Tea Tree Oil
Melaleuca alternifolia
茶树
Pinyin: Chá Shù
Plant Family
Myrtaceae
Part Used
Essential oil from leaves
Origin
Australia (native to New South Wales and Queensland)
Safety Level
Caution
Overview
Tea tree oil is an essential oil distilled from the leaves of the Australian tea tree. It has been used by Australian Aboriginal people for thousands of years as a medicine. Tea tree oil is one of the most widely used essential oils for its powerful antimicrobial properties. It is used externally for a wide range of skin conditions and as a natural disinfectant.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Properties
Nature (四气)
cool
Flavors (五味)
pungent, bitter
Meridians (归经)
lung, skin
Health Benefits
Traditional Uses
- Skin infections and wounds
- Acne and blemishes
- Dandruff and scalp conditions
- Fungal infections (athlete's foot, nail fungus)
- Mouthwash and oral hygiene
- Natural disinfectant and household cleaner
- Insect bites and stings
Active Constituents
The key compounds responsible for this herb's therapeutic effects:
Usage & Dosage
How to Use
Essential oil (topical use only - do NOT ingest), diluted in carrier oil, added to skincare products, shampoo, mouthwash, household cleaners, diffused (for air purification).
Suggested Dosage
Topical: dilute to 2–5% in carrier oil for skin applications (10–25 drops per 30 mL carrier oil). Acne spot treatment: dilute to 5–10% or use undiluted sparingly on pimples. Mouthwash: 1–2 drops in water (swish, do NOT swallow). Diffusion: 5–10 drops in diffuser.
Quality & Storage
Harvest Season
Leaves can be harvested year-round from mature trees. Oil is extracted by steam distillation of the leaves and terminal branches. Australian tea tree oil from New South Wales is considered the highest quality.
Quality Indicators
Therapeutic-grade tea tree oil should contain 30–48% terpinen-4-ol and less than 15% 1,8-cineole. Pure oil is clear to pale yellow with a fresh, medicinal, camphoraceous scent. Look for products with GC/MS analysis or ISO certification. Avoid cheap oils that may be adulterated.
Storage
Dark amber or blue glass bottle, tightly sealed, in cool dark place. Essential oils are flammable - keep away from heat and open flame. Shelf life: 1–2 years if properly stored. Oxidation reduces effectiveness and increases skin irritation potential.
Safety Information
Contraindications
DO NOT INGEST tea tree oil (toxic internally, especially to children and pets)Internal use is NEVER safe (can cause serious toxicity including coma, hallucinations, blood cell damage)Pregnancy and breastfeeding (topical use in low dilution generally considered safe, but consult practitioner)Children (toxic if ingested - keep out of reach; topical use in strong dilution not recommended for young children)Pets (toxic to cats and dogs if ingested or applied in high concentrations)Broken skin or deep wounds (undiluted oil may irritate)Known allergy to tea tree or myrtle family plants
Possible Side Effects
- Skin irritation and allergic contact dermatitis (more common with undiluted use)
- Redness, itching, burning (especially in sensitive skin or high concentrations)
- Dryness and flaking with regular use
- INGESTION: serious toxicity including confusion, ataxia, hallucinations, coma, respiratory depression (seek emergency medical care immediately)
- Breast enlargement in prepubertal boys (very rare, case reports with frequent topical use)
- Phototoxicity (increased sun sensitivity - rare)
Drug Interactions
- Minimal systemic absorption when used topically - generally few drug interactions
- May enhance absorption of other topical medications (apply separately)
- Some research suggests it may affect hormone levels (avoid in hormone-sensitive conditions with frequent use)
- No significant known drug interactions with topical use in normal dilution
Note: Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have medical conditions, or take medications.
References & Research
Information on this page is based on traditional herbal knowledge and modern scientific research. For a comprehensive list of references, please refer to our full citations page.
ℹ️ Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not evaluated these statements. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal supplements.
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