Introduction
Tea tree oil or melaleuca oil is an essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia that has been used to treat skin diseases for over a century. It has several benefits and is used for treating dandruff, has antiseptic properties, and is even used as a home cleaner. It has been used as an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer agent. However, there is a limitation of data available on the safety and toxicity of the oil. When used for topical purposes, the oil is comparatively safer, with minor side effects that are mostly self-limiting. Skin irritation is seen only when used in higher doses. Studies suggest that the oil can be toxic when ingested at high doses, producing allergic reactions in predisposed individuals. The adverse effects can be minimized by avoiding ingestion, reducing the concentration of topical application, and properly storing the oil.
What Are the Benefits of Tea Tree Oil?
Tea tree oil benefits include:
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Acne Therapy:
Tea tree oil is useful in clearing acne due to its anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is almost as effective as benzoyl peroxide. It aids in reducing skin swelling, inflammation, and redness. It is also effective in lightening the scars. It aids in restoring the natural oil balance of the body.
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Healthy Skin:
Tea tree oil enhances healthy skin by providing a radiant appearance. It moisturizes and smoothens the skin due to its antioxidant properties. It unclogs the skin pores and reduces itching.
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Dandruff Removal:
The anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties associated with tea tree oil help hydrate the scalp and control dandruff, thereby reducing hair fall. It is an ingredient in many Ayurvedic products, soothes the scalp, fights dry skin, and promotes hair growth.
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Insect Repellant:
Tea tree oil is an effective repellant against insects. It can be used to ward off mosquitoes. Its chemical composition and unique aroma provide the insect repellant properties.
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Hand Sanitizer:
Tea tree oil is used as a natural purifier due to its chemical composition. As a result of its antiseptic and antibacterial properties, it helps kill germs on the skin's surface and thus prevent infections. Studies suggest that using it as an ingredient of hand washes increases their effectiveness.
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Natural Deodorant:
The bad odor produced during sweating results from skin bacteria and secretions from the sweat gland. Due to the oil's antibacterial properties, it effectively reduces body odor due to sweating.
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Antifungal:
Due to its antifungal properties, it is used to treat nail fungus infections. Tea tree oil is effective for nail fungal infections, alone or when combined with other natural ingredients.
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Dental Health:
Tea tree oil may be used as a mouthwash after diluting with water. It is beneficial in preventing tooth decay and prevents bad breath.
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Respiratory Infections:
Tea tree oil effectively treats various respiratory issues due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potent expectorant and helps in removing nasal blockages. It is effective in respiratory issues like bronchitis, asthma, etc.
What Are the Associated Side Effects of Tea Tree Oil?
The potential side effects associated with tea tree oil are:
1. Toxicity Following Topical Application:
Skin application of tea tree oil can result in skin irritation if applied at high concentrations. The symptoms include:
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Itching.
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Stinging.
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Burning.
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Redness.
Tea tree oil exposure can result in allergic contact dermatitis in some predisposed individuals. Allergic reactions are mostly seen in individuals with a previous allergic history to cosmetic products, dark skin, or having a history of an active skin disease. More studies are needed to determine the effects of chronic oil exposure.
2. Toxicity Following Inhalation:
Tea tree oil is used in aromatherapy (use of essential oils for therapeutic benefits). This therapy involves inhalation of the oil; inhaling too much oil can result in the following side effects:
- Nausea.
- Headache.
- Vertigo.
3. Toxicity Following Oral Exposure:
Experimental studies conducted in rats conclude that tea tree oil can be toxic if consumed in high concentrations.
The toxic effects include:
- Ataxia (uncoordinated movement).
- Depressed activity levels.
- Confusion.
- Drowsiness.
- Loss of consciousness.
4. Developmental Toxicity:
No published study on the potential developmental toxicity following exposure to tea tree oil. Developmental toxicity studies of alpha-terpinene showed significant toxicities when conducted in rats. Alpha-terpinene is present in tea tree oil (about 9 percent). High-level exposure was found to be associated with skeletal malformations and delayed ossification.
5. Cell Toxicity:
Animal or human cells are tested in vitro for toxicity; this technique is an alternative to animal experimental testing to determine toxicity. Tea tree oil was found to reduce cell growth by 50 percent as compared to the control group.
6. Ecotoxicity:
The effect of pollutants on the natural ecosystem is referred to as ecotoxicity. Information on the ecotoxicity of tea tree oil is limited. Toxicity against insects, amphibians, fish, and other aquatic species or ecosystems has yet to be studied extensively.
7. Effects In Children:
Tea tree oil poisoning has been reported in children after ingesting the oil.
The symptoms in children are similar to that in adults and include:
- Confusion.
- Uncoordinated movement.
- Drowsiness.
- Unresponsiveness.
7. Effects In Pets:
After ingestion and topical application, tea tree oil poisoning has been reported in cats and dogs.
The presenting symptoms are:
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Muscle weakness.
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Tremors.
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Uncoordinated movement.
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Depressed activity levels.
What Are the Safety Measures One Can Take?
The safety measures one can take to reduce toxicity risk are:
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Avoid ingestion of tea tree oil.
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The oil should be stored in a dark bottle; avoid light exposure as the oil can get damaged.
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In case of concern about potential skin reaction, first, apply the diluted oil to a small area before applying it to a larger area.
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Avoid applying undiluted tea tree oil to the skin. Essential oils should be diluted in creams, lotions, or carrier oils before application (one to five percent dilution).
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In the case of tea tree oil application to sensitive skin or a child’s skin, a dilution of 0.5 to 2.5 percent is required.
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Keep the oil from out of reach of pets and children.
Conclusion
Tea tree oil has antifungal, anti-inflammatory properties, and anti-bacterial properties giving it various benefits. However, there have been reports of skin irritation following high-dose skin exposure. It has resulted in allergic contact dermatitis in certain predisposed individuals. Ingestion of the oil also results in toxicity. So, using the essential oil cautiously after following the safety guidelines is advisable.
