests that tea tree oil may help with several inflammatory conditions, infections, and general health.

Blepharitis or Demodex: This inflammation of the eyelids is caused by mites. Using a tea tree oil wash at home once daily may treat mild cases. For severe infestations, a healthcare provider can apply a 50% concentration of tea tree oil in weekly office visits while you continue to use a lower concentration lid scrubs at home daily between appointments. This keeps the mites from laying eggs.

Molluscum: A common viral skin condition in children, molluscum causes contagious skin bumps. Some research shows that applying a mixture of tea tree oil and iodine on the skin twice a day for a month may improve symptoms.

Scabies: Scabies is a condition caused by a mite Sarcoptes scabiei. It's characterized by intense itchiness and sometimes includes a rash. Tea tree could potentially treat some cases of scabies, but it may not be effective at killing eggs in the skin.

Acne: While tea tree oil is a popular ingredient in over-the-counter acne remedies, there's only limited evidence that it works. A review of six studies of tea tree oil used for acne concluded that it decreased the number of lesions in people with mild to moderate acne. It was also about as effective as traditional treatments like 5% benzoyl peroxide and 2% erythromycin. However, more randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm benefits.

Vaginitis: Research suggests that tea tree oil is effective in reducing symptoms of vaginal infections like vaginal discharge, pain, and itching. In one study involving 210 patients with vaginitis, tea tree oil was more effective in reducing symptoms than other herbal preparations or probiotics.

Some limitations of this study were the short duration of treatment and the exclusion of women who were taking antibiotics or had chronic illnesses. For now, it's best to stick with traditional treatments like antibiotics or antifungal creams.

Oral Health: According to some studies, tea tree oil may fight germs that cause plaque and gingivitis. It may also protect against bad breath when used as a mouthwash.

Add a drop of tea tree oil to a cup of warm water to make a solution and swish it in your mouth for about 30 seconds Tea tree oil is toxic if swallowed, so avoid ingesting any of the solution or other oral care products that contain tea tree oil.

Dandruff: Dandruff can be caused by dry skin, a buildup of sebum (oil), or yeast (fungus) that invades the scalp. Research has shown that tea tree oil has antifungal properties, and treatment with a shampoo comprised of 5% tea tree oil resulted in a 41% improvement in dandruff symptoms such as flaking skin and redness of the scalp.

Another study demonstrated that tea tree oil treatments could ease dandruff activity by stopping microbial growth, which is part of the process that causes dandruff symptoms.

Additional Uses

In addition, tea tree oil has been studied for the following conditions:

• Athlete’s foot
• Dry eyes after cataract surgery
• Colonization of Staphylococcus aureus in the nose
• Lice
  
• Hand sanitation
• Nail fungus

Only very limited research exists on the effects of tea tree oil for these uses. More robust clinical trials are needed to determine if tea tree oil is beneficial for any of them.

Side Effects and Warnings for Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is usually safe for adults if diluted and applied to the skin in small amounts. However, people may have allergic reactions to tea tree oil, ranging from mild contact dermatitis to severe blisters and rashes. Tea tree oil has had more allergic reactions reported than any other essential oil, and as many as 3.5% of people may be allergic to it.

Tea tree oil should not be swallowed, even in small quantities. It can cause serious side effects such as:

• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Rash
• Ataxia (loss of muscle control and coordination)
• Coma

And there's been a case report of unexplained breast enlargement, called gynecomastia, in a boy who used topical tea tree oil products. Subsequent research suggests that tea tree oil does not cause gynecomastia or other hormone disorders.

You shouldn't use tea tree oil if you:

• Have an allergy to it or its components (parts)
• Are pregnant or nursing, since there's not enough data to know if it's safe
• Have eczema

Interactions

Tea tree oil may interact with the following prescription medications and make them less effective:

• Antibiotics like ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
• Antifungals like amphotericin B
  

Dosage: How Much Tea Tree Oil Should I Use?

Researchers have studied various doses of tea tree oil. Some that have been used in clinical trials include:

• 200 mg vaginal suppository for vaginitis
• 5% to 50% tea tree oil eyelid scrub for blepharitis
• 5% to 20% tea tree oil gel for acne

For children, diluting one or two drops of tea tree oil in 1 teaspoonful of olive or almond oil before applying it to the skin is recommended.

Similar Supplements

Some other supplements traditionally used for wound healing include:

• Aloe vera
• Echinacea
• Chamomile
• Ginseng
• Green tea
• Jojoba
• Rosemary
• Comfrey
• Garlic
• Ginkgo

Other supplements that may offer benefits for vaginal infections are:

• Chamomile
• Calendula
• Yarrow

Some other supplements that have been studied for acne include:

• Vitamin C
• Nicotinamide
• Zinc
• Green tea
• Resveratrol
• Curcumin
• Licorice
• Chamomile

Discuss these or any supplements you plan to take with your healthcare provider, who can counsel you on drug interactions and precautions.

Summary

Tea tree oil has long been used as a natural antiseptic (germ killer) and a treatment for various conditions.

Some research has shown it might help with skin inflammation, acne, infections, gum disease, and other common health issues. In most cases, you can try tea tree oil safely, but some people have allergic reactions to the essential oil. Other side effects and drug interactions are also possible. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine whether tea tree oil is safe for you.