Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil comes from the Australian tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), which belongs to the Myrtle family.

Tea tree oil is produced by steam distillation and is extracted from the leaves and possibly twigs of the tea tree, yielding approximately 1.8% oil.

The name tea tree (or tea tree) originated in the 18th century when sailors sailing around the south-eastern parts of Australia used its leaves to make tea with a nutmeg aroma.

In this article you can read more about the properties and uses of tea tree oil, as well as the precautions you should take when coming into contact with it.

Properties of tea tree oil

Undocumented properties

There is no scientific evidence that tea tree oil can be used to treat the following health problems:

Properties studied with missing documentation

The following properties have not been scientifically documented because the studies were either too imprecise, uncontrolled or otherwise unclear, or the results were contradictory:

• Cold sores
• Symptoms of nickel allergy
• Yeast infections of the mouth/throat in AIDS patients
• Vaginal infections

Properties studied with insufficient evidence

Despite numerous studies on the effects of tea tree oil on the following 3 health problems, tea tree oil is not considered a scientifically proven treatment option due to insufficient evidence:

• Athlete's foot (tinea pedis)
• Nail fungus (onychomycosis)
• Pimples (acne)

The antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties of tea tree oil have also been investigated in several studies, but there still seems to be no clear evidence for these. In addition, there has been interest in tea tree oil as an alternative to antibiotics for a long time – since before World War II. However, this property has not been documented either.

For more information about the properties of tea tree oil, see the US authorities' information page.

Tea tree oil application

Tea tree oil is for external use only and should not be taken by mouth (neither as a dietary supplement nor in food).

Skin care

Tea tree oil is used in soaps, ointments, lotions, shampoos, etc. Although there is as yet no scientific evidence of its effect on the skin (including skin conditions such as acne and fungus), it is still marketed as beneficial for the skin.

Aromatherapy

Tea tree oil is one of the most popular oils in aromatherapy due to its many – alleged – beneficial properties. It is mainly used in hot baths, massage oils and creams.

Some aromatherapists also use it for direct skin application – however, it is recommended to always dilute it with a base oil. Similarly, some therapists recommend using it as a mouthwash, but this is also not recommended as tea tree oil should never be taken by mouth under any circumstances.

Tea tree oil is particularly suitable for blending with the following oils:

Precautions to take

Ingestion

Tea tree oil is for external use only and should not be taken by mouth (neither as a dietary supplement nor in food). Ingestion of tea tree oil may cause the following:

• Confusion
• Difficulty walking, staggering or unsteady gait
• Rashes
• Coma

It is also not recommended to use tea tree oil in mouthwash etc.

The skin

Although tea tree oil is generally considered safe to use on the skin, it can cause irritation and swelling. In addition, the following applies:

• Allergy: Some people experience allergic reactions upon contact with tea tree oil

• Acne: In people with acne (pimples) tea tree oil causes dryness, itching, stinging, redness and burning of the skin

• Boys: Products containing a combination of tea tree oil and lavender oil may disrupt hormones in boys who have not yet reached puberty. Whether lavender oil can have a similar effect on girls in the same age group is not yet known

Dogs and cats – lice and fleas

Some pet owners use tea tree oil to treat lice and fleas on their pets, although this is not recommended as the oil can be toxic to pets.

Similarly, some people use tea tree oil to treat skin conditions such as eczema or allergies in their pets, which is also not recommended.

Keep in mind that tea tree oil – even in small doses – can cause different reactions in humans (see precautions above) and that pets, especially due to their smaller body size, are much more easily poisoned than humans.