Essential Oils, such as the tea tree oil, are increasingly being used in cosmetics and therapeutic products due to their several beauty and wellness benefits. Many of these oils have been traditionally in use in many parts of the world for these benefits. So if a natural essential oil is able to do the same or better job than some of the lab produced chemicals, it might make sense to stick to nature’s wisdom.
Essential Oils are basically compounds extracted from the leaves, bark, flowers, fruits, roots, seeds or peels of plants. Essential Oils capture the natural smell and benefit (the essence) of these plants. These are highly concentrated, aromatic and volatile compounds. Essential Oils are commonly used in Aromatherapy for treating stress, anxiety, depression, mental relaxation and for several beauty and wellness agendas. There are about 90 known Essential Oils of which some of the most popular are Tea Tree Oil, Lavender Oil, Peppermint Oil, Sandalwood Oil, Rose Oil, Clove Oil, Eucalyptus Oil, Orange Oil, Jasmine Oil, Citronella Oil and Lemongrass Oil.
Let us understand a little more about Tea Tree Oil, its side effects and safety measures when using Tea Tree oil.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree Oil is an essential oil which is extracted from the leaves of Tea Tree. It is extracted through the process of steam distillation. Tea Tree Oil is also known as Melaleuca Oil. Tea Tree Oil is used for topical application in diluted form and helps in healing many skin related problems like acne, pimple, blackhead. It has a camphor-like smell and its physical appearance is pale yellow or colourless liquid. It is also commonly used for treating scalp and hair conditions. Tea Tree Oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties due to which it helps to fight bacterial and fungal infections on skin, scalp, nails etc. Tea Tree Oil is loaded with anti-inflammatory properties as well.
Is Tea Tree Oil Safe?
Tea Tree Essential Oil is generally considered safe for topical use when diluted in required proportion with a carrier oil. Typically 1-2% Tea Tree oil in a carrier oil (coconut oil, almond oil or similar base oils) is used for skin or hair application. It is very beneficial in treating many skin and hair-related ailments. Always ensure that you dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil before topical application. Tea Tree oil cannot be taken internally and can cause serious health issues if you ingest it. Let us look at some of the side effects and cautions one should watch out for when using Tea Tree oil.
Side Effects of Tea Tree Oil
While Tea Tree oil is being used for several benefits by people across the world, some people might be allergic to it too. Also using Tea Tree oil in excess can cause adverse effects, so always use it in moderation and with required dilution, and as per recommended recipes from experts and reputed sources.
1. Allergy
People who have sensitive skin tend to show allergic reactions to Tea Tree Oil. Skin irritation or inflammation of skin has been reported in some people. Allergic symptoms can include the appearance of skin rashes, itching, stinging or burning sensation, redness or swelling of skin as well as drying and scaling of the skin.
2. Scalp Problems
Tea Tree Oil is considered beneficial for treating scalp infections due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties. But using tea tree oil in larger quantities can aggravate scalp problems by causing scalp inflammation.
3. Fatigue
Taking high doses of tea tree oil for topical application leads to fatigue and nausea in some people. Tea tree oil is also known to cause excessive drowsiness when used in higher quantities.
4. Diarrhoea
Ingestion of Tea tree oil is known to cause diarrhoea in people. This can lead to a severe allergic reaction. It may also cause vomiting and nausea.
5. Nasal Polyps
Tea Tree Oil is considered helpful in treating nasal polyps but it has its side effects also like a runny nose, red eyes and stinging or burning sensation of the mucous membrane inside the nose. This may cause the polyps to swell, thus worsening the condition.
6. Trigger Asthmatic Attack
People who are suffering from asthma or any other respiratory disease must avoid using Tea Tree Oil as it may trigger an asthmatic attack and cause inflammation in the respiratory tract.
7. Ear Damage
In some cases, Tea Tree oil is used to treat ear infections. But using Tea Tree Oil without diluting it may cause swelling and irritation in the mucous membrane. This oil might cause infection in the inner ear. It is always advisable to treat ear infection as per your doctor’s guidelines.
8. Inflammation of Mouth
Undiluted Tea Tree Oil should never be used in or around the mouth as it may lead to inflammation of the skin around the mouth. If ingested accidentally Tea Tree Oil can have toxic effects like nausea, dizziness, lack of muscle control or coordination.
9. Muscle Tremors
High doses of Tea Tree Oil may result in Muscle Tremors.
10. Skin Irritation
People suffering from eczema should avoid using Tea Tree Oil as it might worsen the situation. Tea Tree Oil should not be applied to broken skin or cracked skin.
11. Hormonal Changes
Tea Tree Oil is also known to cause hormonal changes in young boys. Tea Tree Oil may act as an endocrine disruptor causing hormonal imbalance like enlargement of breasts in adolescent boys. Discontinued use of this oil is known to have resolved the problem. Though no hormonal imbalance has been reported so far among girls by using tea tree oil.
Tea Tree Oil Cautions for Pregnant or Nursing Phase
- Pregnant women or nursing mothers should use tea tree oil only under doctor’s or professional’s advice.
- In some cases, the application of Tea Tree Oil is known to cause skin irritation and severe allergic reactions.
- Tea Tree Oil is not used properly can cause uterine contractions and negatively affect the fetus in its initial stages of development.
- Tea Tree Oil may prove to have toxic effects if ingested like abdominal pain, inability to walk, nausea, diarrhoea.
- Topical use of Tea Tree Oil may sometimes cause excessive dryness, rashes, and blisters on the skin.
- Precaution needs to be taken while using Tea Tree Oil in a diffuser as its distinct smell might sometimes cause nausea in a pregnant woman.
- In some cases, Tea Tree Oil can trigger a hormonal imbalance in a pregnant woman.
- Pregnant or Breastfeeding mothers should be careful and never ingest Tea Tree Oil.
All essential oils are highly concentrated and strong, hence they need to be diluted before use. Read our Guide to Diluting Essential Oils. Tea tree oil, if used correctly comes with a tonne of benefits. Which is why it is used by several loved and popular brands in their Tea Tree Oil Face Washes. Pure tea tree oil from these top brands is also available easily for use in homemade recipes and in aromatherapy. So use caution when using tea tree oil, and you should be able to leverage this wonder from nature for living well and looking great!
