Properties of Tea Tree Oil

The properties of tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) include its ability to help fight bacteria, fungus and viruses. Tea tree also has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.

Bacteria and Viruses

• A review of tea tree oil published in the January 2006 Clinical Microbiology Review concluded that data supports the long-held belief that tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties.

Fungus

• Studies, including one published in the March 2004 Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, support using tea tree oil to fight fungus.

Acne

• A study published in the Oct. 15, 1990, The Medical Journal of Australia concluded that tea tree oil is just as effective as benzoyl peroxide in treating acne.

Inflammation

• Clinical Microbiology Review also concluded that data supports the properties of tea tree oil in fighting inflammation.

Antiseptic

• In a Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics article, researchers looked at the antiseptic properties of tea tree oil for bruises, insect bites and skin infections and concluded these antiseptic properties are partly due to the oil increasing white blood cell production.