Science and tradition clash when it comes to rating the efficacy of tea tree oil. Natural practitioners recommend tea tree oil as an antiseptic for wounds, insect bites and minor burns. However, it is poisonous when swallowed and may be responsibility for abnormal breast growth in young boys. Scientists require better clinical trials before endorsing tea tree oil, but the American Cancer Society reports laboratory studies show promise for its use in killing bacteria, even those resistant to certain prescription-strength antibiotics.
General History
First identified as an herbal antiseptic by Australian aborigines thousands of years ago, the tea tree is a member of the myrtle family. Aborigines crushed the leaves and used them as a poultice for cuts, burns and skin infections. Australian physicians used oil made from the tea tree to help fight wound infections after surgery in the 1920s and included it in first aid kits provided to Australian soldiers during World War II. With the arrival of antibiotics in the 1940s, physicians began to favor penicillin over tea tree oil for battling bacteria. However, in the 1980s, it again came under scrutiny as a possible alternative treatment for skin infections proving resistant to antibiotics like methicillin and vancomycin.
Uses
Citing its antiseptic properties and long tradition in herbal medicine as clear indicators of its effectiveness, proponents suggest using tea tree oil to treat cuts, minor burns and insect bites. Also recommended as a topical treatment for yeast infections, bacterial wound infections, gum infections, acne, head lice and eczema, some natural-health practitioners promote using tea tree oil in humidifiers as treatment for pneumonia and respiratory infections. Herbalists make no claims for its ability to prevent or treat cancer, but believe it boosts the work of the body's natural immune system. Herbalists also suggest using tea tree oil for cancer patients to improve treatment outcomes.
Research
Generally giving tea tree oil a "C" on a grading scale of "A" to "F," the National Institutes of Health reports unclear scientific evidence for it use in treating acne, dandruff, eczema, vaginal yeast infections, oral yeast infections or any of the other conditions that herbalists recommend tree tea oil for. While limited laboratory studies show some positive results in treating many of these conditions, the NIH cannot grade tea tree oil higher or rate its safety due to lack of comprehensive clinical trials involving humans.
Application
The NIH reports the gel and shampoo used in studies contained 5 to 10 percent tea tree oil, applied to the skin once a day for up to four weeks. For skin infections or wounds, people can apply tea tree oil full strength with a cotton swab to the affected area or consider dropping a few drops in bath water for widespread skin issues. It is also available in creams, ointments and lotions.
Warnings
Even small amounts of tea tree oil taken orally can produce severe rash, abdominal pain, diarrhea, lethargy, drowsiness, confusion and coma. Topical preparations can cause rash, itching and blisters. A very limited study showed evidence that young men using tea tree oil and lavender oil in shampoo and skin care products developed breast enlargement that subsided once they discontinued the herbal products.
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