Tea tree oil, from Melaleuca alternifolia leaves, has many traditional uses because of its antibacterial and antifungal properties, although the U.S. National Institutes of Health notes that more research is necessary to confirm tea tree oil's health benefits in humans. It may be useful as a remedy for treating acne inflammation, dandruff, athlete's foot and certain oral conditions. People must only use tea tree oil topically, because it is toxic when ingested.
Inflamed Acne
Research published in the Medical Journal of Australia in the October 15, 1990, issue found that a 5 percent concentration tea tree oil gel was effective at reducing inflamed acne. The gel produced beneficial effects similar to a 5-percent strength benzoyl peroxide lotion, a common acne treatment. Benzoyl peroxide produced faster results, but study participants experienced fewer side effects with tea tree oil than with benzoyl peroxide. Buy a 5-percent strength tea tree oil gel at health food stores, or make one yourself by mixing a half teaspoon of 100 percent tea tree oil with 10 teaspoons of 100 percent aloe vera gel. Apply it to affected areas with your fingers after you wash your face. Refrigerate any unused portion for later use.
Dandruff
Dandruff can develop when a dry scalp causes skin to flake away, or when an oily scalp is not shampooed often enough. Many people with dandruff have seborrheic dermatitis, a chronic skin disorder. Daily use of a tea tree oil shampoo may be a remedy for reducing dandruff, according to the Mayo Clinic. Buy these products in natural food stores, or add 100 percent tea tree oil to your favorite shampoo. Combine 10 drops of tea tree oil with 8 ounces of shampoo. Do not get the mixture in your eyes when shampooing, because it can cause irritation.
Athlete's Foot
Tea tree oil is a potential remedy for athlete's foot. In a study published in the August 2002 issue of the Australasian Journal of Dermatology, participants with athlete's foot applied a solution twice daily to affected areas for four weeks, with the solution containing either 25 percent or 50 percent tea tree oil or a placebo. Study authors found a "marked clinical response" in more than two-thirds of the group using the 50 percent solution, and nearly three-quarters of the group using the 25 percent solution. Only 39 percent of the placebo group had similar improvement. For a 50-percent tea tree oil treatment for athlete's foot, combine equal parts tea tree oil and aloe vera gel and apply to affected areas after washing and drying. Leave socks and shoes off for an extended period afterward, or at least allow to dry thoroughly before covering.
Oral Conditions
A diluted tea tree oil mouth rinse may be useful for treating certain mouth conditions, according to the NIH, but you must be careful not to swallow any of it. It may be helpful for treating a yeast infection of the mouth, commonly known as thrush; as well as inflamed gums, dental plaque and bad breath. You can buy tea tree oil mouthwash at natural food stores, or add two drops of 100 percent tea tree oil to one-half cup of warm water and swish it in your mouth for 30 to 60 seconds two to three times daily. Another remedy involves adding one drop of tea tree oil to your toothpaste before brushing.
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