Live Well Vitamins & Lifestyle Guide

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is an extract from a plant native to Australia. Tea tree oil was used as a topical treatment by the Aboriginal people for centuries.

Tea Tree Oil Uses

Tea tree oil has been used traditionally as a topical antiseptic and antifungal treatment.  So far, the scientific evidence for tea tree oil is uncertain.  Human studies of tea tree oil in treating acne, fungal infections, vaginal infections, dandruff, gum disease and other conditions have been inconclusive.

Laboratory studies have found that tea tree oil may be effective against certain viruses.  Tea tree oil has also been proposed as a topical treatment for herpes.  Laboratory studies have shown that tea tree oil was effective against MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) -- a type of staph infection that's resistant to many antibiotics.  While these studies are promising, more research needs to be done.

Tea Tree Oil Dose & Instructions for Use

Because tea tree oil is an unproven treatment, there is no established dose.  The concentrations of tea tree oil used in studies have varied depending on the medical condition.  For instance, a 5% tea tree oil gel might be used for acne, while a 10% tea tree oil cream might be used for athlete's foot.  If you use tea tree oil, follow the instructions on the label or get advice from your doctor.

Tea Tree Oil Food Sources

There are no natural food sources of tea tree oil.

Tea Tree Oil Supplement Information

Tea tree oil is sold as solutions, creams, gels, ointments, toothpaste, and mouthwash. Like any supplement, keep tea tree oil supplements in a cool, dry place, away from humidity and direct sunlight.

Tea Tree Oil Warnings

• Risks.  Topical tea tree oil has been reported to cause allergic reactions that can be severe.  Tea tree oil may also cause redness, itching, and blistering.  It may aggravate burns and skin conditions like eczema.  Using large quantities of tea tree oil on the skin could cause severe side effects.
  
  
• For topical use only.  Tea tree oil should not be swallowed.  Even in small amounts, tea tree oil has been reported to cause severe reactions, including severe rash, nausea, confusion, and coma.

Given the lack of evidence about its safety, tea tree oil is not recommended for children or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.