Tea tree oil: An overview

 

The Australian tea tree's leaves are steamed to produce tea tree oil, sometimes referred to as melaleuca oil.

Tea tree oil is thought to be antibacterial when used topically. Acne, athlete's foot, lice, nail fungus, and insect bites are all frequently treated using tea tree oil.

The skin care products soaps and lotions, as well as many over-the-counter oils, contain tea tree oil. Tea tree oil shouldn't, however, be consumed orally. It can result in severe symptoms if consumed.

Evidence

Research on the usage of tea tree oil for particular ailments reveals:

Acne: According to research, a treatment gel that contains tea tree oil may be useful for treating acne.

Dandruff: It has been demonstrated that a shampoo containing tea tree oil works well to cure dandruff when used for four weeks.

Athlete's foot: Athlete's foot symptoms can be effectively treated with a tea tree oil cream when used twice daily for a month.

Lice: Tea tree oil has been demonstrated to be beneficial in treating lice eggs when combined with lavender oil.

Nail fungus: Tea tree oil has not been proven to be an effective treatment for toenail fungus, whether it is used alone or in combination with other antifungal medications.

Results might vary because there are no standardized methods for harvesting tea tree oil or creating products containing the oil.

It's generally safe

Tea tree oil is typically harmless when applied topically and may be effective in treating acne and other superficial skin problems.

Tea tree oil should not be taken orally because it is poisonous if consumed.

Security and adverse effects

The majority of people have no issues applying tea tree oil topically. Tea tree oil, however, can result in:

1. Skin irritation

2. Allergic skin rash (dermatitis)

3. Itching

4. Stinging

5. Burning

6. Scaling

7. Redness

8. Dryness

If you have eczema, stay away from tea tree oil.

When consumed, tea tree oil is poisonous. 

There may be severe negative effects, such as:

1. Confusion

2. an inability to regulate one's muscles or coordinate one's voluntary motions (ataxia)

3. decreasing levels of consciousness

According to one study, boys' developing gynecomastia may have been caused by prolonged exposure to lavender and tea tree oils.

Interactions

There is currently no evidence to support drug interactions, despite the fact that tea tree oil is frequently used in conjunction with other medications to treat bacterial or fungal skin diseases.