Tea Tree Oil

How does Tea Tree Oil work?

The chemicals in tea tree oil may kill bacteria and fungus, and reduce allergic skin reactions.

Are there safety concerns?

Tea tree oil is safe for most people when put on the skin. Tea tree oil can cause skin irritation and swelling when put on the skin. In people with acne, it can sometimes cause skin dryness, itching, stinging, burning, and redness.

Applying products to the skin that contain tea tree oil along with lavender oil might not be safe for young boys who have not yet reached puberty. These products might have hormone effects that could disrupt the normal hormones in a boy's body. In some cases, this has resulted in boys developing abnormal breast growth called gynecomastia. The safety of these products when used by young girls is not known.

Tea tree oil is UNSAFE when taken by mouth. Don't take tea tree oil by mouth. As a general rule never take undiluted essential oils by mouth due to the possibility of serious side effects. Taking tree tea oil by mouth has caused confusion, inability to walk, unsteadiness, rash, and coma.

Dosing considerations for Tea Tree Oil.

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

APPLIED TO THE SKIN:

• For nail fungus (onychomycosis): 100% tea tree oil solution applied twice daily for six months.
• For athlete's foot (tinea pedis): 25% or 50% tea tree oil solution applied twice daily for one month has been used. Tea tree oil 10% cream applied twice daily for one month has also been used.
• For acne: 5% tea tree oil gel applied daily.