According to Anitra C. Carr, research associate at the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, tea tree oil gets its healing power--and its distinctive fragrance--from terpene alcohols, strong compounds that fight infectious bacteria, fungi and viruses. Tea tree oil's antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiviral properties make tea tree oil too intense to ingest. Use tea tree oil in topical applications of diluted oil or oil suspended in ointment, cream or another carrier liquid.
Treats Skin Irritation
Tea tree oil kills the bacteria that causes minor skin irritation, including acne and dandruff. According to the Mayo Clinic, using a shampoo containing tea tree oil every day helps clear up dandruff, including the itching and flaking that accompany it. That same bacteria-fighting power helps improve acne. According to Lawrence E. Gibson, a dermatologist with the Mayo Clinic, an ointment with 5 percent tea tree oil can be as effective as one that contains the same amount of benzoyl peroxide. Tea tree oil can have an intense effect, so it's wise to apply it to a test patch of skin to check for irritation and to avoid it if you have a skin condition such as rosacea.
Kills Germs
Tea tree oil can also kill germs that cause infection. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, tea tree oil can treat gynecological conditions, including trichomonal vaginitis. Applying tea tree oil to the affected area kills off the abnormal bacteria and restores healthy bacteria. In the same way, some research suggests that tea tree oil can kill the germs that cause athlete's foot and bad breath, according to the University of Michigan Health System, though more research is needed before these benefits can be confirmed.
Fights Biological Invasions
Tea tree oil can also ward off infestations of organisms like head lice, ringworm and yeast, according to the University of Michigan Health System. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, application of tea tree oil significantly improved ringworm, a form of dermatitis caused by fungi, though it didn't completely cure the infection. According to the University of Michigan Health System, there's some evidence that tea tree oil, combined with thyme oil and paw paw, can help clear up head lice.
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