Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are the Uses for Tea Tree Oil?

Marjorie McAtee
Marjorie McAtee

The uses for tea tree oil are generally antiseptic and anti-fungal. Tea tree oil is believed to have a long history of medicinal use among the aboriginal peoples of Australia. The oil is generally made from the leaves of the tea tree, Melaleuca alternifolia, and it has been used externally to treat viral, fungal, and bacterial infections including athlete's foot, herpes, acne, dandruff, and warts. Tea tree oil is also believed capable of boosting the immune system and improving respiratory complaints. It can cause serious side effects if used internally, and is not considered suitable for pregnant women or children.

The leaves of the tea tree generally contain plant chemicals known as terpenoids. Researchers believe that the terpenoids in tea tree leaves give the oil its medicinal properties. The oil is typically extracted by first steaming and then crushing the fresh leaves.

Tea tree oil mouthwash.
Tea tree oil mouthwash.

One of the primary uses for tea tree oil may be as a first-aid remedy for burns, wounds, and minor skin irritations. Tea tree oil can be used to treat insect stings and bites, sunburn, boils, vaginitis, and blisters. Another of the proven uses for tea tree oil is its topical application for the treatment of fungal infection like athlete's foot or candidiasis.

Shampoos containing at concentration of at least 5 percent tea tree oil may help kill head lice.
Shampoos containing at concentration of at least 5 percent tea tree oil may help kill head lice.

Tea tree oil mouthwash and toothpastes are believed effective at battling tooth decay and periodontal disease. Tea tree oil can potentially be toxic if swallowed, so these products are generally only considered safe if the user always takes care to spit them out. They are not generally deemed appropriate for young children.

As an ingredient in soaps, shampoos, and ointments, tea tree oil can treat dandruff, oily skin, psoriasis, and eczema. Tea tree oil is generally considered an effective remedy for most minor skin rashes. Shampoos containing at least a five percent concentration of tea tree oil may help to eliminate infestations of head lice.

Tea tree oil can be used to make a steam concoction that eases sore throats and coughing.
Tea tree oil can be used to make a steam concoction that eases sore throats and coughing.

The uses for tea tree oil also include inhaling its vapors to soothe respiratory complains. A few drops of the oil can be added to boiling water, and the steam inhaled, each day for several days to relieve minor complaints such as sore throat, cough, and runny nose. Tea tree oil may also help relieve the symptoms of more serious respiratory diseases such as bronchitis, asthma, and tuberculosis. The regular use of tea tree oil can help boost immunity, and help fight or prevent common viral illnesses such as influenza, chicken pox, shingles, and measles.

Regular use of tea tree oil may help prevent chicken pox.
Regular use of tea tree oil may help prevent chicken pox.

Tea tree oil should generally not be used internally, as it can fatally suppress the central nervous system. Symptoms of tea tree oil overdose can include vomiting, diarrhea, lowered immunity, drowsiness, mental confusion, lack of coordination, and coma.

Discussion Comments

fify

@SarahGen-- Yes, tea tree oil does work for warts. I have used it in the past with success.

All you have to do is apply a drop of tea tree oil right on top of the wart an cover it with a bandage. You need to repeat this every day and use a fresh bandage for as long as it takes for the wart to disappear.

I used undiluted tea tree oil but you can use diluted tea tree oil if you want. Some people are sensitive to the oil and experience irritation. You might want to test it on your arm first to see if you're allergic.

SarahGen

Does tea tree oil really work for warts? How do I use it?

SteamLouis

I started using tea tree oil soap for my acne last week. This stuff is great! It's drying out my acne and I haven't gotten any new pimples since I started using it.

I had heard a lot of good stuff about tea tree oil before. I don't know why I took so long to try it out. I highly recommend it to those with an acne problem.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Tea tree oil mouthwash.
      By: design56
      Tea tree oil mouthwash.
    • Shampoos containing at concentration of at least 5 percent tea tree oil may help kill head lice.
      By: goodluz
      Shampoos containing at concentration of at least 5 percent tea tree oil may help kill head lice.
    • Tea tree oil can be used to make a steam concoction that eases sore throats and coughing.
      By: konzeptm
      Tea tree oil can be used to make a steam concoction that eases sore throats and coughing.
    • Regular use of tea tree oil may help prevent chicken pox.
      By: hartphotography
      Regular use of tea tree oil may help prevent chicken pox.
    • Tea tree oil may be helpful for the treatment of warts.
      By: Tiler84
      Tea tree oil may be helpful for the treatment of warts.
    • Tea tree oil has antiseptic and anti-fungal properties.
      By: Lucie Říhová
      Tea tree oil has antiseptic and anti-fungal properties.
    • Tea tree oil may be added to shampoos to help individuals avoid skin irritation.
      By: karandaev
      Tea tree oil may be added to shampoos to help individuals avoid skin irritation.