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Tea Tree Oil - Uses And Side Effects

Tea tree (melaleuca) oil is an essential oil distilled from the leaves and branches of Melaleuca alternifolia. A member of the myrtle family (Myrtaceae), this tree is native to Australia. Australian aborigines have long used melaleuca extracts for burns, cuts, insect bites, and other skin problems. During World War II, tea tree oil was used by Australian soldiers as a disinfectant. Scientists are studying melaleuca as a possible treatment for various bacterial and fungal infections.

This Australian shrub has papery bark on its stems and thin pointed leaves, with small white flowers in thick spikes, followed by the capsule-like seeds.

Common doses of Tea Tree

Tea tree comes as creams, ointments, lotions, and soaps. It's also found in cosmetics, toiletries, and other household products. Concentrations of melaleuca oil in these products range from less than 1 % to 100%. Depending on the type of product and the nature and location of the skin disorder, some experts recommend applying the oil locally in concentrations of 0.4% to 100%.

Uses of Tea Tree Oil

It is an antiseptic herb with a clear clean smell and expectorant, antifungal, bactericidal and sudorific properties, which stimulates the immune system. Specifically, tea tree oil may help to :-

• Acne
• As an antiseptic
• Athlete's foot
• Boils
• Bee stings
• Cold sores
• Dandruff
• Eczema (a type of skin inflammation)
• Lice
• Vaginal infections
• Wounds

Side effects of Tea Tree

Call your health care practitioner if you experience any of these possible side effects of tea tree:

• central nervous system depression, such as excessive drowsiness, sleepiness, and inability to coordinate muscles
• diarrhea
• skin irritation (in sensitive people)
• vomiting.

Tea tree also can irritate the mouth and digestive tract.

Are there any interactions?

Combining herbs with certain drugs may alter their action or produce unwanted side effects. Tell your health care practitioner about any prescription or nonprescription drugs you're taking.

Important points to remember

• Don't use tea tree preparations if you're pregnant or breast-feeding.
• Avoid tea tree if you've experienced an allergy to any of its components.
• Be aware that many commercially available products contain tea tree oil and that concentration of the oil varies greatly.
• Avoid taking tea tree products internally. Even small amounts of the oil taken internally may cause drowsiness and muscle incoordination.
• Keep tea tree products away from small children.
• Never ingest tea tree oil. It is for external use only, and should never be applied around the eyes.

What the research shows

Scientists believe tea tree oil has some value in treating acne and psoriasis (scaly, raised skin patches). It may also help combat certain antibiotic-resistant bacterial skin infections. More research is needed to determine if tea tree is effective against other skin problems or vaginal infections.

Other names for Tea Tree

Other names for tea tree include Australian tea tree oil, Melaleuca alternifolia, melaleuca oil, and tea tree oil.

Products containing tea tree oil include Jason Winter's Tea Tree Oil, Swanson Ultra Tea Tree Oil, and Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Oil.