Tea Tree Oil for Candida: Benefits & Scientific Evidence

Tea tree oil is an essential oil that is steam-distilled from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a small tree native to the Australian continent. For centuries, it has been valued as a natural herbal remedy for conditions such as acne, head lice infestations, cold sores and candida infections.

Clinical Research

• Clinical research has proven that tea tree oil and its components have a potent anti-fungal effect on candida infections.

Athlete's Foot

• Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) can be treated by massaging undiluted tea tree oil into the infected area three times a day. The same treatment is also effective for treating bromhidrosis, a condition characterized by foul-smelling feet.

Nail Infections

• Fungal nail infections may be treated with undiluted tea tree oil. This should be applied thrice daily until the infection is cured.

Vaginal Infections

• A solution of 1 tablespoon tea tree oil and 1 quart of water is prescribed as an anti-fungal douche for vaginal candida infections.

Skin Infections

• A cloth dipped into a solution of one part tea tree oil and five parts water can be used as a daily compress for candida skin infections. The compress should be held in place for 10 minutes.

Considerations

• While tea tree oil is safe for use as a topical anti-fungal treatment, it must not be ingested by mouth.