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Tea tree oil may have natural benefits for topical use. It may kill certain bacteria and support skin health when used as directed.

While research suggests there are health benefits, the FDA doesn’t monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. It’s important to talk with a healthcare professional before you begin using essential oils and be sure to research the quality of a brand’s products. Always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.

Tea tree oil is an essential oil that has several uses, including keeping your skin, hair, and nails healthy.

In addition to its scientifically backed benefits, tea tree oil is inexpensive and safe when used as directed.

This article discusses 14 everyday uses for tea tree oil and provides guidance on using it safely and effectively.

Tea tree oil comes from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a small tree native to Queensland and New South Wales, Australia.

Although Melaleuca alternifolia is known as the tea tree, it should not be confused with the plant whose leaves are used to make black, green, and oolong tea.

Tea tree oil has been used as a traditional medicine by the Aboriginal people of Australia for centuries. These native Australians crush tea tree leaves to extract the oil, then inhale it to treat coughs and colds or apply it directly to the skin for healing.

Today, tea tree oil is widely available as a 100% undiluted, or neat, oil. Diluted forms are also available, ranging from 5–50% strength in products designed for the skin.

Tea tree oil contains a number of compounds, including terpinen-4-ol, that have been shown to kill certain bacteria, viruses, and fungi (1, 2).

Terpinen-4-ol also appears to increase the activity of your white blood cells, which help fight germs and other foreign invaders (3).

These germ-fighting properties make tea tree oil a valued natural remedy for treating bacterial and fungal skin conditions, preventing infection, and promoting healing.

Read on to learn about the many uses and benefits of this oil.

Tea tree oil makes an ideal natural hand sanitizer.

Studies have shown that it kills several common bacteria and viruses responsible for causing illness, including E. coli, S. pneumoniae, and H. influenzae (1).

In fact, a study testing several types of handwash shows that adding tea tree oil to the cleansers boosted their effectiveness against E. coli(4).

Studies continue to confirm that hand sanitizers with tea tree oil are effective for hand disinfection, killing bacteria without antibiotics (5).

Here is a simple recipe to make your own moisturizing, all-natural hand sanitizer using tea tree oil.

SUMMARY

Using tree oil as a natural hand sanitizer may help kill a number of germs responsible for colds, the flu, and other illness.

Tea tree oil may help keep pesky insects away.

One study found that 24 hours after being treated with tea tree oil, cows had 61% fewer flies than cows not treated with tea tree oil (6).

Tea tree oil is used to keep ants off of produce in agriculture (7).

It is also an effective mosquito repellent (8).

A test-tube study revealed that tea tree oil had a greater ability to repel mosquitoes than DEET, the most common active ingredient in commercial insect repellents (9).

Try this easy-to-make insect repellent using tea tree oil and other natural ingredients.

SUMMARY

Tea tree oil has been shown to kill or repel insects. In some cases, it is as effective or more effective than standard insecticides or repellents.

Tea tree oil’s antibacterial effects may help control underarm odor related to perspiration.

Sweat itself does not smell. However, when secretions from your sweat glands combine with bacteria on your skin, a moderate to strong odor is produced.

Your underarm area contains a large concentration of these glands and is mainly responsible for what is commonly referred to as body odor. Tea tree oil’s bacteria-fighting properties make it an ideal natural alternative to commercial deodorants and antiperspirants.

Here is a safe and effective natural deodorant that can be made from tea tree oil and a few other ingredients.

SUMMARY

Tea tree oil contains compounds that fight bacteria responsible for body odor. It can be used to make a safe and effective deodorant.

Injuries that result in broken skin make it easy for germs to enter your bloodstream, which can lead to infection.

Tea tree oil can be used to treat and disinfect minor cuts and abrasions by killing S. aureus and other bacteria that can cause infection in open wounds (1).

To disinfect a cut or scrape, follow these steps:

  1. Clean the cut thoroughly with plain soap and water.
  2. Mix one drop of tea tree oil with one teaspoon of coconut oil.
  3. Apply a small amount of the mixture to the injury and cover with a bandage.
  4. Repeat this process once or twice daily until a scab has formed.

SUMMARY

Applying a mixture of tea tree oil and coconut oil can help prevent minor cuts and abrasions from becoming infected.

In addition to preventing infection in cuts and abrasions, tea tree oil may also encourage wound healing.

Research has shown that tea tree oil helps reduce inflammation and triggers the activity of white blood cells that are instrumental in the healing process (3, 10, 11).

Tea tree oil is a known antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-oxidant, and these actions will help reduce inflammation and enhance healing (12).

In a small study of 10 people with wounds, adding tea tree oil to conventional wound treatment led to decreased healing time in all but one participant (13).

A few drops of tea tree oil can be added to wound dressing each time a new dressing is applied.

SUMMARY

Tea tree oil may help speed wound healing by reducing inflammation and increasing white blood cell activity.

Tea tree oil can be a powerful weapon against acne. Several studies have shown that it helps reduce the amount and overall severity of acne (12, 14).

Some acne is caused by bacteria that are becoming resistant to traditional antibiotics. Scientific examination of tea tree oil found that application not only reduced the activity of bacteria but also killed them in the lab after 4 to 6 hours (15).

In another study, tea tree oil was found to be as effective against acne as benzoyl peroxide, the most common anti-acne medication (16).

Tea tree oil-based acne gels can be purchased at natural grocery stores or from online retailers.

Alternatively, you can make your own acne treatment by mixing one part tea tree oil with nine parts water and applying the mixture to affected areas with a cotton swab once or twice a day, as needed.

SUMMARY

Gels containing tea tree oil have been shown to reduce the number of lesions and severity of acne in a number of studies.

Fungal nail infections are quite common. Although they aren’t dangerous, they can be unsightly. There are medications that can treat nail fungus, but some people may prefer a more natural approach.

Tea tree oil has been shown to help get rid of nail fungus when used alone or in combination with other natural remedies, with fewer side effects than traditional medications (17, 18, 19).

In a controlled study, people with nail fungus used straight tea tree oil or an antifungal medication for 6 months. At the end of the study, about 60% of people in each group experienced partial or full resolution of the fungus (19).

You can use a few drops of tea tree oil alone or mix it with an equal amount of coconut oil and apply it to the affected area. Be sure to wash your hands immediately after applying in order to avoid spreading the fungus to other areas.

SUMMARY

Tea tree oil appears to be as effective against fungal nail infections as antifungal medications applied to the area.

Research suggests that tea tree oil may fight germs that cause tooth decay and bad breath (20, 21, 22).

One study found that tea tree oil was more effective against plaque-causing bacteria than chlorhexidine, a common disinfectant and oral rinse. What’s more, its taste was found to be less objectionable (20).

A 2020 study found that a tea tree oil mouthwash was an effective treatment to reduce the inflammation of gingivitis (23).

To make your own chemical-free mouthwash, simply add a drop of tea tree oil to a cup of warm water, mix thoroughly, and swish in your mouth for 30 seconds or so.

Like other mouthwashes, tea tree oil should not be swallowed. It can be toxic if ingested.

SUMMARY

Tea tree oil can be diluted with water to create a mouthwash that helps fight bad breath and dental plaque.

Tea tree oil makes a great all-purpose cleaner that also sanitizes surfaces.

Plus, it does so without leaving traces of chemicals you wouldn’t want your family members or pets coming in contact with.

Here’s an easy recipe for an all-natural, all-purpose cleaner:

  1. Combine 20 drops tea tree oil, 3/4 cup water, and a 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle.
  2. Shake well until thoroughly mixed.
  3. Spray directly onto surfaces and wipe clean with a dry cloth.
  4. Make sure to shake the bottle before each use in order to mix the tea tree oil with the other ingredients.

SUMMARY

Tea tree oil can be mixed with water and vinegar to create a chemical-free, all-purpose cleaner for your home.

Tea tree oil may help relieve inflamed skin.

A common form of skin irritation is contact dermatitis, which occurs when your skin comes in contact with an allergen, such as nickel. Exposure to the allergen leads to red, itchy, and sometimes painful skin.

Both animal and human research suggest that applying tea tree oil may help reduce the severity of these symptoms (24, 25, 26).

In a study comparing the effects of different treatments for contact dermatitis, tea tree oil was found to reduce symptoms by 40%, which was significantly more than standard medications applied to the skin (26).

In addition, tea tree oil may provide relief from bug bite reactions by reducing the itching, redness, and swelling that occurs when your body releases histamine to defend against the insect’s saliva (27).

One study found that tea tree oil applied as a gel to rosacea reduced inflammation and redness (28).

Demodex blepharitis is inflammation around the eyes and eyelids related to Demodex mites. Tea tree oil has been used worldwide to treat this irritating condition and has been found to reduce the number of mites and reduce inflammation (29).

Use this recipe to relieve inflamed skin:

  1. Combine 10 drops tea tree oil with 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil and 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil.
  2. Mix well, and store in a sealed container.
  3. Apply to the affected area up to twice per day until symptoms resolve.

SUMMARY

Applying a tea tree oil mixture may help combat skin inflammation related to contact dermatitis or insect bites.

Dandruff, or white flakes of dead skin that fall from the scalp, isn’t dangerous. However, it can be annoying and embarrassing for some people.

Adding tea tree oil to shampoo has been found to reduce dandruff. This is thought to be related to its antifungal properties. And because it is slightly more acidic than your skin, it helps clear the dandruff scales.

In one study, tea tree oil shampoos were found to be effective in reducing the growth of Candida albicans (yeast) which often contributes to dandruff formation (30).

To help reduce dandruff, try adding a few drops of tea tree oil to a dollop of shampoo when washing your hair.

SUMMARY

More studies are needed, but the antifungal properties of tea tree oil have been found to reduce the severity of dandruff and improve other symptoms.

Athlete’s foot can be frustratingly hard to control.

Known medically as tinea pedis, athlete’s foot is a contagious fungal infection on the feet that can also spread to the toenails and hands. Symptoms include peeling, cracking, blisters, and redness.

Antifungal medications are considered standard treatment for athlete’s foot. Yet studies suggest that tea tree oil may be an effective alternative for relieving symptoms (31, 32).

In a controlled study of 158 people, 72% of the tea tree oil group had significant clinical improvement in athlete’s foot, compared with 39% in the placebo group (31).

A 2020 study found tea tree oil was effective in reducing athlete’s foot, but a combination of traditional treatment and tea tree oil might be a quicker way to deal with this (32).

Here is a natural treatment to relieve the symptoms of athlete’s foot:

  1. Combine 1/4 cup arrowroot powder, 1/4 cup baking soda, and 20–25 drops tea tree oil.
  2. Stir to combine and place in a covered container.
  3. Apply to clean, dry feet twice per day.
SUMMARY

Tea tree oil’s antifungal properties may help alleviate symptoms of athlete’s foot.

Fresh produce is undeniably delicious and healthy.

Unfortunately, it’s also susceptible to the growth of gray mold known as Botrytis cinerea, particularly in warm, moist climates.

Studies have shown that tea tree oil’s antifungal compounds terpinen-4-ol and 1,8-cineole may help reduce the growth of this mold on fruits and vegetables (33, 34).

To protect against mold, add 5–10 drops of tea tree oil to water before rinsing your produce and drying it thoroughly.

SUMMARY

Tea tree oil contains compounds that help fight the growth of mold on fruits and vegetables. Adding tea tree oil to water when rinsing produce may help your produce remain mold-free.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition characterized by outbreaks of red, itchy, scaly skin.

Although medications can improve symptoms, the condition itself is chronic and there is no known cure.

Tea tree oil contains anti-inflammatory compounds, which, according to emerging evidence, may be helpful for easing psoriasis symptoms (35).

To provide relief for psoriasis flares, combine 10–15 drops of tea tree oil with 2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil. Apply this to the affected area 2–3 times per day, as needed.

SUMMARY

Applying a mixture of tea tree oil and coconut oil may help relieve the symptoms of psoriasis.

Research has shown that tea tree oil appears to be safe overall (36).

However, there are some things to be aware of before using it.

Tea tree oil should not be ingested because it may be toxic if swallowed. Store it out of reach of children. In one case, an 18-month-old boy suffered serious injuries after accidentally swallowing tea tree oil (37).

Prior to using tea tree oil for the first time, test 1 or 2 drops on a small area of your skin and wait 24 hours to see if any reaction occurs.

This is important because ironically, some individuals who use tea tree oil develop contact dermatitis, one of the conditions tea tree oil may help treat (38, 39).

Likewise, people with sensitive skin may experience irritation when using undiluted tea tree oil. If your skin is sensitive, it’s best to mix tea tree oil with an equal or greater amount of olive oil, coconut oil, or almond oil.

Additionally, using tea tree oil on pets may not be safe. Researchers reported that more than 400 dogs and cats developed tremors and other nervous system problems after receiving between 0.1–85 mL of tea tree oil on the skin or orally (40).

SUMMARY

Although tea tree oil is generally safe when used on adults’ skin, allergic reactions may occur in some people. Tea tree oil may be unsafe for young children and pets.

As you can see, tea tree oil can be helpful for a number of reasons.

It’s an inexpensive natural alternative to chemical-based skin and nail treatments, personal care products, and disinfectants, among other things.

However, tea tree oil is not a magic cure-all. In fact, some people may experience skin irritation or allergic reaction after using it.

Overall, tea tree oil serves many purposes and is a good item to have on hand.