Tea tree oil is an essential oil extracted from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree native to Australia (1). Clinical evidence shows tea tree oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can have therapeutic effects (2). It’s the prominent reason why tea tree oil use has been a vital part of complementary and alternative medicine for ages. Despite its usefulness, little is known about the safety of tea tree oil in pregnancy. Besides, its use in sensitive individuals is known to cause skin irritation and allergy. Thus, the use of tea tree oil in pregnancy should be done under expert guidance. Keep reading to know more about the safety, possible benefits, and ways to use tea tree oil in pregnancy safely.
Is Tea Tree Oil Use Safe During Pregnancy?
According to the International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA), tea tree oil is generally regarded as safe for use during pregnancy (3). However, every pregnancy is different, and so are the effects of essential oils on the mother and her baby. Thus, you should consult your doctor or an aromatherapy expert before using tea tree oil. The expert will guide you about the appropriate dosages and mode of use (topical or diffusion) based on your and your baby’s overall health and the purpose of use. It is vital to note that ingestion of tea tree oil could have toxic effects on you and your baby. Therefore, never consume tea tree oil anytime during pregnancy. Here’s what you should know about tea tree oil use in each trimester of pregnancy.
First trimester
The first trimester of pregnancy brings several silent changes in you and your baby. Although your belly isn’t yet visible, the baby is growing, and their major body systems and organs (heart, brain, kidneys, eyes, and spinal cord) are forming and developing. It’s one of the main reasons that the first 12 weeks of pregnancy are considered sensitive (4). Therefore, several experts advise against using essential oil to avoid the risks of any adverse effects on the baby. Nevertheless, you may use tea tree-based cosmetic and general care products, such as mouthwash or facewash, as they don’t contain tea tree oil in quantities that can harm the baby.
Second trimester
In the second trimester, both you and your baby gain rapid weight. This weight gain is primarily due to fat accumulation in the fetus and your belly, which will likely cause the essential oil to get absorbed in the skin before it reaches the baby. Besides, all the major organ developments are complete. Thus, topical application of properly diluted tea tree oil for therapies, such as massage, is possibly safe. However, to be on the safe side, you should avoid applying tea tree oil on or around your belly.
Third trimester
Most women can use properly diluted tea tree oil in the third trimester safely. You can use tree oil on your skin to treat several ailments, such as skin rashes, or use it as a part of a solution for body massage. Remember not to apply it on the belly, near the eyes, nose, and mouth. Also, you can use tea tree oil-based products, such as mouthwash or moisturizer.
Are There Any Benefits Of Using Tea Tree Oil In Pregnancy?
Tea tree oil contains several bioactive compounds, such as alpha-terpinene, alpha-terpinolene, and gamma-terpinene (5). Research shows that these compounds impart antiseptic, antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties to tea tree oil. It’s owing to these properties that tea tree oil use has become prevalent, even during pregnancy. If you are using tea tree oil under guidance, you may reap some of its following benefits. Besides these, tea tree oil use might offer some benefits against insect bites and stings, nail fungus, and athlete’s foot (12).
What Are The Possible Risks Of Using Tea Tree Oil During Pregnancy?
Like any other essential oil, tea tree oil use could raise the risk of allergies and skin irritation in individuals with sensitive skin (10). It’s likely to occur after topical application of improperly diluted tea tree oil. Some of the symptoms you may experience in such cases are the following.
Dry, red, itchy skin Burning or stinging sensation on the affected site
Topical use of tea tree oil may trigger allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. It may cause the following symptoms (13).
Red rash Swelling of the affected site Very itchy, dry skin
In severe allergy, itching can get intense and lead to blisters that can ooze and secrete fluids. Severe allergy could cause skin symptoms mentioned earlier and cause the following symptoms as well.
Headache Vertigo Nausea Difficult breathing
Some reports claim that tea tree oil may induce uterine contractions, resulting in labor. However, there’s no clinical evidence to support this claim.
What Precautions Should You Take When Using Tea Tree Oil In Pregnancy?
Once your doctor approves the use of tea tree oil, follow these simple steps to ensure you use tea tree oil safely (14).
Plant’s general/Latin name Country of origin Extraction method (steam-distilled or cold-pressed) Plant part used in oil extraction (bark, root, leaf, or flower)
