Tea Tree Oil

Efficacy-safety rating:

●●...Ethno or other evidence of efficacy.

Safety rating:

What is Tea Tree Oil?

User Reviews & Ratings As a treatment for... Avg User Ratings [?] Skin Infection Be the first to rate it 0 reviews Skin and Structure Infection Be the first to rate it 0 reviews Burns, External Be the first to rate it 0 reviews Showing 3 of 5 conditions - Show All... Compare with other drugs.

There are many plants known as “tea trees,” but the species Melaleuca alternifolia is responsible for the “tea tree oil,” which has recently gained popularity. Native to Australia, the tea tree is an evergreen shrub found in coastal areas. Its narrow “needle-like” leaves release a distinctive aroma when crushed.

Other related species include M. quinquenervia (M. viridiflora) from the Caledonian evergreen tree yielding “niaouli oil” and M. leucaden and M. cajuputi (M. minor) yielding “oil of cajuput.” These oils contain similar constituents resembling camphor and peppermint and are used in aromatherapy.

What is Tea Tree Oil used for?

Tea tree oil (TTO) was first used in surgery and dentistry in the mid-1920s. Its healing properties were also used during World War II for skin injuries to those working in munition factories. Tea tree oil's popularity has resurfaced within the last few years with help from promotional campaigns and may be present in soaps, shampoos, and lotions.

Tea tree oil has been used mainly for its antimicrobial effects; research confirms this use. Tea tree oil has been used as an antimicrobial without irritating sensitive tissues. It has been applied to cuts, stings, acne, and burns. In hospitals, TTO has been used in soap form and soaked in blankets to make an antibacterial covering for burn victims. When run through air-conditioning ducts, TTO has been shown to exert bactericidal effects. TTO should only be applied topically. Do not ingest orally.

TTO can be added to baths or vaporizers to help treat respiratory disorders. Related species oil has been used for nasal antiseptic purposes, pulmonary anti-inflammatory use, and coughs.

What is the dosage of Tea Tree Oil?

TTO has been studied for its topical antifungal activity incorporated in cream formulations of 5% and 10% and as the neat oil. Standardized tea tree oil contains less than 10% cineole and greater than 30% terpinen-4-ol. Dosage should initially start low to avoid irritation caused by cineole. CNS toxicity has been observed with internal doses of 10 to 70 mL.

Is Tea Tree Oil safe?

Oral ingestion is contraindicated.

Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking. Avoid use.

Use of tea tree oil has resulted in allergic contact eczema and dermatitis.

Use of tea tree oil has resulted in allergic contact eczema and dermatitis.

Apart from the side effects information, various additional reports on TTO toxicity can be referenced.

References

Copyright © 2006 Wolters Kluwer Health

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Skin Infection, Skin and Structure Infection, Burns, External, Bacterial Skin Infection, Acne

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