What Is Tea Tree Oil Used For?

Tea tree oil is extracted from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant, native to Australia. The oil has a light golden color and has a smell similar to that of camphor. It has many medicinal uses and is popular in herbal medicine as a natural alternative to prescription drugs and lotions.

Function

• Tea tree oil is best known for its antiseptic and anti-fungal properties. It is often used as a natural tick repellent for pets and added to shampoos for dandruff control.

Types

• Tea tree oil can be purchased as pure oil, in diluted formulations and as an ingredient in other products such as shampoo, fungal lotions and creams. It has also been found to be useful in the treatment of acne although it is slower acting than more popular products on the market.

Considerations

• The use of undiluted tea tree oil on dogs and cats can cause severe health problems for the animals. Before using any tea tree oil product, test the product on a small area and look for possible negative reactions.

Prevention/Solution

• Always dilute pure tea tree oil with water before applying to the skin. Pure tea tree oil can cause allergic reactions including rashes and skin irritation.

Warning

• According to the American Cancer Society, tea tree oil can be toxic if ingested and should be kept away from pets and children. The society further states that ingestion of the oil can cause rashes, hallucinations, confusion, drowsiness and other side effects.