What is tea tree oil?

Tea tree oil, also known as melaleuca oil, is an essential oil derived from the leaves of the tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), a native plant to Australia. It has a long history of traditional use by the Indigenous people of Australia for various medicinal purposes.

How does it work?

Tea tree oil works as an antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory agent. It helps to fight against harmful microorganisms and reduces inflammation in the affected area.

What are the active ingredients that are important for its medicinal properties?

The active ingredient in tea tree oil is terpinen-4-ol, which is responsible for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

What forms does it come in?

Tea tree oil is available in the form of pure essential oil, as well as creams, lotions, gels, shampoos, and soaps.

When was it first used for medicinal purposes?

The medicinal use of tea tree oil dates back to the indigenous people of Australia who used it for various health problems such as skin infections, cuts, and burns. It was first commercially distilled in the 1920s.

Summary:

Tea tree oil is an essential oil derived from the leaves of the tea tree plant native to Australia. It has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and is used to treat various skin conditions such as acne, athlete's foot, and nail fungus. It is available in various forms such as creams, lotions, and gels. The recommended daily dose varies based on the product and purpose of use. Tea tree oil may cause skin irritation, itching, and redness, and its use should be discontinued if these symptoms occur. Consult a healthcare provider before using tea tree oil for medicinal purposes.

What does Tea Tree Oil help with?

Tea tree oil is a natural oil from the leaves of an Australian tree, Melaleuca alternifolia. The leaves are steamed to draw the oil out. Aboriginal Australians used the leaves on skin, and Australian doctors began using the oil in the 1920s.

• Athlete's foot (itchy, flaky, cracked feet)
  Good evidence — several human trials, mostly measuring symptom relief. In these trials, people who used tea tree oil had less itching, scaling and redness. Some trials matched or beat standard antifungal creams for those symptoms. In lab studies, the oil broke down the cell walls of the fungi that cause athlete's foot, including Trichophyton rubrum.
  Evidence grade B · Traditional tier T1
• Acne and breakouts
  Good evidence — human trials that compared it head to head with benzoyl peroxide. In those trials, tea tree oil cleared spots more slowly than benzoyl peroxide. But it caused less dryness and less stinging. In lab studies, it slowed Cutibacterium acnes, the main acne bacteria, and calmed swelling around blocked pores.
  Evidence grade B · Traditional tier T1
• Dandruff and a flaky, greasy scalp
  Good evidence — clinical trials of a 5% tea tree oil shampoo. In those trials, a 5% tea tree oil shampoo cut flaking, itching and greasiness. The drop in dandruff was large enough to count as real, not chance. In lab work, the oil acted on Malassezia, a yeast tied to a scaly scalp.
  Evidence grade B · Traditional tier T1
• Nail fungus
  Early evidence — human studies in mild to moderate cases only. People put the oil straight on the infected nail twice a day. Over several months, nails looked better and some fungus cleared. Some people pick this route to avoid antifungal pills and their side effects.
  Evidence grade C · Traditional tier T1
• Small cuts, scrapes and bug bites
  Early evidence — one small clinical study in staph-infected wounds. In that small study, staph-infected wounds healed faster than with usual care alone. Lab work shows the oil acts on a wide range of bacteria. Dilute it before you put it on broken skin.
  Evidence grade C · Traditional tier T1
• Scabies (the itch mite)
  Early evidence — early, preliminary human research. This early research found the oil killed the scabies mite, Sarcoptes scabiei. That included mites that survive permethrin, a standard drug. The studies are small, so it is used as an add-on at most.
  Evidence grade C · Traditional tier T1
• Bleeding, sore gums
  Early evidence — early-stage human studies of a very dilute mouthwash. In these studies, a very dilute tea tree oil mouthwash cut gum bleeding. It also lowered mouth bacteria linked to gum disease. Never swallow it, and keep brushing and flossing as normal.
  Evidence grade C · Traditional tier T1
• Vaginal yeast infection (used on the skin, as an add-on)
  Evidence doesn't support this — lab work plus very limited human use. Lab studies show the oil slows Candida albicans, the yeast behind most yeast infections. Human evidence is thin, and good trials are still missing. Talk to a doctor before you use anything in this area.
  Evidence grade D · Traditional tier T1
• Body odour
  Not yet tested in people — lab work on skin bacteria only; no human trial on file. Underarm smell comes mostly from bacteria feeding on sweat. In lab work, tea tree oil lowered the load of such bacteria. No human trial on file has tested it as a deodorant.
  Evidence grade insufficient · Traditional tier T1

What Tea Tree Oil has not been shown to do

• It has not been shown to clear deep fungal infections as well as it eases itching and scaling.
• It has not been shown to work when taken by mouth, and swallowing it is not safe.
• It has not been shown to replace permethrin or other standard scabies drugs.
• It has not been shown to work on its own for a vaginal yeast infection.
• It has not been shown to replace antifungal pills for severe nail fungus.
• It has not been shown to replace brushing, flossing or dental care for gum disease.
• It has not been shown to clear acne faster than benzoyl peroxide; trials found it slower.
• It has not been shown to cut body odour in any human trial held in this library.

How to read this:

Each grade covers one use, not the oil as a whole. A means steady results across human trials. B means at least one good human trial. C means small or early human studies. D means weak or mixed human evidence. Insufficient means lab, animal or tradition only. This page lists options and what studies found. It is not advice, and it does not say the oil treats or cures anything. Talk to your doctor about your own case.

What can it help prevent?

Not applicable.

Which foods are rich in it?

Tea tree oil is not found in foods, but it can be used as an ingredient in some culinary dishes to add flavor.

What are possible side effects?

Orally, tea tree oil can cause significant toxicity and should not be used. Topically, tea tree oil is generally well tolerated.

Some common side effects of topical tea tree oil include skin irritation, itching, redness, and allergic reactions. Rare side effects may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

What’s the recommended daily dose?

The recommended daily dose of tea tree oil varies based on the form of the product and the purpose for which it is used. Always follow the instructions on the product label and consult a healthcare provider if necessary.

How many days does it take to work?

The duration of time it takes for tea tree oil to work depends on the condition being treated and the severity of the symptoms. In some cases, improvement may be seen within a few days, while in others, it may take several weeks to see results.

What time of day is best to take it?

Not applicable.

Is it best to take it with or without food?

Not applicable.apply topically to the affected area