Tea Tree extract

Tea tree oil is an extract from a plant native to Australia Tea tree oil was used as a topical treatment by the Aboriginal people for centuries.

Why do people take tea tree oil?

Tea tree oil has been used traditionally as a topical antiseptic and antifungal treatment. One study found that tea tree oil worked as well as 5% in controlling the . It appears to be effective with and possibly . Studies of tea tree oil for other conditions such as, , and have been inconclusive.

Tea tree oil has been proposed as a topical treatment for labalis (the sore), but it does not appear to be effective. Laboratory studies have shown that tea tree oil was effective against (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), a type of that's resistant to many . Although these studies are promising, more research needs to be done.

How much tea tree oil should you take?

Tea tree oil is only a topical treatment it should never be taken by .

Because tea tree oil is an unproven treatment, there is no established dose. The concentrations of tea tree oil used in studies have varied depending on the medical condition. For instance, a 5% tea tree oil gel might be used for, while a 10% or higher tea tree oil cream might be used for athlete's foot. 100% tea tree oil solution has been used with . If you use tea tree oil, follow the instructions on the label or get advice from your doctor.

Can you get tea tree oil naturally from foods?

There are no natural food sources of tea tree oil. Because of its toxicity, tea tree oil should never be swallowed.

What are the risks of taking tea tree oil?

• Risks. Topical tea tree oil has been reported to cause allergic reactions that can be severe. Tea tree oil may also cause redness, , and blistering. It may aggravate burns and conditions like . Using large quantities of tea tree oil on the skin could cause severe side effects.
• For topical use only. Tea tree oil must never be used in the or swallowed. Even in small amounts, swallowing tea tree oil could potentially cause severe reactions, including severe, , confusion, and .