Tea tree oil is a powerful antimicrobial that may cause side effects in some people
When browsing labels at a health food store, it would appear that tea tree oil has found its way into almost everything--it is included as an additive in soaps, gels, hair products, ointments, moisturizers, acne products and fungal creams. The reason for all this is the powerful antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal properties inherent in tea tree oil, making it a natural alternative to pharmaceutical antibiotic creams and antiseptics. However, with tea tree oil finding its way into our everyday lives, is it really such a safe and natural product for us to be using it to such a high degree?
Skin Irritation
Tea tree oil is known to cause skin irritation, itching, allergies and eczema in some members of the population. Before using tea tree oil, test a few drops of a 10 percent diluted tea tree solution, such as a cream or gel, on a small area of skin. If there is any itching, inflammation or discomfort, wash the area well and discontinue use. Readers should never use 100 percent undiluted tea tree oil on the skin, except for careful application to nails affected with fungal infections. Undiluted tea tree oil may cause severe irritation and burns to unprotected skin, and immediate medical attention should be sought.
Oral Consumption
Like other essential oil products, tea tree oil is never recommended for oral or internal usage and should be considered highly toxic. Should any tea tree oil be ingested then you are urged to seek immediate medical attention. Toxicity to the nervous system leading to confusion, inability to walk, skin rashes and coma have been found in doses of tea tree oil as low as 10 ml.
Hormone Disruption
Derek Henley and Kenneth Korach from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences published findings in "The New England Journal of Medicine" in 2007 that proved tea tree oil, among other oils, had an endocrine-disrupting effect on the body. In their lab tea tree oil stimulated the production of estrogen from cellular tissues, while simultaneously inhibiting release of male hormones called androgens. Due to these findings, tea tree oil is not recommended for use in prepubescent children.
Antibiotic Resistance
Dr Ann McMahon and Professor David McDowell from the University of Ulster published findings in "The Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy" in 2006 that revealed tea tree oil at low doses over long periods of time could make bacteria such as MRSA, E. Coli and salmonella more resistant to antibiotic treatments. This has major implications for the future use of tea tree oil, as it is currently employed as an antimicrobial agent in a wide variety of hand soaps, shampoos, commercial cleaners and botanical creams.
Drug Interactions
There are no known drug interactions with tea tree oil and other medications. Applying tea tree oil topically should be safe along side other medications. If you are using other topical treatments such as antibacterial or fungicidal creams in addition to tea tree oil, consult with your health care professional before proceeding.
Tags: immediate medical, immediate medical attention, medical attention, other medications, published findings