Derived from the Australian native plant Melaleuca alternifolia, tea tree essential oil is named so because of its origin from the Melaleuca species, commonly known as tea tree or paperbark trees.
Its also called melaleuca oil and has been traditionally used for its antimicrobial properties. The oil is largely marketed in Australia, North America, and Europe, and is used in multiple skincare products. [1]
Tea tree essential oil is extracted via steam distillation of the leaves and terminal branches of the plant.
The oil can be extracted from other species of Melaleuca such as M. dissitiflora, M. linariifolia, and M. uncinata, as long the tea tree oil meets the international standard of its composition and quality.
Melaleuca oil can be used for a variety of purposes such as treating acne by topical application.
It is used to treat multiple fungal diseases such as onychomycosis, tinea pedis, oral thrush, candidiasis, and even ringworm.
It is an effective antiviral agent and can be used to treat cold sores and even poxvirus infection.
Tea tree oil has been popularly used to treat dental problems such as gingivitis, plaque, bad breath, and dry sockets.
Tea tree oil can be used to treat hypersensitivity induced by a nickel to dandruff and psoriasis due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Traditionally, tea tree oil has also been used to treat cold, cough, congestion and sore throat.
Tea tree oil should not be ingested as it is a classified Schedule 6 poison and can even be lethal. Its use is advised against children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
It may cause contact dermatitis, eczema, irritation, pain, burning, stinging, nausea and dizziness on use. Gynecomastia may occur in prepubertal male children.
Art Naturals, based in USA, is a manufacturer of natural and pure essential oils, skin care, bath and beauty products.
The therapeutic grade essential oil has a net volume of 118 ml. The key ingredient includes steam distilled pure therapeutic grade tea tree essential oil.
Some of the key USPs of the product are:
100% pure unadulterated
Can be used effectively with carrier oils
Batch tested for purity and potency
Free from adulterated additives and preservatives
Here are key Pros and Cons based on Analysis of Customer Reviews-
Terpenes that are a major constituent of tea tree oil, are volatile aromatic compounds, mainly monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes that impart to the oil most of its medicinal benefits.
Terpinen-4-ol type tea tree oils are the recommended international standard along with 14 other components that must be present for provenance verification and biological activity. [2]
It is reported that the activity of tea tree oil is 11 times more potent than phenol, the gold standard for antimicrobial activity, owing to the presence of the components- cineole, cymene, linalool, terpinen-4-ol and terpineol. [3]
The antimicrobial activity is mostly due to the presence of terpinen-4-ol, 1,8-cineole and a-terpineol that affects the cell wall, alters K+ tolerance and even damages the cell membrane of the bacteria along with inhibiting its glucose-dependent respiration. [4]
Terpinen-4-ol is mostly responsible for the anti-inflammatory property of the oil that suppresses the activity of monocytes, neutrophils and inhibits the release of inflammatory mediators, reduces oedema associated with hypersensitivity and histamine-induced inflammation. [5]
Keys Benefits of Tea Tree Oil
1. Tea Tree oil Cures Acne
Confidence: High
In a study carried out on 124 patients suffering from mild to moderate acne, it was seen that application of 5% tea tree oil gel on the skin for 3 months daily, decreased the lesions significantly and non-inflamed lesions were treated comparably by treatment with benzoyl peroxide gel for acne.
However, tea tree oil caused lesser adverse events. [6]
In another study carried out on patients suffering from acne vulgaris, it was seen that daily application of 5% tea tree oil gel on the skin for a period of 45 days, the total acne lesions count and the acne severity index reduced significantly as compared to placebo. [7]
A trial carried out using a combinatorial mixture of 20% propolis, 3% tea tree oil and 10% Aloe vera for topical application on 60 patients suffering from acne vulgaris showed that it was more effective in treating and reducing erythema in papular and scar lesions after 30 days as compared to erythromycin cream. [8]
It has also been seen that acne-causing bacteria Propionibacterium acnes is extremely susceptible to treatment with tea tree oil and exhibit very low minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentrations. [9]
2. Tea tree oil is Highly Effective in Treating Fungal Diseases
Tea tree oil has been used to treat several fungal diseases like Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), oral thrush, vaginal candidiasis, onychomycosis (nail fungal disease).
Confidence: High
Onychomycosis
In a randomized, double-blind study carried out in 60 patients suffering from onychomycosis, a cream containing 2% butenafine hydrochloride and 5% tea tree oil, when applied thrice daily on the large toenail and wrapped with a plastic dressing after each application, for a period of 16 weeks, showed to cure onychomycosis in 80% of the patients. [10]
Another double-blind study showed that treatment with 100% tea tree oil for a period of 6 months was able to completely cure onychomycosis in 27% of the patients and partially cure in 65% of the patients, by topical application on the nails, twice daily.
It was also seen that the growth of the colonies of fungi that were isolated from the patients was inhibited effectively with tea tree oil. [11]
Tinea Pedis
In a study carried out on 124 patients suffering from tinea pedis (Athlete’s foot), it was observed that treatment with 10% tea tree oil cream was as effective in ameliorating the symptoms like scaling, inflammation, itching and burning, as with standard drug therapy using 1% tolnaftate. [12]
In another study carried out in 158 patients suffering from tinea pedis, it was seen that topical application with 25% and 50% tea tree oil solutions, twice daily, not only showed a marked clinical improvement in the infection but also reduced the colonies of fungi causing the disease, as assessed by mycological cure rate. [13]
Oral thrush or Oral Candidiasis
In a cohort study carried out on patients suffering from AIDS and having a secondary infection of oral candidiasis, it was seen that alcohol and non-alcohol based solutions of tea tree oils were able to effectively cure the signs and symptoms of the infection and effectively reduce the fungal culture load, as compared to fluconazole, the standard treatment for oral thrush. [14]
An in vitro study confirms that tea tree oil at concentrations of 0.2-0.4% is effective in exerting its fungicidal activity on Candida and Saccharomyces species by altering the membrane fluidity. [15]
Vaginal Candidiasis
In an in vivo study carried out on a rat model for vaginal candidiasis infected with azole (fluconazole, itraconazole) -susceptible or -resistant strains of C. albicans,, intravaginal administration of 0.1 mL at 1% concentration of tea tree oil and terpinen-4-ol, showed an accelerated clearance of the fungal infection and elimination of candidiasis by third week of treatment. [16]
Another study confirms that tea tree oil is effective in clearing biofilms of Candida species that are adhered to human epithelial cells. [17]
Ringworm
In a study carried out on horses suffering from ringworm (Trichophyton equinum infection), it was seen that application of 25% tea tree oil diluted in sweet almond oil, twice a day for 15 days, showed a complete symptomatic amelioration of the condition and cure for the aetiological cause of ringworm. [18]
3. Tea tree oil can Effectively Treat MRSA Infections
Confidence: High
In a study carried out on 30 patients suffering from MRSA, it was seen that combinatorial treatment with 4% tea tree oil nasal ointment and 5% tea tree oil body wash proved to be a more effective treatment for curing MRSA infections than the standard drug therapy.
Not only did the nasal ointment clear the nasal infection but the body wash also cleared the skin infection, more effectively, in comparison to mupirocin and triclosan treatment. [19]
In another major clinical trial carried out on hospital patients suffering from MRSA infection, it was seen that out of the 110 patients that received tea tree oil treatment, comprising of tea tree 10% cream and tea tree 5% body wash, 41% of the patients were cured of the infection.
This treatment was more effective than standard therapy to clear skin lesions and other superficial skin sites.
No adverse events were reported, and thus tea tree oil therapy was proven to be safe and efficacious.[20]
4. Tea tree oil for Herpes labialis and Cutaneous Molluscum Contagiosum
Herpes labialis or cold sore is a viral infection that causes blistering and ulceration around the border of the lips.
Molluscum contagiosum is a childhood viral skin condition and is increasingly found as a sexually transmitted disease in adults, that results in round, firm and painless bumps.
Confidence: High
A clinical trial carried out to test the effectiveness of tea tree essential oil in curing cold sores (herpes labialis) caused by herpes simplex virus, tested a 6% tea tree oil aqueous gel in 18 patients, where the gel was applied 5 times daily.
It took 9 days for re-epithelialization of the skin and treatment of cold sores. [21]
Even in vitro studies confirm that tea tree essential oil is effective in its virucidal activity against the herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 at very low and non-cytotoxic concentrations. [22]
A clinical trial showed that application of iodine plus tea tree oil, twice daily, is significantly effective in reducing the cutaneous lesions of molluscum contagiosum in children suffering from the cutaneous viral disease.
This proved to be a rather safe and non-invasive method to treat the condition with no reports of adverse events. [23]
5. Tea tree oil for Dandruff, Blepharitis, and Psoriasis
Confidence: High
In a single-blind trial, 5% tea tree oil shampoo was used daily for 4 weeks, by patients above the age of 14 and suffering from dandruff.
It was seen that the shampoo was well tolerated and the total severity, itchiness, greasiness and scaling associated with dandruff reduced significantly. [24]
In a clinical study carried out on 40 patients suffering from blepharitis, a commercial eyelid scrub of tea tree oil by the name of Naviblef™ Eyelid Foam was to be applied twice daily for a period of 30 days.
It caused a notable improvement in light sensitivity, grittiness, soreness, discomfort during reading or night driving, and while using visual display units. [25]
It has also been shown via an in vivo study and expert peer review that tea tree oil can be used as an effective arsenal for treating psoriasis due to its ability to inhibit TNF-alpha, IL-1, IL-8, PGE 2 and vasodilatation that are inflammatory mediators involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.
However, clinical trials are needed to prove the same. [26]
6. Tea tree oil is Beneficial for Oral Health
Confidence: High
In a five-week study carried out on 30 subjects, it was seen that mouth washing with 0.2% tea tree oil for one minute daily, was able to significantly reduce and maintain the reduced numbers of oral microorganisms such as Streptococcus mutans and other microbes responsible for causing oral health problems. [27]
In another unique study carried out to assess the effect of tea tree oil in sanitizing toothbrushes for disinfection against Streptococcus mutans.
It was seen that in a cohort of 30 subjects from 210 students, the toothbrushes used by them were disinfected using 0.2% tea tree oil solution, significantly reducing the number of microbes present on the toothbrush by 71.9%. [28]
In an in vitro study carried out, it was seen that halitosis (bad breath) caused by the gram-positive microorganism Solobacterium moorei could be reduced significantly due to the antimicrobial effect of tea tree oil against S. moorei.
Concentrations as low as 0.5% were able to efficiently kill these microbes in a short period of time, however, the combination of tea tree oil with alpha-bisabolol was more effective. [29]
In a study carried out on 39 patients suffering severe chronic gingivitis, it was seen that brushing with a 2.5% tea tree oil-containing gel, twice daily for two minutes, was able to significantly reduce bleeding in all teeth and its surfaces and also healed gingival inflammation significantly.
Another study also showed that brushing with a toothpaste containing tea tree oil and ethanolic extract of Polish propolis significantly reduced plaque, bleeding and generally maintaining oral hygiene and balance of the microbiome. [31]
7. Tea Tree Oil is used for Wound Healing
Confidence: High
In a study carried out on 32 patients with delayed healing chronic wounds colonized by MRSA, it was seen that dressing the wound with 20% tea tree oil preparation decreased the diameter of ulcers and closed the wound in a period of 28 days and also eradicated the MRSA colonization from the wound. [32]
In another open-labelled, uncontrolled trial, it was seen that wound dressing with 3.3% water-miscible tea tree oil, that was changed either daily or after 3 days, reduced the size of the leg ulcers, that had not healed for several months, significantly in a matter of 12 weeks. [33]
Another study showed in 20 patients that skin exposure of fingers to 5% tea tree oil solution for 5 minutes increased blood flow to the exposed skin significantly and thus it can be used for oxygenation, by perfusion, of the wounds to accelerate healing. [34]
8. Tea tree oil can Effectively cure Pediculosis and Mite Infection
Lice infection is termed as pediculosis and infection caused by a certain type of mites is known as Scabies.
Confidence: High
In a randomized study in 123 school-aged children with live head lice, a product comprising of tea tree oil and lavender oil was applied thrice at an interval of 1 week each, for 10 minutes.
It was seen that 97.6% of the patients treated with tea tree oil and lavender oil were lice-free on day 15 of the treatment in comparison to standard lice therapy such as suffocation products and of pyrethrin and piperonyl butoxide therapy. [35]
An ex vivo study carried out on the eggs of the head lice collected from 92 patients showed that treatment with tea tree oil and lavender essential oil killed the eggs with 44.4.3% efficacy as compared to the 3.3% ovicidal efficacy of lemon tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil. [36]
An ongoing study is being carried out in a population of 200 Australian aboriginal children suffering from scabies, wherein application of 5% tea tree oil on day 1 and day 8, for 8-12 hours after an evening bath is being analyzed for completely eliminating scabies. [37]
9. Tea tree oil may Treat Bacterial Vaginosis and Trichomoniasis
Confidence: Moderate
In a single case of a woman suffering from bacterial vaginosis in 1990, it was seen that treatment with vaginal pessaries containing 200 mg of distilled tea tree oil, over a 5-day course, was able to normalize her vaginal secretions, bring it back to normal pH and restore the normal flora of the vagina and eliminated the vaginosis causing bacteria. [38]
An in vitro study carried out using clinical isolates of bacteria associated with vaginosis showed low minimum inhibitory concentration values with tea tree oil indicating their susceptibility to the oil whereas lactobacilli, a commensal, was resistant to it. [39]
Studies also show that constituents of tea tree oil such as terpinen-4-ol, α-terpinene, γ-terpinene and α-terpineol are able to kill trichomonas and thus could be useful in treating trichomoniasis. [40]
10. Tea Tree oil may be used to Treat Nickel-Induced Hypersensitivity
Confidence: Moderate
In a clinical trial carried out, it was seen that topical application of 100% tea tree oil was able to significantly reduce the flare and erythema associated with nickel-induced contact hypersensitivity and inhibit the proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells associated with the hypersensitivity. [41]
11. Tea tree oil may be used to Treat Hirsutism
Confidence: Moderate
In a clinical trial carried out on women suffering from mild idiopathic hirsutism, it was seen that the application of tea tree oil and lavender oil, twice daily, for a period of 3 months, there was a significant decrease in the amount of hair and the diameter of the hair. [42]
Dosage
For acne:
5% tea tree oil gel can be applied twice daily on the skin for 20 minutes and rinse off with water, for a period of 3 months to cure acne. [43],[44]
For nail fungus (onychomycosis):
A cream containing 2% butenafine hydrochloride and 5% tea tree oil can be applied thrice daily and covered with a dressing after each application for a period of 16 weeks to treat onychomycosis. [45]
For Athlete’s foot:
Tea tree oil cream (10% wt. by wt.) can be applied twice daily for a period of 4 weeks to treat symptoms such as itching, inflammation, burning and scaling caused due to tinea pedis infection. [46]
Tea tree oil solutions of 25% or 50% mixed in ethanol and polyethylene glycol solution can be applied topically, twice daily for a period of 4 weeks, in between the toes after washing with soap and water and drying the feet thoroughly.
Not only will this heal the symptoms of tinea pedis but also eliminate the dermatophyte infection. [47]
For oral thrush:
Alcohol or non-alcohol based oral solution can be used four times daily to reduce oral candidiasis, for a period of 4 weeks. [48]
For MRSA infections:
Tea tree oil regimen can be followed in the following manner to treat MRSA [49]:
10% cream can be applied to the anterior nostrils three times a day for five days;
Tea tree 5% body wash all over the body at least once a day for five days;
Tea tree 10% cream to skin lesions, wounds, and ulcers, and also to axillae or groins as an alternative to the body wash
For cold sores:
Application of 6% tea tree essential oil is useful in re-epithelialization of the skin in cold sores when applied 5 times daily.
For Molluscum contagiosum:
Application of tea tree oil with iodine mixture, twice daily, can resolve lesions related to the condition effectively, safely and non-invasively. [50]
For dandruff:
Tea tree oil (5%) shampoo should be used daily for 4 weeks to eliminate dandruff. [51]
For blepharitis:
Lid scrubbing can be done with Naviblef™ ( a tea tree oil formula for eyelid scrub) twice daily for a period of 30 days.
For oral health:
A mouthwash of 0.2% tea tree oil can be used for rinsing mouth after brushing, once daily for 7 days, for reducing the number of oral microbes associated with causing dental problems. [52]
Toothbrushes can be disinfected by soaking the bristles in 0.2% tea tree oil solution for 12 hours. [53]
Chronic gingivitis can be treated by brushing with 2.5% tea tree oil-containing gel, twice daily for 2 minutes, for a period of at least 8 weeks. [54]
Plaque can be reduced by brushing with toothpaste containing tea tree oil and ethanolic extract of Polish propolis for a period of at least 28 days. [55]
For wound healing:
Dressing with 10% tea tree oil and 90% paraffin oil can be applied directly over the wound and be enclosed by an adhesive pad, for a period of at least 28 days to promote wound healing related to pressure, toe and leg ulcers. [56],[57]
For lice:
Application of tea tree oil and lavender essential oil for 10 minutes and covering the scalp using a shower cap can be done thrice, after an interval of 1 week after each application, to eliminate lice from the scalp. [58]
For bacterial vaginosis:
Vaginal pessaries containing 200mg distilled tea tree oil can be used to treat vaginosis. [59]
For Hirsutism:
A combination of tea tree oil and lavender essential oil can be applied to the areas affected by hirsutism, twice daily, for a period of 3 months. [60]
For nickel-induced contact hypersensitivity:
Tea tree oil (100%) can be applied to areas affected by nickel to reduce inflammation, flare and erythema and inhibit the hypersensitivity reaction. [61]
Precautions
Adverse effects
It is seen that ingestion of tea tree oil may cause acute toxicity and is classified as a Schedule VI poison, thus oral ingestion must be avoided.[62]
Tea tree oil may cause dermatitis if applied topically in some patients. [63] Stinging is another rare side effect of topical application. [64]
Nasal ointment of tea tree oil may cause mild inflammation of the nasal mucosa and slight burning as well. [65]
A mouthwash of tea tree oil may also cause a certain amount of nausea, bad breath, burning sensation, and unpleasant taste. [66]
Pregnancy, Lactation, and Kids
It is likely unsafe to use tea tree oil during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, however, there are no studies to prove the same.
It has been advised by manufacturers to keep the tea tree oil product out of reach from children. [67]
Interactions
Currently, there is no evidence of interactions of tea tree oil with other drugs.
Known Diseases
Tea tree oil may cause gynecomastia in male children as it shows weak estrogenic activity. [68]
Contact dermatitis has been commonly observed using tea tree oil products. [69]
Overdosage
The average lethal dose for a 3-year-old child is 26ml. [70]
FAQs
Can Tea Tree oil be applied directly to the skin?
Yes, it can be applied in its pure form (100%) to treat diseases like acne, fungal infections and even dandruff.
Is Tea Tree oil photosensitive?
Yes, Tea Tree oil can be oxidized in the presence of sunlight, and thus must be stored in a dark, airtight container in a refrigerator. [71]
Is Tea Tree oil good for cancer?
It has been shown via in vitro studies that Tea Tree oil has cytotoxic effects towards many cancer cell lines, killing them at concentrations as low as 0.02 to 2.7 g/L. This has been seen in CTVR-1 (leukaemia), Molt-4 (leukaemia), K562 (myelogenous leukaemia), HeLa (cervical adenocarcinoma) and Hep G2 (hepatocellular carcinoma) cell lines. [72]
Does Tea Tree oil make breasts grow?
Tea Tree oil mimics estrogen and may even cause gynecomastia in male children. However, its use for breast enlargement has still not been assessed or proven. [73][74]
Summary
To sum up, the main active component of Tea Tree oil is terrinen-4-ol, that imparts to the oil many of its medicinal properties like antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Tea Tree oil has been researched extensively and multiple trials have been carried out on human subjects. Its use for treating acne, fungal diseases, bacterial diseases, viral infections, wound healing and maintaining oral hygiene, has been proven.
It may be used to treat nickel-induced hypersensitivity and hirsutism.
Tea Tree oil is poisonous when ingested and its oral consumption should be avoided. Topical application and aromatherapy with Tea Tree oil are generally regarded as safe, however side effects like contact dermatitis, inflammation and nausea may occur.
