Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Tea tree oil is derived from the leaves of the tea tree. The tea tree was named by eighteenth century sailors, who made tea that smelled like nutmeg from the leaves of the tree growing on the swampy southeast Australian coast. Do not confuse the tea tree with the unrelated common tea plant that is used to make black and green teas.

Tea tree oil is applied to the skin for infections such as acne, fungal infections of the nail (onychomycosis), lice, scabies, athlete's foot, and ringworm. It is also applied to the skin as a local antiseptic for cuts and abrasions, for burns, insect bites and stings, boils, vaginal infections, hemorrhoids, recurrent cold sores, toothache, infections of the mouth and nose, sore throat, and for ear infections. Tea tree oil is used to prevent and treat infection by certain bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics and for skin rash due to contact with nickel. It is also applied to the skin to eliminate excess body hair (hirsutism) in women. On the eyelids it is used for a mite infection at the base of the eyelids. In the hair it is used for dandruff. In the mouth it is used for plaque and gum disease, as well as bad breath.

Some people add it to bath water to treat cough, bronchial congestion, and pulmonary inflammation.

How does it work?

The chemicals in tea tree oil may kill bacteria and fungus, and reduce allergic skin reactions by decreasing swelling or inflammation.

Mild to moderate acne.
Infestation of the eyelashes with a type of mite (ocular demodicosis).
Fungus infections of the nails (onychomycosis).
Athlete's foot (tinea pedis).
Bacterial infection of the vagina (bacterial vaginosis).
Dandruff.
Dental plaque.
Gingivitis.
Bad breath.
Hemorrhoids.
Cold sores (Herpes labialis).
Excess body hair in women (hirsutism).
Lice.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection.
Allergic skin reactions to nickel.
Yeast infections in the mouth and throat (thrush; also known as oropharyngeal candidiasis).
Skin infection caused by a certain virus.
Vaginal infection called trichomoniasis.
Vaginal infection called vaginal candidiasis.
Congestion.
Cough.
Ear infections.
Preventing infections in cuts, abrasions, burns, insect bites and stings, and boils.
Ringworm.
Scabies.
Sore throat.

Adult

Applied to the Skin:

For acne: 5% tea tree oil gel applied daily.

For infestation of the eyelashes with a type of mite (ocular demodicosis): Weekly scrubs of the eyelid using 50% tea tree oil along with daily scrubs of the eyelid with tea tree shampoo or 10% tea tree oil, applied once or twice per day for 3-5 minutes for up to 6 weeks.

For nail fungus (onychomycosis): 100% tea tree oil solution applied twice daily for 6 months.

For athlete's foot (tinea pedis): 25% or 50% tea tree oil solution applied twice daily for one month has been used. Also, 10% tea tree oil cream applied twice daily for one month has also been used.

Children:

For acne: 5% tea tree oil gel applied daily.

For infestation of the eyelashes with a type of mite (ocular demodicosis): Weekly scrubs of the eyelid using 50% tea tree oil and daily eyelid massages with 5% tea tree ointment has been used.

Tea tree oil is SAFE for most people when put on the skin. But it can cause skin irritation and swelling. In people with acne, it can sometimes cause skin dryness, itching, stinging, burning, and redness.

Applying products to the skin that contain tea tree oil along with lavender oil might not be safe for young boys who have not yet reached puberty. These products might have hormone effects that could disrupt the normal hormones in a boy's body. In some cases, this has resulted in boys developing abnormal breast growth called gynecomastia. The safety of these products when used by young girls is not known.

Tea tree oil is LIKELY UNSAFE when taken by mouth. Don't take tea tree oil by mouth. As a general rule never take undiluted essential oils by mouth due to the possibility of serious side effects. Taking tree tea oil by mouth has caused serious side effects, including confusion, inability to walk, unsteadiness, rash, and coma.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Tea tree oil is SAFE when applied to the skin. However, it is LIKELY UNSAFE if taken by mouth. Ingestion of tea tree oil can be toxic.