Is Australian Tea Tree Oil compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Australian Tea Tree Oil?

Australian Tea Tree Oil

January 13, 2015 (Low Risk)

It is used the essential oil from leaves and buds that contains: cineole and terpineol.

Used on skin due to antiseptic, anti-fungal and insect-repellent properties. Effective for topical treatment of acne.

Toxic for oral ingestion, especially in very young infants.

At latest update, relevant published data on excretion into breast milk were not found.

Avoid application on the nipple since essential oil is highly toxic for the Nervous System.

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Australian Tea Tree Oil.

Very Low Risk

Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

Low Risk

Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

High Risk

Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.

Very High Risk

Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.

Synonyms

  • Melaleuca alternifolia
  • Melaleuca leucadendra
  • Масло Чайного Дерева

Drug trade names

References

  1. Committee for Herbal Medicinal Products. Community list entry on Melaleuca alternifolia (Maiden and Betch) Cheel, M. linariifolia Smith, M. dissitiflora F. Mueller and/or other species of Melaleuca, aetheroleum. EMA/HMPC/281620/2013 2013 Full text (in our servers)
  2. Block SL. The possible link between gynecomastia, topical lavender, and tea tree oil. Pediatr Ann. 2012Abstract Full text (in our servers)
  3. Hammer KA, Carson CF, Riley TV, Nielsen JB. A review of the toxicity of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil. Food Chem Toxicol. 2006Abstract
  4. Carson CF, Hammer KA, Riley TV. Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) oil: a review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2006Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  5. Morris MC, Donoghue A, Markowitz JA, Osterhoudt KC. Ingestion of tea tree oil (Melaleuca oil) by a 4-year-old boy. Pediatr Emerg Care. 2003Abstract
  6. Petry JJ, Hadley SK. Medicinal herbs: answers and advice, part 1. Hosp Pract (1995). 2001Abstract
  7. WHO. World Health Organization. Geneva. WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants. Volume 2. WHO monographs. 1999 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  8. Del Beccaro MA. Melaleuca oil poisoning in a 17-month-old. Vet Hum Toxicol. 1995Abstract
  9. Jacobs MR, Hornfeldt CS. Melaleuca oil poisoning. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol. 1994Abstract