How & What Is Tea Tree Oil Used For?

Tea tree oil is an essential oil derived from the leaves of the tea tree plant, Melaleuca alternifolia, which is native to Australia. Indigenous Australians historically used the plant as a folk medicine before it was discovered by a researcher in the 1920s to have antimicrobial properties in lab tests. Tea tree oil is for external use only and is toxic when taken internally.

Antifungal

Tea tree oil has shown some initial promise as an antifungal agent useful in countering fungal nail infections, athlete's foot and vaginal yeast infections. Data from human trials is lacking, however.

Antibacterial

Tea tree oil has shown some promise in the laboratory in fighting multi-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MSRA, a strain of bacteria that can cause skin infections and lesions that are difficult to treat because of the bacteria's resistance to the most common antibiotics. Again, studies with human subjects have not yet been performed.

Antviral

Tea tree oil may also be useful against viral infections, including those that cause dandruff, acne and herpes. Again, more thorough research is needed to confirm these uses as effective, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Anti-Parasitic

Tea tree oil also shows promise in fighting the mite that causes scabies lesions on skin. It's also used to kill and repel hair lice.

Dosage

In most cases, a dilution of the essential oil is used. Use three drops of tea tree oil to 12 drops of a carrier oil such as almond or grapeseed and apply it topically to the skin. You may apply one to three drops of pure essential oil on nail fungus. For hair care you may wish to purchase a commercial shampoo such as Paul Mitchell or Desert Essence. You may also use tea tree oil as a laundry disinfectant. Add a few drops of the essential oil to each washer load.