Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is derived and steam distilled from tea tree leaves Steam distillation is a process with which to retrieve temperature-sensitive compounds. Aborigines, indigenous people of Australia, have been using it for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years.^{[1, 3]}

Uses

Tea tree oil is skin ointment.^{[1, 3]}

• Acne
• Fungal, vaginal, ear, mouth and nose infections
• Lice
• Athlete's foot
• Ringworm
• Scabies
• Cuts, burns and boils
• Bug bites and stings
• Herpes
• Toothache
• Cough and congestion
• Lung inflammation
• Sore throat

Does tea tree oil work

Research results are mixed regarding the use of tea tree oil for athlete's foot and nail fungus infection. It seems to work for mild to moderate acne. Although it may not work as fast as modern topical remedies, it does offer less skin irritation.^[1]

There is not enough evidence to recommend tea tree oil for:^[1]

A proper tea tree oil dose depends on your specific health status and diagnosis.

• Vaginal, ear, mouth, throat infections
• Lice
• Scabies
• Ringworm
• Cold sores
• Congestion and cough
• Sore throat
• Infection prevention in cuts, bites and other skin problems

Dosage varies depending on the diagnosis. Consult your healthcare professional for proper dosing instructions. ^[1]

Research results are mixed regarding tea tree oil's use for:[1]

• Athlete's foot
• Fungal nail infection
• Acne

There is not enough information to recommend tea tree oil for: ^{[1, 2]}

• Acne
• Athlete's foot
• Fungal nail, ear, eye, mouth, throat, and vaginal infections
• Bad breath
• Gingivitis
• Allergic reactions (skin)
• Genital herpes
• Cough
• Congestion
• Sore Throat
• Ringworm
• Scabies
• Lice
• Dandruff

More research is needed.

Safety concerns and side effects

1. Beware of possible skin irritation and swelling.^[1]
2. Boys who haven't reached puberty should not combine tea tree and lavender oils.^[1]
3. Do not ingest tea tree oil. It is toxic and could cause a burning sensation, bad taste in the mouth, confusion, rash, diarrhea, hindered mobility and immunity, abdominal pain, and coma.^{[1, 2]}
4. Using copious amounts of tea tree oil on the skin could cause mobility and coordination problems, muscle tremors, weakness, and inhibited brain function.^[2]
5. Herbs and other supplements aren't subject to government regulation. Safety and consistency of products cannot be guaranteed. Effects may vary according to brand and batch.
6. It's okay to use tea tree oil on your skin during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Also, to avoid passing it on to your baby, do not put tea tree oil on your breast or nipple if you are breastfeeding.^{[1, 2]}
7. Do not use tea tree oil during childbirth as it may inhibit contractions.^[2]
8. Do not use tea tree oil if you are allergic to plants in the myrtle family, balsam of Peru, or benzoin.^[2]