How Do I Use Tea Tree Oil for Herpes?

There are a couple of different ways in which you can use tea tree oil for herpes, but there are three methods that are usually considered the most common. Many people apply the oil directly to the outbreaks, usually with a cotton swab; suspending the oil in olive or vitamin E oils is also popular, particularly if you’ve never used tea tree oil on your skin before or you’re worried about a reaction or sensitivity. You can also dilute the oil in a warm bath or use it in conjunction with a hot compress on the affected areas. In most cases you’ll want to put the oil directly on your outbreak, since it doesn’t tend to be as effective ingested as it is topically. It’s important to realize that the oil can’t actually cure your herpes, no matter how effective it is at reducing outbreaks and discomfort. As such, you’ll still need to exercise caution to avoid spreading the disease to others.

Tea tree oil comes from the bark and leaves of the tea tree plant, which is native to Australia and New Zealand. It is a well-known antiseptic and can help alleviate a number of skin irritations and aggravations. People use it to treat both oral and genital herpes, though the success rate is often dependent on things like strength of the initial infection and individual biological differences.

The herpes virus can be somewhat complicated, but in general it comes in two forms: herpes simplex, which is responsible for things like cold sores and skin irritations in and around the mouth, and genital herpes, a sexually transmitted disease that leaves open sores and itchy rashes on the genitals. Both are quite contagious, but in different ways and at different strengths. Tea tree oil can often help with the outbreaks of each, though.

One of the easiest ways to use tea tree oil for herpes is to use a cotton swab to directly apply the oil to the affected area. Tea tree oil can be harsh on the skin and is prone to causing skin irritation if used without dilution, so it’s often best to start slow. Genital lesions may be especially prone to becoming irritated, so it is best to treat one lesion to see how the skin reacts before applying the oil to multiple areas.

It is relatively easy to create a diluted mixture of tea tree oil, and several types of formulations are possible. Trying a dilution might be best for you if you have sensitive skin or if a quick test of direct application caused more aggravation than it cured. The simplest solution involves little more than oil and water; you can usually mix these together in a dish or bowl, then use a small dropper or damp cloth to apply the solution to your skin.

Many people also have good luck using what’s known as a “carrier oil,” basically another, gentler oil that can help transfer the tea tree oil and can improve its absorption into the skin. Breaking open a vitamin E capsule is one popular method, as is mixing in a bit of olive or almond oil.

You can also use the oil in a warm bath or in conjunction with a warm compress. Soaking the lesions can often help them heal faster since the warmth of the bath or the compress can cause the skin’s pores to open and be more receptive to healing and oil absorption. Getting good results often requires pretty high concentrations of the oil in your water, and you’ll usually need at least 20 minutes of soaking time.

There is no reliable scientific evidence supporting the use of tea tree oil for herpes, and in most places it’s considered to be something of a home remedy or “alternative” approach. Oils aren’t usually regulated by government oversight agencies the way medications and pharmaceutical drugs are, so there can be differences when it comes to purity and strength.

As effective as the oil may be at containing your outbreaks, it isn’t able to solve them or cure them at their root, and it won’t be able to prevent you from infecting others. The condition will remain contagious, and proper precautions should be used to prevent the spread of the disease. Most medical experts recommend that the oil be used only in conjunction with other medical advice and treatment.

Tea tree oil is not the only essential oil that can mitigate herpes symptoms. Combining tea tree oil with some of the following products may provide added benefits to your treatment regimen:

Lavender oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. While not shown to be an effective remedy for herpes, lavender oil can reduce inflammation and itching when combined with tea tree oil.

Peppermint oil has antiviral and antibacterial properties. The menthol in the oil will help keep you moisturized and prevent sores from splitting or cracking.

Carvacrol, the active ingredient in oregano, has been shown to reduce surface transmission of certain viruses like herpes, but it does not affect the virus inside the body. Although it does not impact how the virus replicates, it can be helpful in combination with tea tree oil.

Diluted clove oil can act as a topical anesthetic to reduce pain caused by cold sores. Clove oil also has antimicrobial properties that may help fight the virus.

Cinnamon oil has antiviral properties. A small study from 2007 found that a cream containing cinnamon oil effectively reduced symptoms of HSV-2. Cinnamon oil is powerful, but a diluted preparation could be decisive when paired with tea tree oil.

This oil is effective at temporarily stopping the activity of the herpes virus and the development of cold sores. This oil also has soothing effects on the skin.

Eucalyptus oil has both antiviral and antibacterial properties. A small study from 2002 found that eucalyptus oil effectively reduced symptoms of HSV-2 by preventing a full-blown outbreak.

Sandalwood oil can prevent the herpes virus from replicating by rendering it inactive. Sandalwood oil also has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.

Chamomile works to stop the herpes virus from entering cells. This process works differently than the process seen with antiviral medication. Chamomile also has anti-inflammatory effects.

Lemon balm works fast if applied at the first sign of an outbreak. Studies report that cold sore development stops upon regular application of this oil.

Basil oil works by inhibiting the virus from attaching to and entering cells. This essential oil is also a powerful antioxidant.

Cypress oil has astringent, antiseptic, and antimicrobial properties that can fight bacterial infections, fungi, and viruses. Cypress oil can also help to heal wounds and reduce inflammation.

Combining aloe vera and tea tree oil can help soothe the skin and speed healing. Aloe vera has antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. When combined with tea tree oil, this dynamic duo can help dry out lesions, reduce pain, and speed up healing time.

Aloe vera dilutes the concentration of tea tree oil and should be used in a 1:1 ratio. This will prevent skin problems related to using tea tree oil undiluted.

Essential oils are potent and can cause skin problems if not adequately diluted. Using a product that already contains tea tree oil can help prevent skin irritation while still offering benefits in mitigating herpes outbreaks. Make sure to choose a product with at least 5% tea tree oil. 

Tea tree oil works well in body wash when combined with peppermint oil. This pairing is an effective way to obtain benefits from these oils in a healthy concentration for the skin.

Tea tree balm is excellent for soothing cold sores. This product can be applied directly to the sore to relieve itching, burning, and cracking.

Hand sanitizer that contains tea tree oil can help prevent the spread of HSV-1. This is especially important when you cannot wash your hands regularly.

Lip balm that contains tea tree oil can help relieve the symptoms of cold sores while also providing a barrier to prevent the spread of the virus.

Spot treatment paste is a tea tree oil product often used for treating acne, but it can also work to slow herpes outbreaks. Apply it to any area where a sore is developing.

As you can see, there's no shortage of options when it comes to tee tea products for herpes. Pick the ones that best suit you to mitigate the symptoms of this annoying virus!