Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) has a long history of traditional use as an antimicrobial and antiseptic agent in Australian Aboriginal medicine. Its application for viral skin infections, including herpes simplex virus (HSV) lesions (cold sores and genital herpes), is based mainly on this traditional use and anecdotal reports rather than robust clinical research. Some in vitro studies have shown that tea tree oil and its components may have virucidal activity against HSV-1 and HSV-2 by disrupting the viral envelope, suggesting a potential mechanism for reducing viral infectivity. For example, a 2001 study (Schnitzler et al.) reported inhibition of HSV in cell cultures. However, clinical data in humans are scarce, limited to a few case reports and small observational studies, and there are no large-scale, randomized controlled trials confirming efficacy for herpes treatment. Reports of successful symptom relief are largely anecdotal, and safety concerns (such as skin irritation or allergic reactions) exist, especially with undiluted use. Overall, while tea tree oil is used traditionally and has some preliminary scientific support in laboratory settings, there is insufficient clinical evidence to confidently recommend it as an effective or primary treatment for herpes infections. Medical advice should be sought before use, especially for those with sensitive skin or allergies.

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