There are numerous benefits of tea tree oil. The oil, which comes from Melaleuca alternifolia, a tree that grows in Australia, can clean wounds and help clear up infections on the skin, including infections caused by fungus and those caused by bacteria. Other benefits of tea tree oil include its use as a hair and general cleaning agent. Some people claim that other benefits of tea tree oil include boosting the immune system, but evidence shows that ingesting the oil can be toxic.
Tea tree oil is considered effective for treating acne, fungal nail infections, and athlete's foot. A 5-percent solution of tea tree oil may work just as well in treating mild acne as a 5-percent solution of benzyol peroxide, but with less irritation. Tea tree oil may take longer to clear up acne, though. To get the benefits of tea tree oil without irritation, it's important that a person use only a 5-percent solution for acne.
Stronger concentrations of tea tree oil can treat athlete's foot and nail infections. A 100-percent concentration of the oil will usually clear up a toenail infection within six months. Diluted versions of tea tree oil do not appear to have the same benefits. If a person has athlete's foot, applying a 25- to 50-percent tea tree oil solution seems to kill the infection and relieve a person's symptoms, usually within a month. Lower concentrations can clear up symptoms but do not kill the fungus.
There are a few other believed benefits of tea tree oil that lack the scientific backing of using the oil to treat athlete's foot and acne. Some believe that the oil will treat both vaginal and oral yeast infections. It may also kill lice and scabies and mites that cause eye infections, though there isn't enough proof either way. Some people find that gargling with the oil kills bacteria in the mouth and helps prevent gum disease.
A person suffering from dandruff may find that washing her hair and scalp with a shampoo that contains a small amount of tea tree oil may cure the dandruff. A solution of tea tree oil and another oil, such as almond oil, can also help clear up cradle cap, a scalp infection in infants. Tea tree oil shampoo may also soothe a dry and itchy scalp.