Evidence supporting the use of: Tea Tree Oil
For the health condition: Abscesses
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) has a longstanding traditional use for treating skin infections, including abscesses, owing to its recognized antimicrobial and antiseptic properties in Australian Aboriginal medicine. Historically, the oil has been applied topically to wounds, cuts, and skin infections to help prevent or reduce infection. The primary bioactive compound, terpinen-4-ol, has demonstrated antibacterial activity in vitro, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus, a common pathogen in abscesses. However, while laboratory studies confirm tea tree oil’s broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects, there is a lack of robust clinical trials specifically evaluating its efficacy for abscess treatment in humans. Current scientific literature offers only limited case reports and small studies, often focusing on general skin infections or acne rather than abscesses specifically. Professional guidelines do not recommend tea tree oil as a primary or adjunct treatment for abscesses, and standard care usually involves incision and drainage along with antibiotics if needed. Thus, the use of tea tree oil for abscesses remains primarily supported by tradition, with some laboratory evidence suggesting potential benefit, but insufficient clinical data to support its effectiveness or routine use in this context.
Other ingredients used for Abscesses
activated charcoalaloe vera
bayberry
berberine
bergamot
black walnut
bromelain
burdock
chamomile
cowage seed
turmeric
curcumin
echinacea purpurea
garlic bulb
ginger
goldenseal
green tea
lavender
LH01-myoviridae
licorice root
magnesium
oregano
plantain
protein
scrophularia root
trypsin
vitamin C
bentonite
xanthium (cockleburs)
papaya
shen-chu
nut grass
clerodendrum indicum
punarnava
paederia foetida
blackboard tree
privet
boxthorne
pau d'arco
myrrh
siler root
amber
trichosanthes
sheep's sorrel
assam indigo
eucalyptus
stillingia
paw paw
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
indigo leaves
geranium
arnica
Ash
Asclepias cordifolia
Aquilegia viridiflora
Ardisia
acacia
Agave
Allicin
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
Aucubin
American Liverleaf
Aquilegia formosa
Andrographis
Alkanet
Alsonia scholaris
Ampelopsis
Asteracea
Abuta
Alkanna
Amor seco
Arisaema
Bee Propolis
Bai Ji
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Black-Eyed Susan
Balsam
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Brazillian peppertree
Bloodroot
Banyan
Bletilla
Boxwood
Bur-Reed
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Black root
Bassia scoparia
Boerhavia diffusa
Coconut
Calendula
Croton seeds
Calotropis gigantea
Colloidal Silver
Capillary Artemisia
Cinquefoil
Cymbidium goeringii
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cynoglossum grande
Celandine
California Pitcher Plant
Centipeda
Carrapichinho
Cedrus libani
Ceanothus integerrimus
Cynodon dactylon
Chiococca alba
Cocklebur
Castor Oil
Copaiba Oil
Cynanchum
Clerodendrum indicum
Casearia sylvestris
Catlaw Buttercup
Chrysophanics
Didymocarpus
DIVI-DIVI
Dragon's Blood
Davilla rugosa
European Elder
Erigeron
Elephant Vine
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Erodium cicutarium
Echinacea
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
European-Five Finger Grass
Garlic
Little ironweed
Mallow
Oak
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