5 Side Effects From Tea Tree Oil You Might Face

Tea tree oil is quite popular in aromatherapy. Although most of its benefits are yet to be established, it has been used widely for its medicinal properties. However, research has revealed certain undesirable effects of tea tree oil.

Depending on how you use it, tea tree oil may trigger adverse effects in certain individuals. In this post, we will discuss the safety of tea tree oil according to research. Tea tree has been found to be poisonous if taken internally. Since it is a refined composition of numerous naturally occurring chemicals, its misuse might be hazardous.

* May Cause Allergies

Allergic reactions to tea tree oil can range from mild skin inflammation to severe rashes. Though it can be used (without much apprehension) by people who are not allergic to it, caution must be exercised while using it in general.Anecdotal evidence suggests that using tea tree oil on dry or broken skin may cause skin irritation. The symptoms may include stinging, itching that burns, and mild to serious inflammation. Hence, doing a patch test before applying it is recommended.

* May Lead To A Bad Aftertaste

In a UAE study involving mouthwashes (one containing tea tree oil and the other containing a compound called cetylpyridinium chloride, or CPC), the CPC mouthwash was found to have a better antigingivitis effect. Tea tree oil had also induced a bitter aftertaste in one individual. The study concludes by stating that more research is needed to understand the antiplaque properties of tea tree oil.

* May Cause Hormonal Side Effects

Tea tree oil was found to cause breast growth in adolescent boys. Tea tree oil might act as a potential endocrine disruptor and cause this to happen. According to a report published by The New England Journal of Medicine, gynecomastia (enlargement of a man’s breasts due to hormonal imbalance) was resolved in most cases post the discontinuation of the use of tea tree oil.

* May Cause Diarrhea

One of the negative effects of tea tree oil is diarrhea. Ingestion of tea tree oil can cause diarrhea in certain cases. This can happen as a case of a severe allergic reaction to tea tree oil.

* May Cause Ear Damage

If applied undiluted to mucous membranes, tea tree oil may cause discomfort and swelling. If it is being used to treat ear infections (which tea tree oil is often used for), it is always best to mix it with a carrier oil. A carrier oil like almond or olive oil, in combination with diluted tea tree oil, can be placed in the ear canal to treat related infections.