Tea Tree oil is an essential oil with potent antiseptic property. It is beneficial for acne management due to its antibacterial property.
Tea tree oil helps prevent skin pigmentation, promotes skin whitening and manages various skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Tea tree oil has strong antifungal property that helps keep fungal infections at bay. It can be applied along with coconut oil to the scalp to get rid of dandruff. Tea tree oil can also be applied to the nails to help manage fungal infections of the nail (onychomycosis).
A general caution involves using Tea tree oil diluted along with some carrier oil like coconut oil or olive oil to prevent skin irritation[1][2].

What are the synonyms of Tea tree oil?

Melaleuca alternifolia, Australian Tea tree, Melaleuca Oil, Oil of Melaleuca, Tea Tree

What is the source of Tea tree oil?

Plant Based

Benefits of Tea tree oil

What are the benefits of Tea tree oil for Acne?

Modern Science View

Tea tree oil is beneficial for managing mild to moderate acne. Tea tree oil has antibacterial activity. Application of Tea tree oil helps to inhibit the growth of bacteria causing acne[3][5].

What are the benefits of Tea tree oil for Fungal nail infections?

Modern Science View

Tea tree oil is beneficial for managing onychomycosis as an adjunct therapy. Tea tree oil has antifungal activity. Application of Tea tree oil helps to inhibit the growth of fungus causing onychomycosis[3][5].

What are the benefits of Tea tree oil for Dandruff?

Modern Science View

Tea tree oil might be beneficial in the management of mild to moderate dandruff[3][5].

What are the benefits of Tea tree oil for Athlete's foot (tinea pedis)?

Modern Science View

Tea tree oil is beneficial for managing tinea pedis. Tea tree oil has antifungal activity. Application of Tea tree oil shows clinical improvement in case of tinea pedis[3][5].

What are the benefits of Tea tree oil for Fungal infections?

Modern Science View

Tea tree oil might be beneficial in the management of vaginal candidiasis. Tea tree oil has antifungal activity. Tea tree oil damages the cell membrane and inhibits the respiration of Candida albicans, thus manages infection[3][5].

What are the benefits of Tea tree oil for Sore throat?

Modern Science View

Tea tree leaf infusion might be beneficial in the management of sore throat due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties[3][5].

What are the benefits of Tea tree oil for Fungal infections of vagina?

Modern Science View

Tea tree oil might be beneficial in the management of trichomoniasis due to its antiprotozoal activity[3][5].

How effective is Tea tree oil?

Likely effective

Acne, Athlete's foot (tinea pedis), Fungal nail infections

Insufficient evidence

Allergic skin conditions, Bacterial eye/ear infections, Bacterial infections of the vagina (bacterial vaginosis), Bad odor from mouth, Common cold, Cough, Dandruff, Dental plaque, Excessive hair growth, Fungal infections, Fungal infections of mouth (Thrush), Fungal infections of vagina, Head lice, Herpes labialis, Inflammation of gums, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection, Piles, Ringworm, Scabies, Skin infections, Sore throat, Wound infection

Precautions when using Tea tree oil

Advice from Experts

Ayurvedic View

Tea tree oil should not be applied in case of burn because it can increase the burning sensation due to its hot potency.

Breastfeeding

Ayurvedic View

Tea tree oil should be applied to the skin only under medical supervision during lactation.

Other Interaction

Modern Science View

1. Skin products that contain tea tree oil may enhance the dryness. So please consult a doctor if you have a dry skin before using such products.
2. Tea tree oil may interact with anti-inflammatory, antibiotics, antifungal and anti cancer drugs. So please consult a doctor before consult a doctor before using tea tree if you are taking these medicines.

Pregnancy

Ayurvedic View

Tea tree oil should be applied to the skin only under medical supervision during pregnancy.

Side Effects

Modern Science View

Rashes[4]

children

Modern Science View

Tea tree oil when mixed with lavender oil may cause some hormonal imbalance in young boys who yet not reached puberty. So please consult a doctor before using the Tea tree oil with Lavender oil[3].

Recommended Dosage of Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil Oil - 2-5 drops or as per your requirement.

How to use Tea tree oil

1. Tea tree oil with Honey
a. Take 2-5 drops of Tea tree oil.
b. Add honey to it.
c. Apply evenly on the affected area.
d. Let it sit for 7-10 mins.
e. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
f. Use this remedy 1-3 times a week to control fungal infection.

2. Tea tree oil with Coconut oil
a. Take 2-5 drops of Tea tree oil and mix it with coconut oil.
b. Apply to the affected area of the skin or scalp.
c. Wash it the next morning.
d. Use this remedy 1-2 times a week to manage allergies and dandruff.

3. Tea tree oil with Olive oil
a. Take 2-5 drops of Tea tree oil and mix it with olive oil.
b. Apply to the affected area of the skin.
c. Wash it the next morning.
d. Use this remedy 3-4 times a week to manage eczema and psoriasis.

References

1
Sabir S, Zahara K, Tabassum S. Pharmacological attributes and nutritional benefits of tea tree oil.Int J Biosci.2014;5(2):80-91.
2
Shah G, Baghel US. Melaleuca alternifolia:A review of the medicinal uses, pharmacology and phytochemistry.Int J Chemtech Res.2017;10(7):418-427.
3
WebMD.Tea Tree Oil: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
4
Ulbricht CE.Natural Standard:Herb and Supplement Guide, An Evidence Based Reference.Elsevier;2010.
5
Carson CF, Hammer KA, Riley TV.Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil: a Review of Antimicrobial and Other Medicinal Properties.Clin Microbiol Rev. 2006;19(1):50-62.
6
Castleman M.The New Healing Herbs: The Essential Guide to More Than 125 of Nature's Most Potent Herbal Remedies.Health and Fitness.2010.
7
Willington AK.30 Days Acne Free Forever: Natural Acne Treatment at Home.Lulu press.2014.
8
Drury S.Tea Tree Oil: A medicine kit in a bottle.Random house.2011.
9
Bailey DC, Costa DD.Milady Standard Natural Hair Care & Braiding.Cengage learning.2013.
10
Alsanad SM, Alkhamees OA. Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)- An efficient treatment for warts: Two case reports.IABER.2016;2(4):1-2.

Disclaimer

The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.