Tea Tree Oil Side Effects

Tea Tree Oil May Cause Allergic Reactions and Skin Irritations

Always do a skin test before applying tea tree oil.

People who are predisposed to allergies should always do a skin test by applying a small amount of tea tree oil on their skin and leaving it for at least 12 hours. If allergic reactions occur, they should either reduce the amount of oil or completely discontinue use.

The most common allergic manifestations are: mild to severe contact dermatitis, inflamed skin patches, blisters and rashes.

However, the risk of allergy is lower when using smaller amounts of tea tree oil that has been previously diluted.

Tea Tree Oil Can Be too Potent if Used in Large Amounts or Undiluted

It should absolutely be used at a lower concentration on sensitive skin area, such as the face, as well as on young children. When used topically, tea tree oil is often combined with a carrier oil to minimize irritating effects.

Applying 100% pure oil directly on skin may cause mild irritation such asredness, or stronger reactions like rashes, itching and blistering.

Research studies done on animals have also reported that topical application of excessive amounts of tea tree oil can result in mental and muscle weakness, tremor, walking difficulties, poor coordination and slowed brain activity.

However, even if diluted, tea tree oil may sometimes have a mild irritating and burning effect on the skin, which is not dangerous.

Do not Ingest Tea Tree Oil – It May Have Serious Side Effects

Tea tree oil should not be taken internally or ingested. It can be safely used orally, for example in mouthwashes and toothpastes, as long as it is spat out and not swallowed.

If the tea tree oil is consumed, the side effects can be very dangerous and toxic. Swallowing even a tiny amount can cause complications.

In minor cases, it may cause light weakness, dizziness, and confusion, as well as headache, muscle weakness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, drowsiness and rashes.

In more extreme cases it may provoke blood cell abnormalities, hallucinations and even induce coma. This is true for humans as well as for animals.

A Study Shows That Tea Tree Oil May Alter Hormonal Levels

In 2007, tea tree oil was under risk of being banned by the European Union, on the grounds that it was unsafe and unstable and that it may interfere with normal hormonal functions.

There have actually been three case reports of gynaecomastia, the enlargement of breasts in young boys, caused by topical application of tea tree oil. However, when the boys discontinued tea tree oil use, their condition went back to normal and the enlargement disappeared.

Some American researchers, in fact, think that certain oils may affect hormones and that continuous use of these oils may alter hormonal function.

However, cosmetic products that use the tea tree oil in concentrations of less than 1 per cent are considered safe.

Have you ever had any other side effects, different from the ones mentioned above? Please, describe them in the comments and let us know whether tea tree oil is good or bad for you.