Evidence supporting the use of: Tea Tree
For the health condition: Eczema
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) is sometimes used as a topical treatment for eczema due to its well-documented antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Laboratory studies have shown that tea tree oil can inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and fungi, which may be relevant since secondary infections are common in eczema. Additionally, some in vitro and animal studies suggest that tea tree oil's major component, terpinen-4-ol, may inhibit inflammatory mediators involved in skin inflammation.
Despite these promising properties, clinical evidence supporting tea tree oil for eczema in humans is limited. A few small studies and case reports suggest that topical tea tree oil preparations may reduce itching and improve symptoms, but these are often limited by small sample sizes and methodological weaknesses. Additionally, tea tree oil is a known skin irritant and allergen for some individuals, which can actually exacerbate eczema in sensitive patients.
In summary, while there is some scientific rationale and limited evidence supporting the use of tea tree oil in eczema, robust clinical trials are lacking, and its potential to cause irritation means it should be used cautiously. Most guidelines do not formally recommend tea tree oil for eczema due to insufficient high-quality evidence and safety concerns.
Other ingredients used for Eczema
aloe veraalpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
bacillus coagulans
beta caryophyllene
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium breve
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
bio ecolian (proprietary)
bisabolol
black cumin
borage oil
burdock
cannabis sativa oil
chamomile
coating
coconut milk
colostrum
curcumin
d-alpha tocopherol
evening primrose oil
forsythia
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
gotu kola
heartwood
hemp oil
Indian tinospora
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus paracasei
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lactoferrin
lauric acid
licorice root
linoleic acid (LA)
luteolin
marine lipid
marshmallow
oat
omega-3 fatty acids
oregano
oregon grape
perilla
phellodendron amurense
plantain
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
sage
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
slippery elm bark
sphaeranthus indicus
streptococcus thermophilus
thyme
triphala
vitamin D3
vitamin E
zinc
chickweed
typhonium
xanthium (cockleburs)
papaya
neem tree
nut grass
clerodendrum indicum
paederia foetida
tinospora cordifolia
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
peony
dodder
fern
sweetgums
morinda
oriental arborvitae
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
birch
polyphenols
fulvic acid
menthol oil
aster root
paw paw
melaleuca alternifolia
indigo leaves
geranium
Ash
Avens
Ardisia
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Albizia
Ajuga
Aucubin
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Allantoin
Asteracea
Argan nut oil
Amor seco
Arisaema
Bee Propolis
Black Seed
Bifidobacterium
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Babchi
Baphicacanthus cusia
Broussonetia
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Boswellic Acid
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Banyan
Bifidobacterium animalis
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Bacteria
Borage
Bifidobacteria
Boerhavia diffusa
Borneol
Coconut
Centella triterpenes
Caryophyllene
Calendula
Cinnamomum
Calotropis gigantea
Colloid
Cocoa Butter
Curcumen
Centipeda
Curcuma
Castile Soap
Costus
Castor Oil
Copaiba Oil
Celosia
Dianthus
Epidermal Growth Factor
European Elder
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Erodium cicutarium
Emu Oil
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
Evening Primrose Oil
Ethyl Linoleate
European-Five Finger Grass
Embelia
Flueggea suffruticosa
Fang-Feng
Ficus religiosa
Fatty acids
Ficus simplicissima
Frankincense
Goldthread
Gnaphalium
Giant Blazingstar
Gardenia jasminoides
Hedyotis
Little ironweed
Mallow
Orchid
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Silk protein
Sumac
Zucchini
Other health conditions supported by Tea Tree
AcneAthlete's Foot
Bites and Stings
Boils
Burns and Scalds
Cuts
Dandruff
Dermatitis
Eczema
Fungal Infections
Gingivitis
Herpes
Impetigo
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Insect Repellant
Itching
Jock Itch
Lice
Poison Ivy or Oak
Rashes and Hives
Scabies
Scratches and Abrasions
Skin (infections)
Staph Infections
Stye
Thrush
Warts
Wounds and Sores