Tea Tree (oil): benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
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Scientific name(s)
Melaleuca alternifolia
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Eucalyptol
Terpineols
Monoterpenes
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Acne ✪✪✪✪✪
Tea tree is an effective natural solution for treating acne, as demonstrated by several clinical studies. A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study revealed that a 5% tea tree oil gel was effective in treating mild to moderate vulgar acne. Another single-blind randomized clinical study involving 124 patients showed that a similar gel significantly improved acne condition and reduced the number of lesions. The benefits were comparable to those of 5% benzoyl peroxide, but the tea tree oil gel was better tolerated and caused fewer side effects. Another small recent clinical study in patients with mild to moderate acne shows that applying a topical tea tree oil nanoemulsion with 0.1% adapalene gel (retinoid used to treat acne) once a day for 12 weeks reduces acne lesions and improves acne severity scores compared to adapalene gel alone. Tea tree essential oil can be associated with fine lavender essential oil to treat acne, mixing 2 drops of each oil in a vegetable oil and applying 1 to 2 times a day.
Posologie
Topical use: leaf
5 %
45 - days
gel, essential oil
Synergies
European Union herbal monograph on Melaleuca alternifolia (Maiden and Betch) Cheel, M. linariifolia Smith, M. dissitiflora F. Mueller and/or other species of Melaleuca, aetheroleum
The efficacy of 5% topical tea tree oil gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study
A comparative study of tea-tree oil versus benzoylperoxide in the treatment of acne
Toenail infection, Athlete's foot ✪✪✪✪✪
Tinea pedis and onychomycosis are common fungal conditions affecting the skin of the feet and nails, respectively. Tea tree oil has been extensively studied for its effectiveness against these infections. For Tinea pedis, creams with 25% and 50% tea tree oil have shown significant improvement in symptoms and high cure rates. Regarding onychomycosis, 100% tea tree oil was as effective as 1% clotrimazole, improving nail appearance and reducing symptoms. Three months after treatment's completion, continued improvement or complete resolution was observed. In addition, EMA and ESCOP indications recognize the properties of tea tree oil in the treatment of fungal infections. ESCOP specifically cites its use for tinea pedis, onychomycosis, and other skin infections. EMA, on the other hand, recognizes tea tree oil as a traditional medicinal product for the relief of mild itching and irritations due to athlete's foot, as well as for treating minor superficial wounds and minor inflammation of the mucous membranes in the mouth.
Posologie
Topical use: leaf
25 %
essential oil, cream
E/S/C/O/P: 2nd Edition of the ESCOP Monographs
European Union herbal monograph on Melaleuca alternifolia (Maiden and Betch) Cheel, M. linariifolia Smith, M. dissitiflora F. Mueller and/or other species of Melaleuca, aetheroleum
Lice ✪✪✪✪✪
In vitro studies and anecdotal testimonies suggest that tea tree oil is highly effective against head lice. It demonstrated 100% lice mortality in 30 minutes at a 1% concentration. Components such as phenols and phenolic ethers seem responsible for this activity. In combination with lavender oil, it also exerts ovicidal effects and reduces the number of live lice. A pediculicide treatment containing 10% tea tree oil and 1% lavender oil has been successfully tested in children.
Posologie
Topical use: leaf
10 %
essential oil
Synergies
A comparison of botanical and synthetic substances commonly used to prevent head lice (Pediculus humanus var. capitis) infestation
Activity of tea tree oil and nerolidol alone or in combination against Pediculus capitis (head lice) and its eggs
A randomized, 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
E/S/C/O/P: 2nd Edition of the ESCOP Monographs
Dandruff ✪✪✪✪✪
Tea tree oil is found to be effective in improving, though not eradicating, dandruff, according to a randomized and single-blind study. In this study, a shampoo with 5% tea tree oil was tested against a placebo on 126 patients with mild to moderate dandruff over a four-week period. The group using the tea tree oil shampoo showed a 41% improvement, compared to only 11% for the placebo group, with no adverse side effects. This shampoo, used daily for three minutes before rinsing over four weeks, reduced the total area and severity of scalp lesions, along with the severity of dandruff, itching, and greasiness by 23% to 28%. However, it did not improve scalp scaling.
Posologie
Topical application: leaf
5%
essential oil, shampoo
Yeast Infections, Vaginal Infections, Fungal Infections ✪✪✪✪✪
Yeast infections and vaginal infections, such as vaginitis and cervicitis, can be effectively treated with tea tree oil, a remedy supported by in vitro studies and limited clinical data. The ESCOP acknowledges the use of tea tree oil for vaginal infections like trichomonas vaginitis and vaginal candidiasis. Similarly, the EMA mentions its use for treating symptoms of mild mucosal irritation in inflammatory conditions. A specific clinical example includes intravaginal application of tampons soaked in a diluted emulsified solution of tea tree oil, which successfully cured vaginitis and cervicitis in 130 patients infected with Trichomonas vaginalis. Moreover, vaginal suppositories containing 0.2 g of tea tree oil inserted each night, combined with daily douches with a 0.4% tea tree oil solution, led to clinical recovery from trichomonas vaginitis. For vaginal yeast infections, a reported case shows that a five-day treatment with 200 mg of tea tree oil successfully eradicated anaerobic bacterial vaginosis. Although further clinical evidence is needed, in vitro studies confirm the moderate efficacy of tea tree oil against Candida albicans.
Posologie
Topical application: leaf
0.4%
essential oil
Effect of plant oils on Candida albicans
The essential oil of Melaleuca Alternifolia in the treatment of vulvo vaginitis
A comprehensive review of vaginitis phytotherapy
E/S/C/O/P: 2nd Edition of the ESCOP Monographs
Gingivitis ✪✪✪✪✪
Tea tree oil is studied for its potential in treating gingivitis. A small preliminary clinical study revealed that a mouthwash containing 3 to 4 drops of pure tea tree oil in water, used 2 to 3 times a day after brushing for 14 days, is as effective as a 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthwash used twice a day at reducing plaque, bleeding, and improving gum health. Furthermore, brushing with a 2.5% tea tree oil gel twice a day for 8 weeks reduced papillary bleeding, but did not improve plaque or the severity of plaque-induced gingivitis. Combined products containing tea tree oil have also been studied. Clinical research shows that rinsing with 10 mL of a solution containing tea tree oil, clove, and holy basil (Tulsi) at 0.2% to 0.3% each, for 30 seconds twice a day for 21 days, reduces gum inflammation by 76% compared to baseline. The EMA acknowledges tea tree oil as a product traditionally used for relieving minor inflammation of the oral mucosa.
Posologie
Oral application: leaf
2.5%
gel, essential oil
Synergies
The effects of a tea tree oil-containing gel on plaque and chronic gingivitis
Tea Tree Oil versus Chlorhexidine Mouthwash in Treatment of Gingivitis: A Pilot Randomized, Double Blinded Clinical Trial
European Union herbal monograph on Melaleuca alternifolia (Maiden and Betch) Cheel, M. linariifolia Smith, M. dissitiflora F. Mueller and/or other species of Melaleuca, aetheroleum
Herpes, Warts ✪✪✪✪✪
Tea tree exhibits antiviral properties, notably against the herpes simplex virus (HSV). A study showed that the topical application of a 6% tea tree gel slightly reduced the re-epithelialization time of lip herpes lesions, although it did not reach statistical significance due to the small sample size. Tea tree is also used against warts, its effectiveness primarily relies on its content of terpinen-4-ol, a recognized active compound for its antiviral action and its ability to inhibit the growth of microorganisms responsible for skin lesions. A preliminary study conducted on children (average age of 6.3 years) with molluscum contagiosum (water-related viral warts) demonstrated that a preparation containing 75% tea tree essential oil (standardized to 40% terpinen-4-ol) combined with iodine, applied locally at a rate of 4 µL twice a day for 30 days, significantly increased lesion resolution compared to the isolated use of tea tree oil or iodine. This synergy of action enhances its potential as an effective treatment against warts.
Posologie
Topical application: leaf
6%
gel, essential oil
Synergies
Comparative study on the antiviral activity of selected monoterpenes derived from essential oils
Combination of essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia and iodine in the treatment of molluscum contagiosum in children
Properties
Antibacterial
Tea tree oil is recognized for its antibacterial efficacy against a wide range of bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant strains like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant enterococci. This antibacterial activity is primarily due to its ability to disrupt the permeability barrier of microbial cell membranes, leading to loss of chemiosmotic control and protein denaturation. Purified components of the oil, specifically terpinen-4-ol, show stronger antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities than the whole oil, acting similarly to pharmaceutical disinfectants such as chlorhexidine.
Usages associés
Antifungal
Tea tree oil displays notable antifungal activity against various pathogenic fungi in laboratory studies. It inhibits the growth of the yeast Candida albicans and also affects the in vitro growth of the yeast Malassezia, often found on human skin. Its effectiveness extends to fungi like Aspergillus flavus, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum, and Pityrosporum ovale. Components of tea tree oil, such as terpinen-4-ol, gamma-terpinene, and 1,8-cineole, exhibit antifungal effects against Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium culmorum, and Pyrenophora graminea. These antifungal properties have been confirmed by in vitro and in vivo studies, reinforcing its potential use in treating fungal infections.
Usages associés
Antiviral
Tea tree oil demonstrates antiviral activity in laboratory settings, effective against herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2. It has also been proven effective in treating hand warts caused by the human papillomavirus and inhibited the replication of the H1N1 influenza virus.
Usages associés
Antiparasitic
Tea tree oil shows notable effectiveness against parasites, including lice, as demonstrated in studies on humans. As with its antibacterial activity, the antiparasitic efficacy of tea tree oil is attributed to its ability to disrupt the cellular membrane, preventing parasites from maintaining the conditions necessary for their survival.
Usages associés
Dermatological effect
Preliminary clinical research conducted on healthy young adults shows that the application of tea tree essential oil, 1 ml per day for 90 days, improves skin elasticity compared to a placebo.
Hormonal metabolism
Studies on human cell lines have shown that tea tree oil possesses estrogenic and anti-androgenic activities. These properties might explain its effectiveness in treating cases of prepubertal gynecomastia observed following topical use. Prepubertal gynecomastia is a medical condition characterized by the enlargement of breast tissue in boys before puberty.
Safety dosage
Adult: 5% - 100% (gel, essential oil, cream)
- External application: liquid or semi-solid preparations containing 5-10% tea tree oil. Higher concentrations have been used for certain conditions, e.g., tinea pedis (25-50%) or onychomycosis (100%). - Female genitalia according to indication, suppositories containing 200 mg tea tree (about 10% in an oily vehicle) or tampons/douches containing solutions of 0.4-20% tea tree oil. - Acne: 5% essential oil in daily cream or gel application. - Contact dermatitis: 20-50% tea tree preparation. - Dandruff: shampoo with 5% tea tree oil applied daily for at least 4 weeks. - Gingivitis: 2.5% oral gel - use the preparation to brush teeth twice daily for 8 weeks. Oral intake is not recommended. Tea tree essential oil has been reported to cause significant toxicity when used orally.
Child from 6 to 12 year(s):
Tea tree oil can be considered potentially safe for children when used appropriately and only topically. Preparations with 5% tea tree oil have been used without issue in children. However, oral use of tea tree oil is not recommended. Ingestion of this oil can be toxic and poses serious health risks.
Precautions
Pregnant woman: avoid
Essential oils are not recommended for pregnant women.
Breastfeeding woman: avoid
Essential oils are not recommended for breastfeeding women.
