Evidence supporting the use of: Tea Tree
For the health condition: Boils
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) is commonly used as a topical remedy for boils due to its well-established antimicrobial properties. Several in vitro studies have demonstrated that tea tree oil exhibits broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus, a common causative agent of boils. For example, a study published in Letters in Applied Microbiology (2000) found that tea tree oil was effective in inhibiting the growth of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Additionally, a small randomized clinical trial (Australasian Journal of Dermatology, 1993) assessed tea tree oil in the treatment of superficial skin infections and found it as effective as standard treatments for some bacterial infections.
Despite these promising results, direct clinical evidence for tea tree oil specifically in the treatment of boils (furuncles) is limited. Most supporting evidence is extrapolated from its antimicrobial effects and clinical use in related skin infections. Professional guidelines do not currently endorse tea tree oil as a first-line or standard treatment for boils, and more robust, high-quality clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety for this specific use.
In summary, while there is a plausible scientific basis and preliminary clinical support for the use of tea tree oil in managing boils due to its antibacterial properties, the overall quality and quantity of direct evidence remains modest.
Other ingredients used for Boils
activated charcoalajoene
allspice
aloe vera
bayberry
black walnut
burdock
bасора
chamomile
clove
cowage seed
turmeric
curcumin
garlic bulb
goldenseal
Japanese sophora
lavender
LH01-myoviridae
magnesium
oregano
oregon grape
parsley
plantain
purified silver
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
vitamin E
zinc
bentonite
squawvine
typhonium
xanthium (cockleburs)
shen-chu
mugwort
Indian bael
neem tree
nut grass
clerodendrum indicum
ferula assafoetida
punarnava
commiphora
paederia foetida
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
rubia cordifolia
boxthorne
buckthorn
myrrh
siler root
amber
fern
hyacinth bean
morinda
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
wintergreen
camphor oil
stillingia
paw paw
white oak
herbal blend (proprietary)
melaleuca alternifolia
indigo leaves
geranium
arnica
Ash
Avens
Aquilegia viridiflora
Anthraquinone
Ardisia
acacia
Agave
Agrimony
Allicin
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
Aconite
Andrographolide
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Aquilegia formosa
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
Alkanet
Alsonia scholaris
Ampelopsis
Asteracea
Alliin
Abuta
Alkanna
Amor seco
Arani
Arisaema
Bee Propolis
Bermuda Grass
Babchi
Bai Ji
Baliospermum
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Black-Eyed Susan
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Butea monosperma
Black galingale
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Brazillian peppertree
Bael
Bloodroot
Benzoin
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Banyan
Bletilla
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Black root
benzyl isothiocyanate
Bassia scoparia
Boerhavia diffusa
Borneol
Coconut
Curry leaf
Calendula
Croton seeds
Calotropis gigantea
Colloidal Silver
Capillary Artemisia
Cinquefoil
Cyathula
Carry Me Seed
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cynoglossum grande
Cedar
California Pitcher Plant
Centipeda
Cedrus libani
Castile Soap
Cynodon dactylon
Chiococca alba
Cocklebur
Copaiba Oil
Celosia
Clerodendrum indicum
Chrysophanics
Dianthus
Didymocarpus
DIVI-DIVI
Dragon's Blood
Devil's Club
Davilla rugosa
Dichrostachys glomerata
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Erodium cicutarium
Eclipta
Echinacea
Emu Oil
Essential Oil Blend
Elephant's Head
Eupatorium
Euphorbia
European-Five Finger Grass
Embelia
Eugenol
Garlic
Iris
Little ironweed
Mallow
Oak
Poppy
Spikenard
Other health conditions supported by Tea Tree
AcneAthlete's Foot
Bites and Stings
Boils
Burns and Scalds
Cuts
Dandruff
Dermatitis
Eczema
Fungal Infections
Gingivitis
Herpes
Impetigo
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Insect Repellant
Itching
Jock Itch
Lice
Poison Ivy or Oak
Rashes and Hives
Scabies
Scratches and Abrasions
Skin (infections)
Staph Infections
Stye
Thrush
Warts
Wounds and Sores