TEA TREE OIL

OTHER NAME(S):

Aceite del Árbol de Té, Australian Tea Tree Oil, Huile de Melaleuca, Huile de Théier, Huile de Théier Australien, Huile Essentielle de Théier, Melaleuca alternifolia, Melaleuca Oil, Oil of Melaleuca, Oleum Melaleucae, Tea Tree, Tea Tree Essential Oil.<br/><br/>

Overview

Overview Information

Tea tree oil is derived from the leaves of the tea tree. The tea tree was named by eighteenth century sailors, who made tea that smelled like nutmeg from the leaves of the tree growing on the swampy southeast Australian coast. Do not confuse the tea tree with the unrelated common tea plant that is used to make black and green teas.

Tea tree oil is applied to the skin (used topically) for infections such as acne, fungal infections of the nail (onychomycosis), lice, scabies, athlete's foot (tinea pedis), and ringworm. It is also used topically as a local antiseptic for cuts and abrasions, for burns, insect bites and stings, boils, vaginal infections, recurrent herpes labialis, toothache, infections of the mouth and nose, sore throat, and for ear infections such as otitis media and otitis externa.

Some people add it to bath water to treat cough, bronchial congestion, and pulmonary inflammation.

How does it work?

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

Uses

Uses & Effectiveness?

Possibly Effective for

  • Mild to moderate acne. Applying a 5% tea tree oil gel appears to be as effective as 5% benzoyl peroxide (Oxy-5, Benzac AC, and others) for treating acne. Tea tree oil might work more slowly than benzoyl peroxide, but seems to be less irritating to facial skin. When applied twice daily for 45 days, tea tree oil reduces several acne symptoms, including acne severity.
  • Fungus infections of the nails (onychomycosis). Topical application of 100% tea tree oil solution, twice daily for six months, can cure fungal toenail infection in about 18% of people who try it. It can also improve nail appearance and symptoms in about 56% of patients after three months and 60% of patients after six months of treatment. It seems to be comparable to twice daily application of clotrimazole 1% solution (Fungoid, Lotrimin, Lotrimin AF). Lower concentrations of tea tree oil do not seem to be as effective. For example, there is some evidence that a 5% tea tree oil cream applied three times daily for two months has no benefit.
  • Athlete's foot (tinea pedis). Topical application of a 10% tea tree oil cream works about as well as tolnaftate 1% cream (Genaspor, Tinactin, Ting, and others) for relieving symptoms of athlete's foot, including scaling, inflammation, itching, and burning. However, the 10% tea tree oil cream doesn't seem to cure the infection. A stronger tea tree oil solution (25% or 50%) is needed for that. Application of 25% or 50% tea tree oil solution appears to both relieve symptoms and clear up the infection in about half of people who try it for 4 weeks. However, 25% or 50% tea tree oil concentrations don't appear to be as effective for curing the infection as medications such as clotrimazole or terbinafine.

Insufficient Evidence for

  • Bacterial infection of the vagina (bacterial vaginosis). Early research suggests that tea tree oil may benefit people with bacterial vaginosis.
  • Dandruff. Early research suggests that applying a 5% tea tree oil shampoo three minutes daily for four weeks reduces scalp lesions, scalp itchiness, and greasiness in people with dandruff.
  • Dental plaque. Results from research examining the effects of tea tree oil on dental plaque are inconsistent. Some early research shows that brushing the teeth with a 2.5% tea tree oil gel twice daily for 8 weeks reduces gum bleeding but not plaque in people who have gingivitis caused by plaque. Also, using a mouthwash containing tea tree oil after a professional teeth cleaning does not seem to reduce plaque formation. However, rinsing with a specific product (Tebodont) containing tea tree oil and a chemical called xylitol seems to reduce plaque. Also, rinsing with another product that contains tea tree oil, clove, and holy basil seems to reduce plaque.
  • Gingivitis. Results from research examining the effects of tea tree oil on gingivitis are inconsistent. Some early research shows that brushing the teeth with a 2.5% tea tree oil gel twice daily for eight weeks reduces gum bleeding but does not improve overall gum health in people who have gingivitis caused by plaque. However, rinsing with a specific product (Tebodont) containing tea tree oil and a chemical called xylitol seems to reduce gum inflammation. Also, rinsing with another product that contains tea tree oil, clove, and holy basil seems to reduce gum inflammation.
  • Bad breath. Early research shows that adding tea tree oil to an essential oil mixture containing peppermint and lemon oils can reduce bad breath when used as part of a 3-minute oral cleaning.
  • Hemorrhoids. Some early research suggests that applying a gel containing tea tree oil, hyaluronic acid, and methyl-sulfonyl-methane reduces symptoms of hemorrhoids, including pain, inflammation and itching, in children.
  • Cold sores (Herpes labialis). Research so far suggests that applying 6% tea tree oil gel five times daily does not improve cold sores.
  • Excess body hair in women (hirsutism). Early research suggests that using a spray containing lavender oil and tea tree oil twice daily for 3 months slightly reduces hair growth in some areas in women with hirsutism.
  • Lice. Early research suggests that tea tree oil might repel lice. Also, applying a combination of lavender and tea tree oil kills lice eggs and reduces the number of live lice. It is unclear if the effects are caused by the tea tree oil alone or the combination of lavender and tea tree oil.
  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. Evidence about the effects of tea tree oil on MRSA infection is unclear. When compared to standard MRSA treatment alone, adding tea tree oil does not seem to improve overall MRSA clearance or prevent infection. Also, using a tea tree oil solution when cleaning wounds does not seem to improve MRSA clearance. However, an early study suggests that using a 4% tea tree oil nasal ointment plus a 5% tea tree oil body wash along with other standard treatments might have a small benefit. Tea tree oil does not seem to prevent MRSA infection.
  • Allergic skin reactions to nickel. Early research suggests that undiluted tea tree oil may reduce the area and redness skin reactions in people who are allergic to contact with nickel. Also some early evidence suggests that applying diluted tea tree oil to the skin before nickel exposure reduces skin reactions in people allergic to nickel.
  • Yeast infections in the mouth and throat (thrush; also known as oropharyngeal candidiasis). Because people with AIDS have a weak immune system, they sometimes come down with "opportunistic" infections such as thrush. There is some evidence that tea tree oil might be beneficial in patients with HIV/AIDS whose thrush does not respond to usual antifungal medications such as fluconazole. Swishing and expelling tea tree oil solution for 2-4 weeks seems to improve symptoms. There is also early evidence that using tea tree oil as part of an essential oil mixture might improve oral comfort in cancer patients. However, adding 1 mL of tea tree oil to a standard conditioner treatment does not reduce infections and inflammation in people with dentures.
  • Skin infection caused by a certain virus. Early research shows that applying a combination of tea tree oil and iodine to the skin of children for 30 days helps clear up skin bumps caused by a poxvirus better than just tea tree oil or iodine alone.
  • Vaginal infection called trichomoniasis. Early research suggests that tea tree oil may be beneficial for people with a type of vaginal infection called trichomoniasis.
  • Vaginal infection called vaginal candidiasis. Early research suggests that tea tree oil may be beneficial for people with a type of vaginal infection called vaginal candidiasis.
  • Congestion.
  • Cough.
  • Ear infections.
  • Preventing infections in cuts, abrasions, burns, insect bites and stings, and boils.
  • Ringworm.
  • Scabies.
  • Sore throat.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate tea tree oil for these uses.

Side Effects

Side Effects & Safety

Tea tree oil is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when put on the skin, but it can cause skin irritation and swelling. 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 LIKELY 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.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Tea tree oil is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied to the skin. However, it is LIKELY UNSAFE if taken by mouth. Ingestion of tea tree oil can be toxic.

Interactions

Interactions?

We currently have no information for TEA TREE OIL Interactions.

Dosing

Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

ADULT

APPLIED TO THE SKIN:

  • For acne: 5% tea tree oil gel applied daily.
  • For infestation of the eyelashes with a type of mite (ocular demodicosis): Weekly scrubs of the eyelid using 50% tea tree oil along with daily scrubs of the eyelid with tea tree shampoo or 10% tea tree oil, applied once or twice per day for 3-5 minutes for up to 6 weeks.
  • For nail fungus (onychomycosis): 100% tea tree oil solution applied twice daily for 6 months.
  • For athlete's foot (tinea pedis): 25% or 50% tea tree oil solution applied twice daily for one month has been used. Also, 10% tea tree oil cream applied twice daily for one month has also been used.
CHILDREN

APPLIED TO THE SKIN:
  • For acne: 5% tea tree oil gel applied daily.
  • For infestation of the eyelashes with a type of mite (ocular demodicosis): Weekly scrubs of the eyelid using 50% tea tree oil and daily eyelid massages with 5% tea tree ointment has been used.

Previous:
Next: Uses

View References

REFERENCES:

  • Carson CF, Riley TV. The antimicrobial activity of tea tree oil. Med J Aust 1994;160:236. View abstract.
  • Carson CF, Riley TV. Toxicity of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia or tea tree oil. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 1995;33:193-4. View abstract.
  • Carson CR, Ashton L, Dry L, et al. Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil gel (6%) for the treatment of recurrent herpes labialis. J Antimicrob Chemother 2001;48:450-1. View abstract.
  • Catalan A, Pacheco JG, Martinez A and Mondaca MA. In vitro and in vivo activity of Melaleuca alternifolia mixed with tissue conditioner on Candida albicans. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2008;105(3):327-332. View abstract.
  • Chan CH, Loudon KW. Activity of tea tree oil on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). J Hosp Infect 1998;39:244-5. View abstract.
  • Christoffers WA, Blömeke B, Coenraads PJ, Schuttelaar ML. Co-sensitization to ascaridole and tea tree oil. Contact Dermatitis. 2013 Sep;69(3):187-9. View abstract.
  • Corazza M, Borghi A, Gallo R, Schena D, Pigatto P, Lauriola MM, Guarneri F, Stingeni L, Vincenzi C, Foti C, Virgili A. Topical botanically derived products: use, skin reactions, and usefulness of patch tests. A multicentre Italian study. Contact Dermatitis. 2014 Feb;70(2):90-7. View abstract.
  • Cox SD, Mann CM, Markham JL, et al. The mode of antimicrobial action of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree oil). J Appl Microbiol 2000;88:170-5.. View abstract.
  • De Groot A. C. and Weyland J. W. Systemic contact dermatitis from tea tree oil. Contact Dermatitis 1992;27(4):279-280. View abstract.
  • De Groot AC. Airborn allergic contact dermatitis from tea tree oil. Contact Dermatitis 1996;35:304-5. View abstract.
  • Del Beccaro MA. Melaleuca oil poisoning in a 17-month-old. Vet Hum Toxicol 1995;37:557-8. View abstract.
  • Dryden M. S., Dailly S. and Crouch M. A randomized, controlled trial of tea tree topical preparations versus a standard topical regimen for the clearance of MRSA colonization. J Hosp Infect 2004;56(4):283-286. View abstract.
  • Edmondson M, Newall N, Carville K, Smith J, Riley TV and Carson CF. Uncontrolled, open-label, pilot study of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil solution in the decolonisation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus positive wounds and its influence on wound healing. Int Wound J 2011;8(4):375-384. View abstract.
  • Elliott C. Tea tree oil poisoning. Med J Aust 1993;159:830-1. View abstract.
  • Elsom GF, Hyde D. Susceptibility of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus to tea tree oil and mupirocin. J Antimicrob Chemother 1999;43:427-8. View abstract.
  • Enshaieh S, Jooya A, Siadat AH, and Iraji F. The efficacy of 5% topical tea tree oil gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2007;73(1):22-25. View abstract.
  • Ernst E. Adverse effects of herbal drugs in dermatology. Br J Dermatol 2000;143:923-9. View abstract.
  • Foster S, Tyler VE. Tyler's Honest Herbal, 4th ed., Binghamton, NY: Haworth Herbal Press, 1999.
  • Gao YY, Di Pascuale MA, Elizondo A and Tseng SC. Clinical treatment of ocular demodecosis by lid scrub with tea tree oil. Cornea 2007;26(2):136-143. View abstract.
  • Greig JE, Thoo SL, Carson CF, Riley TV. Allergic contact dermatitis following use of a tea tree oil hand-wash not due to tea tree oil. Contact Dermatitis 1999;41:354-5. View abstract.
  • Hammer KA, Carson CF, Riley TV. In vitro activities of ketoconazole, econazole, miconazole, and Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil against Malassezia species. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2000;44:467-9. View abstract.
  • Hammer KA, Carson CF, Riley TV. In-vitro activity of essential oils, in particular Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil and tea tree oil products, against Candida spp. J Antimicrob Chemother 1998;42:591-5. View abstract.
  • Hammer KA, Carson CF, Riley TV. Susceptibility of transient and commensal skin flora to the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree oil). Am J Infect Control 1996;24:186-9.. View abstract.
  • Henley DV, Lipson N, Korach KS, Bloch CA. Prepubertal gynecomastia linked to lavender and tea tree oils. N Eng J Med 2007;356:479-85. View abstract.
  • Hur MH, Park J, Maddock-Jennings W, Kim DO and Lee MS. Reduction of mouth malodour and volatile sulphur compounds in intensive care patients using an essential oil mouthwash. Phytother Res 2007;21(7):641-643. View abstract.
  • Jacobs MR, Hornfeldt CS. Melaleuca oil poisoning. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 1994;32:461-4.. View abstract.
  • James PJ, Callander JT. Dipping and jetting with tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil formulations control lice (Bovicola ovis) on sheep. Vet Parasitol. 2012 Oct 26;189(2-4):338-43. View abstract.
  • Jandourek A, Vaishampayan JK, Vazquez JA. Efficacy of melaleuca oral solution for the treatment of fluconazole refractory oral candidiasis in AIDS patients. AIDS 1998;12:1033-7. View abstract.
  • Joksimovic N, Spasovski G, Joksimovic V, et al. Efficacy and tolerability of hyaluronic acid, tea tree oil and methyl-sulfonyl-methane in a new gel medical device for treatment of haemorrhoids in a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Updates Surg 2012;64:195-201. View abstract.
  • Kang HY, Na SS and Kim YK. [Effects of oral care with essential oil on improvement in oral health status of hospice patients]. J Korean Acad Nurs 2010;40(4):473-481. View abstract.
  • Khanna M, Qasem K, Sasseville D. Allergic contact dermatitis to tea tree oil with erythema multiforme-like id reaction. Am J Contact Dermat 2000;11:238-42.. View abstract.
  • Kheirkhah A, Casas V, Li W, Raju VK and Tseng SC. Corneal manifestations of ocular demodex infestation. Am J Ophthalmol 2007;143(5):743-749. View abstract.
  • Kim JH, Chun YS and Kim JC. Clinical and immunological responses in ocular demodecosis. J Korean Med Sci 2011;26(9):1231-1237. View abstract.
  • Knight TE, Hausen BM. Melaleuca oil (tea tree oil) dermatitis. J Am Acad Dermatol 1994;30:423-7.. View abstract.
  • Koh KJ, Pearce AL, Marshman G, et al. Tea tree oil reduces histamine-induced skin inflammation. Br J Dermatol 2002;147:1212-7.. View abstract.
  • Koo H, Kim TH, Kim KW, Wee SW, Chun YS, Kim JC. Ocular surface discomfort and Demodex: effect of tea tree oil eyelid scrub in Demodex blepharitis. J Korean Med Sci. 2012 Dec;27(12):1574-9. View abstract.
  • Kothiwale SV, Patwardhan V, Gandhi M, Sohoni R, Kumar A. A comparative study of antiplaque and antigingivitis effects of herbal mouthrinse containing tea tree oil, clove, and basil with commercially available essential oil mouthrinse. J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2014 May;18(3):316-20. View abstract.
  • Kwon HH, Yoon JY, Park SY, Min S, Suh DH. Comparison of clinical and histological effects between lactobacillus-fermented Chamaecyparis obtusa and tea tree oil for the treatment of acne: an eight-week double-blind randomized controlled split-face study. Dermatology. 2014;229(2):102-9. View abstract.
  • Liang L, Safran S, Gao Y, Sheha H, Raju VK and Tseng SC. Ocular demodicosis as a potential cause of pediatric blepharoconjunctivitis. Cornea 2010;29(12):1386-1391. View abstract.
  • Markum E and Baillie J. Combination of essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia and iodine in the treatment of molluscum contagiosum in children. J Drugs Dermatol 2012;11(3):349-354. View abstract.
  • Martin KW, Ernst E. Herbal medicines for treatment of fungal infections: a systematic review of controlled clinical trials. Mycoses 2004;47:87-92. View abstract.
  • May J, Chan CH, King A, et al. Time-kill studies of tea tree oils on clinical isolates. J Antimicrob Chemother 2000;45:639-43. View abstract.
  • Morris MC, Donoghue A, Markowitz JA, Osterhoudt KC. Ingestion of tea tree oil (Melaleuca oil) by a 4-year-old boy. Pediatr Emerg Care 2003;19:169-71. View abstract.
  • Moss A. Tea tree oil poisoning. Med J Aust 1994;160:236. View abstract.
  • Nelson RR. Selection of resistance to the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia in Staphylococcus aureus. J Antimicrob Chemother 2000;45:549-50. View abstract.
  • Pearce AL, Finlay-Jones JJ, Hart PH. Reduction of nickel-induced contact hypersensitivity reactions by topical tea tree oil in humans. Inflamm Res 2005;54:22-30. View abstract.
  • Peña EF. Melaleuca alternifolia oil. Its use for trichomonal vaginitis and other vaginal infections. Obstet Gynecol 1962;19(6):793-795. View abstract.
  • Robbers JE, Tyler VE. Tyler's Herbs of Choice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals. New York, NY: The Haworth Herbal Press, 1999.
  • Reuter, J., Merfort, I., and Schempp, C. M. Botanicals in dermatology: an evidence-based review. Am J Clin Dermatol 2010;11(4):247-267. View abstract.
  • Schempp, C. M., Schopf, E., and Simon, J. C. [Plant-induced toxic and allergic dermatitis (phytodermatitis)]. Hautarzt 2002;53(2):93-97. View abstract.
  • Schnitzler, P., Schon, K., and Reichling, J. Antiviral activity of Australian tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil against herpes simplex virus in cell culture. Pharmazie 2001;56(4):343-347. View abstract.
  • Seawright A. Comment: Tea tree oil poisoning. Med.J Aust 1993;159:830-831.
  • Sherry, E., Boeck, H., and Warnke, P. H. Percutaneous treatment of chronic MRSA osteomyelitis with a novel plant- derived antiseptic. BMC.Surg 2001;1(1):1. View abstract.
  • Takarada, K., Kimizuka, R., Takahashi, N., Honma, K., Okuda, K., and Kato, T. A comparison of the antibacterial efficacies of essential oils against oral pathogens. Oral Microbiol.Immunol 2004;19(1):61-64. View abstract.
  • Thompson, G., Blackwood, B., McMullan, R., Alderdice, F. A., Trinder, T. J., Lavery, G. G., and McAuley, D. F. A randomized controlled trial of tea tree oil (5%) body wash versus standard body wash to prevent colonization with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in critically ill adults: research protocol. BMC.Infect.Dis. 2008;8:161. View abstract.
  • Vazquez JA, Vaishampayan J, Arganoza MT, and et al. Use of an over the counter product, Breathaway (Melaleuca oral solution), as an alternative agent for refractory oropharyngeal candidiasis in AIDS patients [abstract]. Int Conf AIDS 1996;11:109.
  • Veal, L. The potential effectiveness of essential oils as a treatment for headlice, Pediculus humanus capitis. Complement Ther Nurs.Midwifery 1996;2(4):97-101. View abstract.
  • Williams LR, Home VN, Zhang X, and et al. The composition and bactericidal activity of oil of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree oil). Int J Aromather 1988;1:15-17.
  • Williamson, E. M., Priestley, C. M., and Burgess, I. F. An investigation and comparison of the bioactivity of selected essential oils on human lice and house dust mites. Fitoterapia 2007;78(7-8):521-525. View abstract.
  • Allen P. Tea tree oil: the science behind the antimicrobial hype. Lancet 2001;358:1245. View abstract.
  • Andersen LP, Holck S, Kupcinskas L, et al. Gastric inflammatory markers and interleukins in patients with functional dyspepsia treated with astaxanthin. FEMS Immunol.Med Microbiol. 2007;50:244-48. View abstract.
  • Arweiler NB, Donos N, Netuschil L, Reich E and Sculean A. Clinical and antibacterial effect of tea tree oil--a pilot study. Clin Oral Investig 2000;4(2):70-73. View abstract.
  • Barker SC and Altman PM. A randomised, assessor blind, parallel group comparative efficacy trial of three products for the treatment of head lice in children--melaleuca oil and lavender oil, pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide, and a "suffocation" product. BMC Dermatol 2010;10:6. View abstract.
  • Barker SC and Altman PM. An ex vivo, assessor blind, randomised, parallel group, comparative efficacy trial of the ovicidal activity of three pediculicides after a single application--melaleuca oil and lavender oil, eucalyptus oil and lemon tea tree oil, and a "suffocation" pediculicide. BMC Dermatol 2011;11:14. View abstract.
  • Bassett IB, Pannowitz DL, Barnetson RS. A comparative study of tea-tree oil versus benzoylperoxide in the treatment of acne. Med J Aust 1990;153:455-8. View abstract.
  • Bhushan M, Beck MH. Allergic contact dermatitis from tea tree oil in a wart paint. Contact Dermatitis 1997;36:117-8. View abstract.
  • Blackwell AL. Tea tree oil and anaerobic (bacterial) vaginosis. Lancet 1991;337:300. View abstract.
  • Blackwood B, Thompson G, McMullan R, Stevenson M, Riley TV, Alderdice FA, Trinder TJ, Lavery GG, McAuley DF. Tea tree oil (5%) body wash versus standard care (Johnson's Baby Softwash) to prevent colonization with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in critically ill adults: a randomized controlled trial. J Antimicrob Chemother. 2013 May;68(5):1193-9. View abstract.
  • Bruynzeel DP. Contact dermatitis due to tea tree oil. Trop Med Int Health 1999;4:630. View abstract.
  • Buck DS, Nidorf DM, Addino JG. Comparison of two topical preparations for the treatment of onychomycosis: Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil and clotimazole. J Fam Pract 1994;38:601-5. View abstract.
  • Buck DS, Nidorf DM, Addino JG. Comparison of two topical preparations for the treatment of onychomycosis: Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil and clotrimazole. J Fam Pract 1994;38:601-5. View abstract.
  • Caelli M and Riley T. Tea tree oil - an alternative topical decolonisation agent for adult inpatients with methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) - a pilot study. J Hosp Infect 1998;40 (Suppl A):9.
  • Caelli M., Porteous J., Carson C. F., Heller R. and Riley T. V. Tea tree oil as an alternative topical decolonization agent for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. J Hosp Infect 2000;46(3):236-237. View abstract.
  • Canyon DV and Speare R. A comparison of botanical and synthetic substances commonly used to prevent head lice (Pediculus humanus var. capitis) infestation. Int J Dermatol 2007;46(4):422-426. View abstract.
  • Carson C. F. and Riley T. V. Safety, efficacy and provenance of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil. Contact Dermatitis 2001;45(2):65-67. View abstract.
  • Carson CF, Cookson BD, Farrelly HD, Riley TV. Susceptibility of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus to the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia. J Antimicrob Chemother 1995;35:421-4.. View abstract.
  • Carson CF, Riley TV, Cookson BD. Efficacy and safety of tea tree oil as a topical antimicrobial agent. J Hosp Infect 1998;40:175-8. View abstract.
  • Belaiche P. Treatment of skin infections with the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia. Phytotherapy 1985;15:15, 17.
  • Brady, A., Loughlin, R., Gilpin, D., Kearney, P., and Tunney, M. In vitro activity of tea-tree oil against clinical skin isolates of meticillin-resistant and -sensitive Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci growing planktonically and as biofilms. J Med Microbiol. 2006;55(Pt 10):1375-1380. View abstract.
  • Brand, C., Ferrante, A., Prager, R. H., Riley, T. V., Carson, C. F., Finlay-Jones, J. J., and Hart, P. H. The water-soluble components of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree oil) suppress the production of superoxide by human monocytes, but not neutrophils, activated in vitro. Inflamm.Res 2001;50(4):213-219. View abstract.
  • Caelli M and Riley T. Tea tree oil - an alternative topical decolonisation agent for adult inpatients with methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) - a pilot study. J Hosp Infect 1998;40 (Suppl A):9.
  • Carson, C. F. and Riley, T. V. Antimicrobial activity of the major components of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia. J Appl Bacteriol. 1995;78(3):264-269. View abstract.
  • Carson, C. F., Hammer, K. A., and Riley, T. V. In-vitro activity of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia against Streptococcus spp. J Antimicrob.Chemother 1996;37(6):1177-1178. View abstract.
  • Carson, C. F., Hammer, K. A., and Riley, T. V. Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) oil: a review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. Clin Microbiol.Rev 2006;19(1):50-62. View abstract.
  • Concha, J. M., Moore, L. S., and Holloway, W. J. Antifungal activity of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea-tree) oil against various pathogenic organisms. J Am Podiatr.Med Assoc 1998;88(10):489-492. View abstract.
  • Cox, S. D., Gustafson, J. E., Mann, C. M., Markham, J. L., Liew, Y. C., Hartland, R. P., Bell, H. C., Warmington, J. R., and Wyllie, S. G. Tea tree oil causes K+ leakage and inhibits respiration in Escherichia coli. Lett Appl Microbiol 1998;26(5):355-358. View abstract.
  • Culliton, P. and Halcon, L. L. Chronic wound treatment with topical tea tree oil. Altern.Ther.Health Med. 2011;17(2):46-47. View abstract.
  • D'Auria, F. D., Laino, L., Strippoli, V., Tecca, M., Salvatore, G., Battinelli, L., and Mazzanti, G. In vitro activity of tea tree oil against Candida albicans mycelial conversion and other pathogenic fungi. J Chemother 2001;13(4):377-383. View abstract.
  • Gustafson, J. E., Liew, Y. C., Chew, S., Markham, J., Bell, H. C., Wyllie, S. G., and Warmington, J. R. Effects of tea tree oil on Escherichia coli. Lett.Appl Microbiol 1998;26(3):194-198. View abstract.
  • Hammer, K. A., Carson, C. F., and Riley, T. V. In vitro susceptibility of Malassezia furfur to the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia. J Med Vet Mycol. 1997;35(5):375-377. View abstract.
  • Hart, P. H., Brand, C., Carson, C. F., Riley, T. V., Prager, R. H., and Finlay-Jones, J. J. Terpinen-4-ol, the main component of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree oil), suppresses inflammatory mediator production by activated human monocytes. Inflamm.Res 2000;49(11):619-626. View abstract.
  • Hausen, B. M., Reichling, J., and Harkenthal, M. Degradation products of monoterpenes are the sensitizing agents in tea tree oil. Am J Contact Dermat. 1999;10(2):68-77. View abstract.
  • Kulik, E., Lenkeit, K., and Meyer, J. [Antimicrobial effects of tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) on oral microorganisms]. Schweiz Monatsschr.Zahnmed. 2000;110(11):125-130. View abstract.
  • Lee, G., Anand, S. C., and Rajendran, S. Are biopolymers potential deodourising agents in wound management? J Wound.Care 2009;18(7):290, 292-290, 295. View abstract.
  • Loughlin, R., Gilmore, B. F., McCarron, P. A., and Tunney, M. M. Comparison of the cidal activity of tea tree oil and terpinen-4-ol against clinical bacterial skin isolates and human fibroblast cells. Lett.Appl.Microbiol. 2008;46(4):428-433. View abstract.
  • McCage, C. M., Ward, S. M., Paling, C. A., Fisher, D. A., Flynn, P. J., and McLaughlin, J. L. Development of a paw paw herbal shampoo for the removal of head lice. Phytomedicine 2002;9(8):743-748. View abstract.
  • Millar, B. C. and Moore, J. E. Successful topical treatment of hand warts in a paediatric patient with tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia). Complement Ther.Clin.Pract. 2008;14(4):225-227. View abstract.
  • Nenoff, P., Haustein, U. F., and Brandt, W. Antifungal activity of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree oil) against pathogenic fungi in vitro. Skin Pharmacol 1996;9(6):388-394. View abstract.
  • Peña EF. Melaleuca alternifolia oil. Its use for trichomonal vaginitis and other vaginal infections. Obstet Gynecol 1962;19(6):793-795.
  • Raman, A., Weir, U., and Bloomfield, S. F. Antimicrobial effects of tea-tree oil and its major components on Staphylococcus aureus, Staph. epidermidis and Propionibacterium acnes. Lett Appl Microbiol 1995;21(4):242-245. View abstract.
  • Rubel DM, Freeman S, Southwell IA. Tea tree oil allergy: what is the offending agent? Report of three cases of tea tree oil allergy and review of the literature. Australas J Dermatol 1998;39:244-7. View abstract.
  • Satchell AC, Saurajen A, Bell C and Barnetson RS. Treatment of dandruff with 5% tea tree oil shampoo. J Am Acad Dermatol 2002;47(6):852-855. View abstract.
  • Satchell AC, Saurajen A, Bell C, Barnetson RS. Treatment of interdigital tinea pedis with 25% and 50% tea tree oil solution: a randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded study. Australas J Dermatol 2002;43:175-8.. View abstract.
  • Saxer UP, Stauble A, Szabo SH and Menghini G. [Effect of mouthwashing with tea tree oil on plaque and inflammation]. Schweiz Monatsschr Zahnmed 2003;113(9):985-996. View abstract.
  • Seawright A. Comment: Tea tree oil poisoning. Med J Aust 1993;159:830-831.
  • Soukoulis, S. and Hirsch, R. The effects of a tea tree oil-containing gel on plaque and chronic gingivitis. Aust Dent J 2004;49(2):78-83. View abstract.
  • Syed TA, Qureshi ZA, Ali SM, et al. Treatment of toenail onychomycosis with 2% butenafine and 5% Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil in cream. Trop Med Int Health 1999;4:284-7. View abstract.
  • Tirabassi G, Giovannini L, Paggi F, Panin G, Panin F, Papa R, Boscaro M, Balercia G. Possible efficacy of Lavender and Tea tree oils in the treatment of young women affected by mild idiopathic hirsutism. J Endocrinol Invest. 2013 Jan;36(1):50-4. View abstract.
  • Tong MM, Altman PM, Barnetson RS. Tea tree oil in the treatment of tinea pedis. Australas J Dermatol 1992;33:145-9. View abstract.
  • Varma S, Blackford S, Statham BN, Blackwell A. Combined contact allergy to tea tree oil and lavender oil complicating chronic vulvovaginitis. Contact Dermatitis 2000;42:309-10. View abstract.
  • Wallengren J. Tea tree oil attenuates experimental contact dermatitis. Arch Dermatol Res 2011;303(5):333-338. View abstract.
  • Zhang SY, Robertson D. A study of tea tree oil ototoxicity. Audiol Neurootol 2000;5:64-8. View abstract.

More Resources for TEA TREE OIL

Search for another Vitamin

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2018.