Last update March 20, 2025

Australian Tea Tree Oil

Likely Compatibility

Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.

TOPICAL USE ONLY!

The essential oil of the buds and leaves containing 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol) and terpineol is used. It is used topically on the skin for its antiseptic, antifungal and insect repellent properties. Effective in the topical treatment of acne. (Fitoterapia.net, EMA 2013, Carson 2006, WHO 2002)

At least one of its components, eucalyptol (1,8-cineole) is excreted in milk, conferring it a characteristic odor. (Debong 2024 and 2021, Kirsch 2013 and 2012)

It has been proposed as a treatment and prevention of cracked nipples in the early postpartum days (Şahin 2023), but should not be applied on the maternal breast as the cineol of the ingested essential oil is very toxic to the nervous system, especially in young children. (Waldman 2011, Halicioglu 2011, Morris 2003, Del Beccaro 1995, Jacobs 1994)

It should not be ingested as systemic use is toxic (Hammer 2006, Moris 2003). In some countries, such as Spain, its sale to the public has been prohibited or restricted due to its toxicity. (MSC 2004)

Topical use is compatible with breastfeeding provided it is not applied on the breast.

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

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Other names

Australian Tea Tree Oil in other languages or writings:

Group

Australian Tea Tree Oil belongs to this group or family:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Australian Tea Tree Oil in its composition:

List of 25 tradenames

References

  1. Fitoterapia.net. Vanaclocha B, Cañigueral S. Fitoterapia.net. 1992 - - Disponible en: https://www.fitoterapia.net. Consulted on March 12, 2025 Abstract
  2. Debong MW, Homm I, Gigl M, Lang R, Hofmann T, Buettner A, Dawid C, Loos HM. Curry-Odorants and Their Metabolites Transfer into Human Milk and Urine. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2024 Apr;68(8):e2300831. Abstract
  3. Şahin E, Yildirim F, Büyükkayaci Duman N. Effect of Tea Tree Oil and Coconut Oil on Nipple Crack Formation in the Early Postpartum Period. Breastfeed Med. 2023 Mar;18(3):226-232. Abstract
  4. Debong MW, N'Diaye K, Owsienko D, Schöberl D, Ammar T, Lang R, Buettner A, Hofmann T, Loos HM. Dietary Linalool is Transferred into the Milk of Nursing Mothers. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2021 Dec;65(23):e2100507. Abstract
  5. Committee for Herbal Medicinal Products. Community list entry on Melaleuca alternifolia (Maiden and Betch) Cheel, M. linariifolia Smith, M. dissitiflora F. Mueller and/or other species of Melaleuca, aetheroleum. EMA/HMPC/281620/2013 2013 Full text (in our servers)
  6. Kirsch F, Horst K, Rohrig W, et al. Tracing metabolite profiles in human milk: Studies on the odorant 1,8-cineole transferred into breast milk after oral intake. Metabolomics. 2013;3:47–71
  7. Kirsch F, Buettner A. Characterisation of the metabolites of 1,8-cineole transferred into human milk: concentrations and ratio of enantiomers. Metabolites. 2013 Jan 30;3(1):47-71. Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  8. Kirsch F, Beauchamp J, Buettner A. Time-dependent aroma changes in breast milk after oral intake of a pharmacological preparation containing 1,8-cineole. Clin Nutr. 2012 Abstract
  9. Block SL. The possible link between gynecomastia, topical lavender, and tea tree oil. Pediatr Ann. 2012 Abstract Full text (link to original source)
  10. Waldman W, Barwina M, Sein Anand J. [Accidental intoxication with eucalyptus oil--a case report]. Przegl Lek. 2011 Abstract
  11. Halicioglu O, Astarcioglu G, Yaprak I, Aydinlioglu H. Toxicity of Salvia officinalis in a newborn and a child: an alarming report. Pediatr Neurol. 2011 Oct;45(4):259-60. Abstract
  12. Hammer KA, Carson CF, Riley TV, Nielsen JB. A review of the toxicity of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil. Food Chem Toxicol. 2006 Abstract
  13. Carson CF, Hammer KA, Riley TV. Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) oil: a review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2006 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  14. MSC - Ministerio de Sanidad y Consumo de España. ORDEN SCO/190/2004, de 28 de enero, por la que se establece la lista de plantas cuya venta al público queda prohibida o restringida por razón de su toxicidad. BOE 2004; 32:5061-6065 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  15. Morris MC, Donoghue A, Markowitz JA, Osterhoudt KC. Ingestion of tea tree oil (Melaleuca oil) by a 4-year-old boy. Pediatr Emerg Care. 2003 Abstract
  16. WHO. World Health Organization. Geneva. WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants. Volume 2. WHO monographs. 2002 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  17. Del Beccaro MA. Melaleuca oil poisoning in a 17-month-old. Vet Hum Toxicol. 1995 Abstract
  18. Jacobs MR, Hornfeldt CS. Melaleuca oil poisoning. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol. 1994 Abstract

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