Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBenefitsAdditional UsesSide EffectsDosageSimilar Supplements
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Benefits
Additional Uses
Side Effects
Dosage
Similar Supplements
Tea tree oil is an essential oil traditionally used to treat wounds, burns, and other skin infections. Today, proponents say the oil may benefit conditions from acne togingivitis, but the research is limited.
Tea tree oil is distilled fromMelaleuca alternifolia, a plant native to Australia.Tea tree oil may be applied directly to the skin, but more commonly, it’s diluted with another oil, likealmondorolive, before it’s applied.Many products like cosmetics and acne treatments include thisessential oilin their ingredients. It’s also used in aromatherapy.
As with any supplement, check the label on products with tea tree oil for information about the concentration of the essential oil and any other ingredients that have been added.
Vanessa Nunes / Getty Images
Supplement Facts
Benefits of Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil contains active ingredients called terpenoids, which have antibacterial and antifungal effects.The compound terpinen-4-ol is the most abundant and is thought to be responsible for most of tea tree oil’s activity.
Research on the use of tea tree oil is still limited, and its efficacy is unclear.Some evidence suggests that tea tree oil may help with several inflammatory conditions, infections, and general health.
Molluscum:A common viral skin condition in children, molluscum causes contagious skin bumps. Some research shows that applying a mixture of tea tree oil andiodineon the skin twice a day for a month may improve symptoms.
Acne:While tea tree oil is a popular ingredient in over-the-counter acne remedies, there’s only limited evidence that it works. A review of six studies of tea tree oil used foracneconcluded that it decreased the number of lesions in people with mild to moderate acne.It was also about as effective as traditional treatments like 5%benzoyl peroxideand 2%erythromycin. However, more randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm benefits.
Vaginitis:Research suggests that tea tree oil is effective in reducing symptoms ofvaginal infectionslikevaginal discharge, pain, anditching. In one study involving 210 patients with vaginitis, tea tree oil was more effective in reducing symptoms than other herbal preparations orprobiotics.
Some limitations of this study were the short duration of treatment and the exclusion of women who were taking antibiotics or had chronic illnesses. For now, it’s best to stick with traditional treatments like antibiotics or antifungal creams.
Oral Health:According to some studies, tea tree oil may fight germs that causeplaqueandgingivitis.It may also protect againstbad breathwhen used as a mouthwash.
Add a drop of tea tree oil to a cup of warm water to make a solution and swish it in your mouth for about 30 seconds Tea tree oil is toxic if swallowed, so avoid ingesting any of the solution or other oral care products that contain tea tree oil.
In addition, tea tree oil has been studied for the following conditions:
Only very limited research exists on the effects of tea tree oil for these uses. More robust clinical trials are needed to determine if tea tree oil is beneficial for any of them.
Side Effects and Warnings for Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is usually safe for adults if diluted and applied to the skin in small amounts. However, people may haveallergic reactionsto tea tree oil, ranging from mildcontact dermatitisto severeblistersand rashes.Tea tree oil has had more allergic reactions reported than any other essential oil, and as many as 3.5% of people may be allergic to it.
Tea tree oil should not be swallowed, even in small quantities. It can cause serious side effects such as:
And there’s been a case report of unexplained breast enlargement, calledgynecomastia, in a boy who used topical tea tree oil products.Subsequent research suggests that tea tree oil does not cause gynecomastia or other hormone disorders.
You shouldn’t use tea tree oil if you:
Interactions
Tea tree oil may interact with the following prescription medications and make them less effective:
Dosage: How Much Tea Tree Oil Should I Use?
Researchers have studied various doses of tea tree oil. Some that have been used in clinical trials include:
For children, diluting one or two drops of tea tree oil in 1 teaspoonful of olive or almond oil before applying it to the skin is recommended.
What If I Take Too Much Tea Tree Oil?Seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of overdose, whether or not you’ve swallowed it, such as:Poor coordinationExcessive sleepiness and drowsinessComa
What If I Take Too Much Tea Tree Oil?
Seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of overdose, whether or not you’ve swallowed it, such as:Poor coordinationExcessive sleepiness and drowsinessComa
Seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of overdose, whether or not you’ve swallowed it, such as:
Some other supplements traditionally used for wound healing include:
Other supplements that may offer benefits for vaginal infections are:
Some other supplements that have been studied for acne include:
Discuss these or any supplements you plan to take with your healthcare provider, who can counsel you on drug interactions and precautions.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
Summary
Tea tree oil has long been used as a natural antiseptic (germ killer) and a treatment for various conditions.
Some research has shown it might help with skin inflammation, acne, infections, gum disease, and other common health issues. In most cases, you can try tea tree oil safely, but some people have allergic reactions to the essential oil. Other side effects and drug interactions are also possible. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine whether tea tree oil is safe for you.
23 Sources
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