The tea tree is native to Australia, and oil from the tree has been used medicinally in that nation for years, mainly to treat skin disorders. The oil is derived from tea tree leaves. When used medicinally, it should only be used externally because it may be toxic if consumed. Always speak with a medical practitioner before using an herbal supplement to improve your health or treat a medical condition.
Treating Skin Infections
Tea tree oil can be used to treat a variety of skin infections, including athlete's foot and other fungal skin and nail infections, according to the National Institutes of Health. Research shows the oil may be effective in fighting certain types of fungal infections, but data is not conclusive enough to recommend it for this use.
Fighting Acne
Many over-the-counter acne products and herbal products aimed at fighting acne contain tea tree oil. So far, evidence supporting its efficacy in treating acne is limited, although it may reduce the number of acne blemishes a person has, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Treating Dandruff
Shampoos with a 5 percent tea tree oil concentration have been effective in treating dandruff, according to the National Institutes of Health. However, more research must be done to confirm these results.
Treating Yeast Infections
Both oral and vaginal yeast infections have been treated with tea tree oil. The oil contains chemical compounds that may make it effective in killing Candida albicans, the causative agent of most yeast infections, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Delousing Agent
Another use of tea tree oil is treating lice, according to the National Institutes of Health. Research data suggest it may be an effective treatment, either alone or when combined with other delousing agents.
Fighting MRSA
Tea tree oil may have properties that make it effective in treating certain bacterial infections, including those caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. According to the National Institutes of Health, people may be able to avoid colonization by MRSA bacteria by using a body wash containing the oil and an ointment in the nose that also contains tea tree oil, but more research is needed in this area.
Treating Genital Herpes
In some laboratory studies, the virus that causes genital herpes may be affected by the chemical properties of tea tree oil, according to the National Institutes of Health. Because of this, applying a gel containing tea tree oil to skin affected by genital herpes may be a useful treatment. However, more research is needed before a recommendation can be made.
Alternative Supplement
Some herbal medicine practitioners believe tea tree oil can be used to boost the function of the lymphatic system. However, no research has yet demonstrated the oil to have any effect on the lymphatic system, according to the American Cancer Society.
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