Tea tree oil, also known as melaleuca oil, has many health benefits. It has antifungal, antibacterial and other properties. It’s found in skin, hair and body care products. It may help treat athlete’s foot and acne.
Use in moderation. It can be toxic if swallowed or applied to sensitive areas. It can cause burning, itching and irritation if overused.
Antiseptic
Tea tree oil has antiseptic properties, which help kill germs and soothe infections and irritations. This makes it a valuable addition to natural health and beauty regimens.
Inhaling or topical application of tea tree oil helps clear up sinuses and nasal congestion from the common cold and other respiratory issues. It also eliminates body odor by killing the bacteria that cause it, and reduces inflammation of the airways.
A 2021 study found that applying 5% tea tree oil to the feet may help relieve symptoms of the fungal infection athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis. The oil’s antifungal properties may work alongside antifungal medications to treat the condition.
To apply tea tree oil to skin, mix a few drops with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil and rub it on your affected area. You can also add it to your favorite body wash, shampoo or skin moisturizer for extra protection. To reduce exposure to harsh chemicals, look for natural tea tree oil products that are steam-distilled and follow sustainable growing and harvesting standards. Desert Essence offers a variety of 100% Australian tea tree oil that is steam-distilled and follows these rigorous guidelines.
Antifungal
Tea tree oil has antifungal properties, which means it kills fungi. People put it on their skin as a natural remedy for nail fungus, jock itch and athlete’s foot or to treat minor wounds and insect bites. It’s also effective against recurrent herpes virus (which causes cold sores) and influenza.
Studies suggest that tea tree oil might help reduce the severity and frequency of acne breakouts. It might work by killing bacteria that clog pores and slowing the growth of new skin cells.
You can add a few drops of tea tree oil to a carrier oil (like jojoba oil) and apply it to your skin as an antifungal treatment. Or you can use a tea tree oil-based household cleaner to kill toxic mold and mildew in your home. It’s important to remember that this essential oil is poisonous if swallowed, so you should always dilute it with a carrier oil before using it topically or in oral health remedies.
Antibacterial
Tea tree oil, also known as melaleuca oil, is steam distilled from the leaves of the Australian tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia). It may soothe skin and wound irritations and is often included in cosmetic products, such as soaps, shampoos, lotions and creams. However, it should not be ingested because of its potential to cause serious side effects if swallowed.
In lab studies, tea tree oil has demonstrated antimicrobial properties against a wide variety of bacteria, viruses and fungi. The compounds in it, such as terpinen-4-ol and 1,8-cineole, interfere with microbial cell membranes and inhibit biofilm formation.
In addition to being used in cosmetic products, tea tree oil can help fight acne, nail fungus, jock itch and head lice. A recent study found that a gel containing tea tree oil was more effective than a control face wash at improving mild to moderate facial acne, and another study found that combining tea tree oil with nerolidol reduced the severity of dandruff.
Anti-inflammatory
Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) is a volatile essential oil. It has antiseptic, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties that can help treat minor infections. It is often found in natural skin and hair care products like soaps, shampoos and lotions. You can also use it to make homemade cleaning products for your home.
For example, you can add five to 10 drops of tea tree oil to liquid castile soap and vinegar to create a natural bathroom cleaner that works on countertops, toilets and sinks. You can also use it in your laundry to freshen your sheets and clothes.
Studies have shown that tea tree oil can reduce histamine-induced contact dermatitis in people who have it. The researchers in one study compared the effects of tea tree oil, zinc oxide and clobetasone butyrate—a topical steroid. They found that the tea tree oil was more effective than all three of these treatments.
Antispasmodic
Tea tree oil can help relieve respiratory discomfort and promote a sense of well-being. It may also calm skin issues, including acne, jock itch and toenail fungus, when applied topically.
Its antispasmodic properties may ease muscle pain and tension. The fresh, camphoraceous (similar to eucalyptus) scent of this oil helps reduce feelings of stress and mental fatigue.
The oil is a good addition to cleaning products, such as disinfectants and laundry detergents. However, it is important to dilute any essential oils before applying them to your body or using them in a diffuser.
Taking the oil orally can be dangerous, as it can cause unconsciousness, loss of balance, confusion and unsteadiness. Additionally, pregnant women should avoid using it. When used as a mouthwash, it can decrease dental plaque and bad breath10.
Antimicrobial
Tea tree oil, which is also called melaleuca oil or tee tree essential oil, kills germs. It is often used to treat infections like acne, athlete’s foot, nail fungus and insect bites. The volatile oil can be put on the skin or added to soap, shampoo and creams. But never swallow it; even small amounts can cause problems with breathing and movement, including a life-threatening condition called coma.
Lab studies show that the main component of tea tree oil, terpinen-4-ol, has powerful antimicrobial properties against fungi and some bacteria. It also kills head lice and their eggs.
Researchers have discovered that some plant oils, such as tea tree oil and oregano oil, act synergistically with conventional antibiotics against multidrug-resistant bacteria. This may help reduce the development of antibiotic resistance, which leads to treatment failure and the spread of infection.