The Antibacterial, Antifungal, and Antiviral Benefits of Tea Tree Oil

The Many Benefits of Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its numerous health and beauty benefits. Derived from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant native to Australia, tea tree oil contains powerful antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties that make it useful for addressing a wide range of issues.

Tea tree oil has been used for centuries by the indigenous peoples of Australia as a traditional medicine. Modern research has now confirmed many of the traditional uses of tea tree oil, demonstrating its efficacy as a natural remedy for common skin, hair, and nail problems.

Keep reading to learn more about what makes tea tree oil so beneficial, how to use it safely and effectively, and the science behind its impressive healing properties.

What Is Tea Tree Oil?

Tea tree oil, also called melaleuca oil, is made from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant, which is native to Australia. The leaves are steamed to extract the oil, which has a fresh, earthy aroma and a pale golden color.

Tea tree oil is considered an essential oil - that is, a highly concentrated and volatile plant extract. However, unlike many other essential oils, tea tree oil is soothing to the skin and can safely be applied topically.

The key active ingredients in tea tree oil responsible for its beneficial effects include:

• Terpinen-4-ol: This compound gives tea tree oil its strong antiseptic properties.
• 1,8-cineole: Also known as eucalyptol, this molecule has anti-inflammatory effects.
• -terpineol: A compound that helps tea tree oil penetrate the skin.

Together, this unique combination of medicinal compounds makes tea tree oil one of natures most powerful antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agents.

The Antibacterial Effects of Tea Tree Oil

One of the most well-researched benefits of tea tree oil is its powerful antibacterial properties. Multiple studies have found tea tree oil to be effective at killing a wide range of bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

For example, one test tube study found that tea tree oil was capable of killing antibiotic-resistant staph bacteria. Other research has confirmed that tea tree oil is able to kill germs that commonly cause skin and nail infections, including Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Tea tree oils broad-spectrum antimicrobial abilities make it a valuable addition to topical skin and nail care products. When used regularly, tea tree oil may help ward off infections and promote healthy skin.

Tea Tree Oil for Acne

With its ability to kill p. acnes bacteria, tea tree oil is an excellent natural treatment for acne. Multiple studies have found applying tea tree oil to the skin significantly improves mild to moderate acne.

In one study of 124 people, applying a 5% tea tree oil gel to acne lesions was shown to be just as effective as 5% benzoyl peroxide, a common acne medication. After 45 days, tea tree oil reduced both inflamed and non-inflamed lesions by a whopping 49%.

Researchers believe that tea tree oils antimicrobial effects work together with its anti-inflammatory abilities to provide therapeutic benefits for those struggling with acne. Tea tree oil also helps dry out excess oil that can clog pores and lead to breakouts.

Tea Tree Oil for Fungal Skin Infections

Fungal infections like athletes foot, nail fungus, jock itch, and ringworm cause itching, burning, flaking, and redness. Fungi like trichophyton rubrum are often to blame.

Numerous studies have found tea tree oil highly effective at killing dermatophytes like T. rubrum as well as other fungal species like Candida albicans. Applying diluted tea tree oil to affected areas inhibits fungal growth while easing related symptoms.

For fungal toenail infections and athletes foot, consider mixing a few drops of tea tree oil with coconut oil and applying to the area 1-2 times per day. For scalp fungal infections, add a few drops of tea tree oil to your shampoo.

Tea Tree Oil for Warts

warts are benign growths caused by viral infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). Tea tree oils antiviral effects make it a smart natural remedy to try for getting rid of warts.

One study found that applying tea tree oil to warts daily was able to eliminate warts in about 12 days. The powerful compounds in tea tree oil are able to penetrate warts and attack the underlying virus that causes them.

Consider mixing tea tree oil with a carrier oil and dabbing directly on wart areas to encourage faster healing.

Using Tea Tree Oil for Hair Health

With its anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects, tea tree oil is also useful for addressing various hair and scalp issues:

• Dandruff - Due to fungal buildup on the scalp, tea tree oil helps reduce dandruff by killing malassezia fungi when used in shampoo.
• Hair loss By alleviating scalp inflammation and removing fungal overgrowth, tea tree oil helps optimize the health of hair follicles.
• Dry, itchy scalp - Tea tree oils soothing properties help moisturize and heal dry, flaking skin.

To improve scalp health, consider adding a few drops of tea tree oil to your regular shampoo or conditioner. Let the mixture sit on your scalp for 5 minutes before rinsing for maximum benefits.

Tea Tree Oil for Bad Breath

Halitosis, or bad breath, is most often caused by bacteria buildup in the mouth. Thanks to tea tree oils natural antibacterial abilities, it can be highly effective at fighting bad breath.

One study found rinsing with a tea tree oil mouthwash significantly reduced oral bacteria that cause bad breath. It was even more effective than conventional mouthwash with chlorhexidine.

To make your own tea tree oil mouthwash, simply mix a couple drops with a cup of warm water and swish around your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting. The antimicrobial components will leave your breath fresh.

Tea Tree Oil for Mold removal

Exposure to mold can cause a wide array of negative health effects. Fortunately, tea tree oil is a proven anti-mold agent.

One study tested the abilities of multiple essential oils against mold. Tea tree oil was the most effective, reducing mold by up to 90% in some circumstances.

To use tea tree oil for mold removal, combine 10-15 drops with water in a spray bottle. Spritz directly onto moldy areas, like tile grout or shower curtains. The longer the tea tree oil sits, the more effectively it can kill mold.

Tea Tree Oil as a Natural Deodorant

Sweat itself is odorless. Body odor happens when bacteria on the skin break down perspiration. Tea tree oil can make an excellent natural deodorant thanks to its abilities to kill odor-causing bacteria.

In one study, participants applied tea tree oil deodorant to one armpit and aluminum chloride, a common ingredient in conventional deodorant, to the other. After 24 hours, the tea tree oil was equally as effective at reducing body odor.

To make homemade tea tree oil deodorant, mix a few drops with coconut oil and baking soda and apply to clean underarms as needed.

Tea Tree Oil for Psoriasis

Psoriasis causes itchy, uncomfortable patches of thick, scaly skin. Although it has no cure, tea tree oil applied topically can relieve psoriasis symptoms by reducing inflammation and encouraging healing.

One study involving over 100 people with mild to moderate psoriasis found applying a 10% tea tree oil cream significantly improved symptoms. After 6 weeks, nearly 60% of the tea tree oil group had cleared psoriasis lesions, compared to only 11% of the placebo group.

Combine tea tree oil with a carrier oil or lotion and massage into affected areas once or twice daily to relieve psoriasis flare-ups.

Nail Health Booster

Tea tree oils antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal properties make it an excellent natural treatment for common nail problems like fungal infections, brittle nails, hangnails, and infected nail beds.

One study found that applying a combination of tea tree and olive oils significantly improved nail health while reducing nail infections.

Consider making your own tea tree nail cream by mixing a few drops of tea tree oil with coconut oil and massaging into nails and cuticles 1-2x per day.

Natural Hand Sanitizer

Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs. However, when water is not available, tea tree oil makes an effective natural hand sanitizer.

Multiple studies have found that tea tree oil gel is effective against a host of common germs and viruses, including E. coli, influenza, and herpes.

Mix 15 drops tea tree oil, 3 tablespoons aloe vera gel, and 2 tablespoons witch hazel in a small spray bottle. Use as a natural hand sanitizing spray.

Surface Cleaner

Tea tree oils anti-fungal and antimicrobial powers make it an excellent natural cleaner and disinfectant for household surfaces. It can protect against mold while eliminating bacteria.

A homemade tea tree oil surface spray is simple to make. Fill a spray bottle with 1 12 cups water, 12 cup vinegar, 15 drops tea tree oil and 10 drops eucalyptus oil for added antibacterial power.

Mist onto countertops, toilet seats, doorknobs, sinks, toys, laundry machines, trash cans, and other places that tend to harbor germs.

Is Tea Tree Oil Safe?

When used topically in appropriate diluted amounts, tea tree oil is generally very safe. However, it should never be swallowed.

Always do a patch test before first using tea tree oil by applying a small amount to your inner forearm. If irritation occurs, avoid using tea tree oil.

Some potential side effects of tea tree oil include:

• Rash
• Dermatitis
• Itching
• Dry, red skin
• Blisters

Tea tree oil should always be diluted in a carrier oil like coconut, olive, or jojoba oil when applying to the skin. Generally a 1:1 ratio is recommended.

Children and infants should not use tea tree oil. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should exercise caution, as more research is still needed on tea tree oils safety for these groups.

How to Choose Tea Tree Oil

To maximize the benefits from your tea tree oil, be sure to choose a high quality product. Heres what to look for when shopping:

• 100% pure, organic Melaleuca alternifolia oil
• Steam distilled
• From Australia
• Bottle protects from light exposure
• Clear, not cloudy

Price can be a good indicator of purity. Typically, cheaper tea tree oils may be diluted with other oils. A small bottle of pure, high-grade tea tree oil generally costs $10 to $20.

Get the Benefits of Tea Tree Oil

With its impressive antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antifungal properties, its easy to see why tea tree oil has become so popular. This versatile essential oil boasts a wide variety of uses, from cleaning your home to treating skin, hair and nail problems to helping ward off illness.

Tea tree oil is one of the few natural remedies supported by extensive scientific research. Adding it to your beauty routine, medicine cabinet, and cleaning supplies allows you to harness the benefits of natures most powerful antimicrobial ingredient.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.