What is tea tree oil?

Tea tree oil is a yellowish oil that is obtained from the leaves of a plant called Melaleuca alternifolia, which is native to Australia. It has been used to treat fungal conditions and also as an antiseptic.

Tea tree oil has been effective in treating toenail fungus, as stated by WebMD. It has also been suggested as a topical treatment for herpes labialis, but it has not provided satisfactory results. Research on tea tree oil is ongoing, so it is not a proven medication. Therefore, there is no a recommended dose that a person can take. Tea tree oil can cause different complications, including severe allergic reactions.