Evidence supporting the use of: Tea Tree Oil
For the health condition: Abrasions
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) has a long history of traditional use among Indigenous Australians for treating minor wounds and abrasions, and its antimicrobial properties have been validated in modern scientific research. Multiple in vitro studies have demonstrated tea tree oil's broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, particularly against organisms commonly implicated in skin infections, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. Several small clinical trials and case reports have reported that topical application of tea tree oil preparations may reduce infection risk and promote healing in minor skin wounds, including abrasions.
However, while laboratory and some clinical data support its antimicrobial efficacy, direct evidence from large, well-controlled clinical trials specifically focused on abrasions is limited. The available studies often include other types of wounds (e.g., cuts, surgical wounds, or acne lesions), and methodology varies. There are also concerns about skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals, particularly when using undiluted oil.
In summary, tea tree oil's use for abrasions is justified by both tradition and a moderate amount of scientific evidence, particularly regarding infection prevention. Clinical guidelines generally recommend it as an adjunct, not a primary, treatment, and suggest using diluted formulations to reduce risk of adverse reactions. More rigorous clinical trials are needed to fully establish efficacy and safety for this specific application.
Other ingredients used for Abrasions
Aloe verabeeswax
bisabolol
chamomile
turmeric
glycerin
goldenseal
gotu kola
hyaluronic acid
lavender
licorice root
microbial enzymes (proprietary)
mucin
plantain
protease
purified silver
slippery elm bark
vitamin C
zinc
chickweed
xanthium (cockleburs)
shen-chu
nut grass
clerodendrum indicum
paederia foetida
boxthorne
yarrow
moss
myrrh
siler root
oriental arborvitae
assam indigo
paw paw
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
arnica
impatiens
sea salt
Ash
Avens
Asiaticoside
Acacia
Agave
Agrimony
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
Alchemilla
Ajuga
Aquilegia formosa
Allantoin
Alkanet
Alsonia scholaris
Ampelopsis
Abuta
Alkanna
Bee Propolis
Bai Ji
Blackthorn
Balsam
Blackbrush
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Brazilian peppertree
Bee hive
Bloodroot
Benzoin
Bindweed
Banyan
Bletilla
Bee products
Bombax
Boerhavia diffusa
Calochortus
Comfrey
Centella triterpenes
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Colloidal Silver
Capillary Artemisia
Cinquefoil
Cattail
Cocoa Butter
Cymbidium goeringii
Cornflower
Cowherb
Centella asiatica
Celandine
Centipeda
Carrapichinho
Cedrus libani
Castile Soap
Cynodon dactylon
Cocklebur
Cynanchum
Casearia sylvestris
Didymocarpus
Dragon's Blood
Davilla rugosa
Epidermal Growth Factor
Erigeron
Elephant Vine
Erodium cicutarium
English Elm
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
Flueggea suffruticosa
Fomes fomentarius
Ficin
Fibrinase
fibroblast growth factor
Fir
Genipap
Gnaphalium
Gambir
Growth factors
Genipa americana
Gugambilla
Golden Shower Tree
Honey
Heal-All
Hydrocolloid
Henna
Iridoid glycosides
Immortelle
Jojoba Oil
Jessica's Sticktight
Kigelia africana
Kalanchoe pinnatum
Lacquertree
Lesser speargrass
Lilium polyphyllum
Lophira lanceolata
Lodhtree
lac resin
Lygodium
Lantana camara
Leptospermum scoparium
Little ironweed
Maritime Dock
Mountain horopito
Malva sylvestris
Matico
Mahonia
Milkweed
Marigold
Marking Nut Tree
Macaranga indica
Nimbidin
Oak
Oxystelma
Propolis
Purple Tephrosia
Povidone
Plantago
Panthenol
Plumbago zeylanica
Prolase
Red Alder
Resin
Red Spiderling
Rosa californica
Rhus glabra
Sanicle
Sesbania
Speedwell
Spanish Needle
Sausage Tree
Silverweed
Shikonin
Self-Heal
Smooth Alder
Sensitive Plant
Sericin
Sanguisorba
Sickle-leaf hare's ear
Stellaria dichotoma
Sapindus mukorossi
Stereospermum
Smoketree
Trumpet Vine
Tannins
Tridax
Thymol
Tea Tree Oil
Tagetes
Whiteweed
Witch Hazel
Waltheria ovata
Yerba Mansa
Other health conditions supported by Tea Tree Oil
AbrasionsAbscesses
Acne
Athlete's Foot
Bites and Stings
Blisters
Body Odor
Boils
Burns and Scalds
Carbuncles
Cuts
Dandruff
Dermatitis
Eczema
Fungal Infections
Gingivitis
Herpes
Impetigo
Insect Repellant
Itching
Jock Itch
Lice
Poison Ivy or Oak
Psoriasis
Rashes and Hives
Scabies
Scars / Scar Tissue
Scratches and Abrasions
Staph Infections
Sunburn
Thrush
Ulcerations (external)
Warts
Wounds and Sores