Treatment Overview

Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) comes from the evergreen leaves of the Australian Melaleuca alternifolia tree. It can be found in many products, including creams and essential oil.

Why It Is Used

Some people use tea tree oil for insect bites and conditions like acne, athlete's foot, or nail fungus. But so far there isn't clear proof from science that using tea tree oil is helpful with these or other health problems.

Risks

Tea tree oil applied to the skin is thought to be safe for most people. But some people develop an allergic rash.

Tea tree oil is not safe to take by mouth. It is not recommended for use in the ears, because it may cause damage to the inner ear.

The Natural and Non-Prescription Health Products Directorate (NNHPD), within the Health Products and Food Branch of Health Canada, regulates natural health products in Canada. Natural health products, including tea tree oil, must be reviewed and approved by the NNHPD before they can be sold in Canada.

Always tell your doctor if you are using a natural health product or if you are thinking about combining one with your conventional medical treatment. It may not be safe to forgo your conventional medical treatment and rely only on a natural health product.