This fact sheet provides basic information about tea tree oil—common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. Tea tree oil comes from the leaves of the tea tree, and has been used medicinally for centuries by the aboriginal people of Australia.
What Tea Tree Oil Is Used For
- Tea tree oil is often used externally as an antibacterial or antifungal treatment.
- Tea tree oil is used for a number of conditions including acne, athlete’s foot, nail fungus, wounds, and infections.
- Other applications for tea tree oil include use for lice, oral candidiasis (thrush), cold sores, dandruff, and skin lesions