10 Amazing Benefits of Tea Tree Oil

Introduction

Tea tree oil is a widely used essential oil with several potential medicinal properties. Tea tree leaves have a long history of medicinal use in traditional medicine systems, notably within Australian Aboriginal practices. Tea tree oil holds great significance as it is said to be able to balance all Ayurvedic tridoshas, namely vata, pitta, and kapha dosha.  

Tea tree oil, known as melaleuca oil, is derived from the Australian Plant Melaleuca alternifolia. Despite having similar names, the tea tree plant is botanically distinct from the traditional tea plant (Camellia Sinensis). Tea tree oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and it may be helpful in minor skin infections. It can be used to manage multiple disorders, such as skin and hair problems due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial¹, soothing, and nourishing properties. 

How Does It Work?

Tea tree oil contains many compounds like terpinen-4-ol that have anti-microbial properties¹. Terpinen-4-ol helps work against infection by boosting your immunity. It can help increase the activity of white blood cells to promote immunity. 

Benefits and Uses of Tea Tree Oil

1. Promotes Glowing Skin

Tea tree oil is commonly used for skin care due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help improve skin appearance by reducing inflammation and microbial load. It contains certain bioactive compounds that may support skin barrier function; however, its antioxidant effects lack substantial evidence². 

2. Helps to Get Rid of Acne

Tea tree oil helps against acne due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. Research² suggests that it is as helpful as benzoyl peroxide. It may help soothe redness, swelling, and inflammation. It may help reduce bacterial growth and excess oil from the skin. It may also help reduce and lighten scars and restore the natural oil balance of the skin; however, it may take several weeks to show the results. You should always use diluted tea tree oil to minimise potential skin irritation or tea tree oil-based gel. 

3. Helps with Skin Infections

The anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil are believed to help clear infections. While it shows activity against certain fungal and bacterial skin infections like athlete’s foot, it is ineffective against chronic issues like psoriasis or viral infections like herpes. It also helps to relieve skin irritation and inflammation^2,3. You can add a few drops of tea tree oil to your moisturiser or olive oil and apply it to the affected area. 

Tea tree oil may be used as a hand sanitiser or a natural mosquito repellent. It is also believed to be useful in repelling insects, for example, tea tree oil may be used to keep ants off of produce^1,4. Due to its anti-microbial properties, it can be used to treat and disinfect minor cuts and abrasions and avoid infections in open wounds¹. 

Studies¹⁵ have revealed that tea tree oil might be your ally in eyelid infection. Major eyelid symptoms include frequent chronic inflammatory disease of the eyelid border, including peeling, redness, burning, and crusting. Topical application of tea tree oil in this condition is recommended under medical supervision due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. 

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

4. May Help with Skin Cancer

Studies⁵ have investigated tea tree oil’s effects on certain cancer cell lines but there is currently no strong clinical evidence to support its use in avoiding or treating skin cancer in humans. 

5. May Help with Dandruff and Lice

Tea tree oil is believed to have antiseptic properties that help with dandruff, lice, white flakes, and dead skin of the scalp. It also acts as a cleanser and conditioner and may help soothe dry scalp and manage lice⁶. For best results, add a few drops of tea tree oil to coconut or almond oil and apply to your hair daily.  

6. Reduces Hair Fall

Tea tree oil may be used as a tonic for your hair and helps make it healthy and shiny. It promotes natural hair growth and strengthens the hair⁷. 

7. Helps in the Treatment of Fungal Nail Infection

Fungal nail infections are common but difficult to treat. Tea tree oil helps manage nail fungus when used alone or in combination with other natural remedies⁸. Use a few drops of tea tree oil alone or mix it with an equal amount of coconut oil and apply it to the affected area.  

8. Helps for Respiratory Complaints

Tea tree oil may help with respiratory complaints as it has anti-inflammatory properties. It may help clear the blocked mucus in the throat and nose. It can also help with respiratory conditions like bronchitis, influenza, and cold⁹. 

9. Promotes Oral Health

Research suggests that tea tree oil fights against germs that may cause tooth decay, bad breath, and other inflammatory oral diseases^10,11. You can use it as a chemical-free mouthwash by mixing a drop of tea tree oil in half a cup of water and swishing in your mouth for 30 seconds.  

10. Acts as a Natural Deodorant

Because of its anti-bacterial properties, diluted tea tree oil may be used as an ingredient in deodorants¹². 

Other than abundant benefits, tea tree oil may be harmful too, if not taken as per the physician’s guidance. Taking tea tree oil orally is not advised. Oral administration might result in significant side effects such as unconsciousness, ataxia (lack of muscular coordination), disorientation, and breathing issues¹⁶.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Side Effects of Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil may be safe when applied topically, but sometimes it may cause skin irritation, dryness of the skin, and swelling. While tea tree oil can be a great addition to your daily routine, it is important to follow certain precautions. Tea tree oil is not for consumption and should always be diluted before application on the skin. Other side effects of tea tree oil may include an allergic reaction or symptoms like redness, itching, burning, and dry or scaly skin¹³. It is suggested to do a skin patch test before applying tea tree oil on a large area of skin. As tea tree oil can also be used for aromatherapy, breathing in or inhaling too much of the essence may lead to symptoms such as nausea, headache or vertigo¹⁴. 

Conclusion

Tea tree oil, derived from the Australian Plant, is a versatile essential oil with a history of traditional use. Its primary medicinal value lies in its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which make it popular for managing various skin and hair conditions. However, it is crucial to remember that tea tree oil should never be swallowed and must always be diluted before topical application to avoid potential side effects. When used correctly, tea tree oil can be a valuable addition to natural health and personal care routines. 

References

1. Carson CF, Hammer KA, Riley TV. Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil: a Review of Antimicrobial and Other Medicinal Properties. Clinical Microbiology Reviews [Internet]. 2006 Jan;19(1):50–62. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1360273/ 
2. Nascimento T, Gomes D, Simões R, Maria Graça Miguel. Tea Tree Oil: Properties and the Therapeutic Approach to Acne—A Review. Antioxidants (Basel). 2023 Jun 12;12(6):1264–4. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10295805/ 
3. Tong MM, Altman PM, Barnetson RStC. TEA TREE OIL IN THE TREATMENT OF TINEA PEDIS. Australasian Journal of Dermatology. 1992 Dec;33(3):145–9. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1303075/ 
4. KLAUCK V, PAZINATO R, STEFANI LM, SANTOS RC, VAUCHER RA, BALDISSERA MD, et al. Insecticidal and repellent effects of tea tree and andiroba oils on flies associated with livestock. Medical and Veterinary Entomology. 2014 Aug;28(S1):33–9. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25171605/ 
5. Ireland DJ, Greay SJ, Hooper CM, Kissick HT, Filion P, Riley TV, et al. Topically applied Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil causes direct anti-cancer cytotoxicity in subcutaneous tumour bearing mice. Journal of Dermatological Science. 2012 Aug;67(2):120–9. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22727730/ 
6. Kairey L, Agnew T, Esther Joy Bowles, Barkla BJ, Wardle J, Romy Lauche. Efficacy and safety of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil for human health—A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Frontiers in Pharmacology [Internet]. 2023 Mar 24;14. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10080088/ 
7. Sang SH, Gabriel Akyirem Akuwoah, Kai Bin Liew, Lee SK, Keng JW, Lee SK, et al. Natural alternatives from your garden for hair care: Revisiting the benefits of tropical herbs. Heliyon [Internet]. 2023 Nov 1;9(11):e21876–6. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10685248/ 
8. Mingorance Álvarez E, Villar Rodríguez J, López Ripado O, Mayordomo R. Antifungal Activity of Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia Cheel) Essential Oils against the Main Onychomycosis-Causing Dermatophytes. Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland) [Internet]. 2024;10(10):675. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39452627/ 
9. Horváth G, Ács K. Essential oils in the treatment of respiratory tract diseases highlighting their role in bacterial infections and their anti-inflammatory action: a review. Flavour and Fragrance Journal [Internet]. 2015 May 26;30(5):331–41. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7163989/ 
10. Thosar N, Basak S, Bahadure R, Rajurkar M. Antimicrobial efficacy of five essential oils against oral pathogens: An in vitro study. European Journal of Dentistry [Internet]. 2013;7(5):71. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4054083/ 
11. Elgendy E, Zineldeen D, Ali SM. Effect of local application of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil gel on long pentraxin level used as an adjunctive treatment of chronic periodontitis: A randomized controlled clinical study. Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology. 2013;17(4):444. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3800405/ 
12. Carson CF, Hammer KA, Riley TV. Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) oil: a review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2006 Jan;19(1):50-62. doi: 10.1128/CMR.19.1.50-62.2006. PMID: 16418522; PMCID: PMC1360273. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1360273/
13. Bekhof AMW, van Hunsel FPAM, van de Koppel S, Woerdenbag HJ. Safety assessment and adverse drug reaction reporting of tea tree oil ( Melaleuca aetheroleum ). Phyto y Research. 2022 Nov 23; Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36420525/ 
14. Hammer KA, Carson CF, Riley TV, Nielsen JB. A review of the toxicity of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil. Food and Chemical Toxicology. 2006 May;44(5):616–25. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16243420/ 
15. Capasso L, Abbinante G, Coppola A, Salerno G, De Bernardo M. Recent Evidence of Tea Tree Oil Effectiveness in Blepharitis Treatment. BioMed Research International. 2022;2022:9204251. doi:10.1155/2022/9204251. Available from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2022/9204251
16. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Tea Tree Oil: Usefulness and Safety [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Updated April 2025 [cited 2026 Jan 13]. Available from: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/tea-tree-oil

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