Tea Tree Oil – Can You Ingest It?
Tea Tree oil is an essential oil used for its antiseptic and anti-fungal properties. It is often applied topically to treat skin infections and conditions such as athlete’s foot. Many people wonder if it is also safe to ingest tea tree oil.
Is Tea Tree Oil Safe to Ingest?
The short answer is ‘No’. Tea tree oil is generally intended for external use and is not considered safe to ingest. If taken orally, it can cause serious side effects such as comas, liver and kidney damage, and even death.
Possible Risks of Ingesting Tea Tree Oil
Ingesting tea tree oil can cause a variety of dangerous and uncomfortable side effects due to its high concentration of terpinen-4-ol. These include:
- Upset Stomach – ingesting tea tree oil can cause stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Hallucinations – high doses of tea tree oil have been known to cause hallucinations and an inability to discern reality.
- Toxicity – tea tree oil contains toxic compounds that can cause liver and/or kidney damage or failure if ingested in large enough quantities. It can also lead to confusion, changes in heart rate and breathing rate, coma, and even death.
Conclusion
Tea Tree oil is best used externally and not ingested. It is toxic and can cause serious side effects if taken orally. If you have any questions or concerns, it is best to consult your doctor before using tea tree oil.
