Tea Tree Oil
Melaleuca alternifolia
T Traditional useTea tree oil is used on the skin only for small wounds, insect bites, small spots and mild athlete's foot itching; it must not be swallowed.
Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim
On this page
At a glance
The EMA classes tea tree oil as a traditional herbal medicine for small superficial wounds and insect bites, small boils and mild acne, itching in mild athlete's foot, and minor inflammation inside the mouth. It must not be swallowed or inhaled, nor used in the eyes or ears.
Updated: October 15, 2026
✓ This herb record is backed by official European Medicines Agency (EMA HMPC) herbal monographs.
What is it used for?
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used on the skin for small superficial wounds and insect bites. [1]
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used on the skin for small boils, mild acne and itching from mild athlete's foot. [1]
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Based on at least 30 years of documented traditional use rather than clinical trials.
How do we rate evidence levels? →Traditionally used diluted as a mouth rinse for minor inflammation inside the mouth; not swallowed. [1]
How is it used?
Safety & interactions
⚠ External use only
Minimum age: 12 years
- Do not swallow or inhale; keep away from eyes and ears.
- Stop if a rash develops.
- Do not use if you are allergic to colophony (rosin).
- See a doctor to treat severe acne or a fungal infection.
- Not recommended under 12. Not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety has not been shown.
Drug interactions
No recorded interactions
Side effects
- Skin reactions such as stinging, itching, burning, redness or swelling (contact dermatitis)
- Rare burn-like skin reactions
⚕ When to see a doctor
- If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
- If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
- If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs
Did you know?
Only 1–2 drops (0.03–0.07 ml) of tea tree oil go on a wound; the EMA does not assess oral use. [1]
Frequently asked questions
Is tea tree oil good for spots?
The EMA accepts tea tree oil as a traditional skin remedy for small boils and mild acne. See a doctor for severe acne.
Can tea tree oil be swallowed?
No. It must not be swallowed or inhaled; it can cause poisoning.
Should tea tree oil be diluted?
Small areas can take 1–2 undiluted drops; larger areas need 0.5–10% diluted products.
Can children use tea tree oil?
Not recommended under 12.
Sources
Cite This Page
Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/tea-tree-oil/
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