Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow It WorksUsing Tea Tree OilAlternativesSide EffectsWhen to Seek Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How It Works
Using Tea Tree Oil
Alternatives
Side Effects
When to Seek Care
The use oftea tree oilfor a yeast infection is a natural alternative to over-the-counter medications that are usually taken in the form of a suppository. Tea tree oil shows promise in fighting the funguses that cause yeast infections, includingCandida albicans,the strain that accounts for up to 90% of vaginal yeast infections.
With that being said, the effects of tea tree oil for a yeast infection have never been proven in human studies. So, there are no official recommendations for how to use this remedy, nor is its effectiveness in humans entirely clear.
This article takes a closer look at the use of tea tree oil for yeast infection. It discusses the possible side effects to be aware of, alternatives to tea tree oil for a yeast infection, and when to call a healthcare provider.
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Does Tea Tree Oil Work for Yeast Infections?
Candidalives on the skin, particularly in moist areas, such as the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina. It does not typically cause problems, but when it overgrows, it can lead to an itchy and irritating infection in the affected area.
The plant compounds within tea tree oil (mainlyterpinen-4-ol) have shown potent activity against drug-resistant strains of candida. However, this is an in vitro finding only, meaning that it was done in a culture dish or test tube, not in animals or humans. Tea tree oil’s efficacy has not been studied in humans with vaginal candidiasis.
Research suggests that tea tree oil may be most effective at fighting fungal infections when used in combination with antifungal drugs likefluconazole.
What Happens if You Leave a Yeast Infection Untreated?
How to Use Tea Tree Oil for Yeast Infections
Tea tree oil for a yeast infection is administered through a vaginal suppository (a dissolvable capsule or pill). You can purchase premade tea tree oil suppositories at a drugstore, natural health food and supplement store, or online.
Tea tree oil suppositories are commonly sold in a six-pack for six days of treatment (one suppository per day), but doses can vary between brands. Some suppositories are meant to be used twice per day for up to 12 days.
Never try to make your own suppository. Also, essential oils can be irritating to the skin if not properly diluted and can be dangerous when not used appropriately.
How to Choose a Tea Tree OilAsk your healthcare provider if they have a recommendation for a tea tree oil that has worked for other patients. Make sure you’re purchasing a 100% pure tea tree oil (natural) and not afragrance oil (synthetic). You can check the tea tree oil bottle label for the word “fragrance” to distinguish between the two.
How to Choose a Tea Tree Oil
Ask your healthcare provider if they have a recommendation for a tea tree oil that has worked for other patients. Make sure you’re purchasing a 100% pure tea tree oil (natural) and not afragrance oil (synthetic). You can check the tea tree oil bottle label for the word “fragrance” to distinguish between the two.
Consider these additional tips for using tea tree oil suppositories to treat a yeast infection:
The Food and Administration (FDA) does not test or control the ingredients, strength, or packaging of essential oils. They do, however, warn consumers that even though something is derived from a plant, it doesn’t mean it is not toxic. Essential oils are not risk-free. Lack of regulation also means there is no standard for how to safely use essential oils.
Avoid Douching with Tea Tree OilDouchingwith tea tree oil is not recommended, even if the tea tree oil is diluted. Douching disrupts the vagina’s natural flora, which can make it difficult to fend off an infection. It can also spread the infection into the upper genital tract.
Avoid Douching with Tea Tree Oil
Douchingwith tea tree oil is not recommended, even if the tea tree oil is diluted. Douching disrupts the vagina’s natural flora, which can make it difficult to fend off an infection. It can also spread the infection into the upper genital tract.
The 7 Best Tea Tree Oils to Treat Everything From Acne to Infections
Other Treatments for Yeast Infections
Treatments for vaginal yeast infectionare available in the form of creams, ointments, vaginal tablets, suppositories, and oral tablets. Most can be found over-the-counter (OTC) without the need for a prescription.
Most OTC medications for vaginal yeast infection include one of theseantifungal drugs:
Boric acid suppositoriesare also generally considered safe and effective, and can be a great option for people who experience recurrent yeast infections.
There are drawbacks to boric acid, though:
If you are thinking about using boric acid suppositories for vaginal yeast infection, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider first.
7 Home Remedies for Yeast Infections
Side Effects of Tea Tree Oil
Most people will be able to use tea tree oil suppositories without any issues. Minor side effects have been reported, particularly irritation or discomfort at the site of insertion.If you have other vaginal symptoms or persistentvaginal discharge, tell your healthcare provider.
Tea tree oil should never be orally ingested. This can result in very serious and possibly life-threatening side effects, such as:
When to Call a Healthcare Provider
You should call your healthcare provider before attempting to treat a yeast infection at home with tea tree oil. Your healthcare provider can confirm the diagnosis and offer treatment advice.
Also, call your healthcare provider if:
Are Yeast Infections Contagious?
Summary
Tea tree oil contains potent antifungal properties that have been shown to fight yeast infection-causing fungi in vitro studies. Tea tree oil suppositories are a popular natural alternative to over-the-counter medications for yeast infections. There is a low risk of side effects, although irritation or discomfort at the insertion site may occur. Note that tea tree oil should never be ingested.
If you have an inflammatory skin condition or have previously had an allergic reaction to tea tree oil, talk to your provider about other treatment options. Contact your healthcare provider if the yeast infection does not resolve within the standard treatment time.
12 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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