Can tea tree oil be taken internally to treat internal systemic fungal infections?

Tea tree oil should not be taken internally. It can be toxic if swallowed, and there are safer and more effective ways to treat systemic fungal infections. Tea tree oil is a potent essential oil that is extracted from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree. It has antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, and it is commonly used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including acne, athlete's foot, and dandruff. However, tea tree oil is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for internal use, and it can cause serious side effects if ingested.

Potential side effects of ingesting tea tree oil include:

* Nausea

* Vomiting

* Diarrhea

* Headache

* Dizziness

* Confusion

* Seizures

* Liver damage

* Kidney failure

* Death

In rare cases, ingesting tea tree oil can be fatal.

If you are considering taking tea tree oil internally to treat a fungal infection, talk to your doctor first. There are safer and more effective ways to treat fungal infections, and ingesting tea tree oil is not worth the risk of serious side effects.