The Essential Oil Evidence Matrix

An independent, sceptical assessment of the research behind essential-oil claims: what looks promising, what remains unproven and what deserves caution.

THE EVIDENCE, IN CONTEXT

What has been tested. What remains uncertain.

Explore the finding, the evidence behind it and the safety considerations. Each row concerns a specific preparation and outcome. An oil, an extract and a formulated medicine are not interchangeable.

How to read this guide

Promising benefit: A signal of benefit worth investigating. It is not a treatment recommendation or proof of effectiveness.
Mixed results: Results differ between studies, preparations or measured outcomes.
No demonstrated benefit: The relevant human studies did not establish the claimed benefit. Confidence still depends on study quality and size.
Not adequately tested: Direct human testing is absent or insufficient for this particular claim. This is different from evidence that a treatment does not work.

Evidence strength: Strong, moderate and limited describe our editorial confidence in direct human evidence, considering study design, consistency, size and relevance. Strong means consistent, convincing direct human findings; moderate means credible findings with important remaining limitations. Limited means the direct human evidence is small, inconsistent or otherwise uncertain. These are not formal GRADE ratings.

Indirect evidence concerns a different preparation, route, population or outcome. Laboratory research only describes experiments that do not establish effects in people. Neither is a low score for a completed clinical test.

Safety is separate: A promising finding does not establish safe use. Read the preparation-specific cautions and the full review. Classification pending means the record needs editorial assessment.

Numerical scores remain in individual assessments where available. They do not determine these labels or colours. This guide lists published structured assessments, not every article on the site.

46 published assessments

Scroll across the table to see safety information and full reviews.

Findings, evidence strength and safety by preparation and outcome
Oil, preparation & claim	Finding & evidence	What the research means	Safety & full review
Anxiety and relaxationBergamot Short-term bergamot inhalation Claim: Short-term anxiety with inhalation	Mixed results Limited human evidence	Several positive human signals coexist with negative controlled findings. Study limitations Small or short studies, open-label designs, non-placebo comparisons and blend trials.	No ingestion; skin phototoxicity and contact allergy require separate consideration; persistent anxiety needs care. Read full review: Bergamot – Short-term anxiety with inhalation →Evidence reviewed: 2026-09-14
Anxiety and relaxationGerman chamomile Studied oral German chamomile extract; not tea or essential oil Claim: Standardised oral extract for GAD symptoms	Mixed results Limited human evidence	Small trials suggest symptom benefit; the continuation trial did not establish relapse prevention. Study limitations Small studies, responder-enriched continuation design, shared study populations and different preparations.	Discuss allergy and drug interactions; never swallow essential oil to reproduce an extract trial. Read full review: German chamomile – Standardised oral extract for GAD symptoms →Evidence reviewed: 2026-09-14
SleepChamomile Chamomile tea, extract capsules and inhalation, evaluated separately Claim: Sleep quality	Mixed results Limited human evidence	Some chamomile preparations improve reported sleep quality, but controlled insomnia findings are mixed. Study limitations Tea, extracts and inhalation differ. Short studies, subjective outcomes, inconsistent controls and little evidence for sustained benefit.	Check allergy and medicine interactions, especially warfarin. Do not swallow essential oil; seek advice in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Read full review: Chamomile – Sleep quality →Evidence reviewed: 2026-09-14
EczemaChamomile Chamomile essential oil; extract creams are different products Claim: Atopic eczema: chamomile essential oil	Not adequately tested Indirect evidence	Insufficient direct evidence; extract creams and animal formulations are not bottled oil. Study limitations Short older cream study with marginal vehicle difference; animal evidence and formulation mismatch.	Potential allergy and irritation; do not replace eczema treatment or apply to infected skin. Read full review: Chamomile – Atopic eczema: chamomile essential oil →Evidence reviewed: 2026-09-13
PsoriasisChamomile Chamomile-pumpkin oleogel; separate essential-oil cell and mouse studies Claim: Psoriasis	Not adequately tested Indirect evidence	A chamomile-pumpkin gel has preliminary positive findings; chamomile essential oil alone is not established as effective. Study limitations Combined preparation, small four-week trial and withdrawals; essential-oil experiments in cells and mice do not establish patient benefit.	Avoid concentrated oil on plaques. Allergy and irritation are possible; retain prescribed psoriasis care. Read full review: Chamomile – Psoriasis →Evidence reviewed: 2026-09-14
Lyme diseaseCinnamon bark Cinnamon oil; culture experiments are not human treatment Claim: Human Lyme disease treatment	Not adequately tested Laboratory research only	Laboratory activity has not established a safe, effective human treatment. Study limitations Culture experiments, uncertain human exposure and no demonstrated clinical outcomes.	Do not swallow aromatherapy oil, apply concentrated oil to skin or delay indicated antibiotic care. Read full review: Cinnamon bark – Human Lyme disease treatment →Evidence reviewed: 2026-09-14
ToothacheClove Topical clove oil for untreated toothache Claim: Untreated toothache: topical clove oil	Not adequately tested Indirect evidence	Indirect evidence of surface numbing; no established treatment of the cause. Study limitations Needle-pain studies are not toothache trials. No demonstrated dental disease resolution.	Dental assessment is necessary; avoid ingestion and concentrated gum exposure. Read full review: Clove – Untreated toothache: topical clove oil →Evidence reviewed: 2026-09-13
Infant skin careCoconut Topical coconut oil in supervised preterm neonatal care Claim: Preterm infant skin condition	Promising benefit Limited human evidence	Clinical trials suggest improved skin condition with topical coconut oil in preterm neonatal care. Study limitations Different gestational ages, small trials and incomplete masking. Improved skin condition does not establish sepsis prevention or treatment of ordinary baby rashes.	Use only within the neonatal team’s care plan for a premature infant. Do not add essential oils or substitute kitchen products for prescribed care. Read full review: Coconut – Preterm infant skin condition →Evidence reviewed: 2026-09-14
EczemaCoconut Topical virgin coconut oil; not coconut-derived creams Claim: Virgin coconut oil in mild to moderate atopic eczema	Promising benefit Limited human evidence	Small direct trials support potential benefit as part of skin care, without establishing cure or replacement of prescribed treatment. Study limitations Limited populations and follow-up; newer derivative creams are different formulations.	Avoid irritating mixtures; infected or rapidly worsening eczema needs prompt assessment. Read full review: Coconut – Virgin coconut oil in mild to moderate atopic eczema →Evidence reviewed: 2026-09-14
PsoriasisCoconut Topical coconut oil, including use before phototherapy Claim: Psoriasis disease control	No demonstrated benefit Limited human evidence	Moisturising potential does not establish psoriasis control; the phototherapy adjunct trial was negative. Study limitations Small direct trial, narrow regimen and indirect dry-skin and eczema evidence.	Follow the phototherapy unit’s product advice and avoid irritating essential-oil mixtures. Read full review: Coconut – Psoriasis disease control →Evidence reviewed: 2026-09-14
WrinklesCoconut Topical coconut oil for established wrinkles Claim: Established wrinkles: topical coconut oil	Not adequately tested Indirect evidence	Moisturising studies do not establish lasting wrinkle reversal. Study limitations Research mainly addresses dry skin or eczema; populations, formulations and outcomes differ.	Stop if irritation occurs; coconut oil is not sunscreen. Read full review: Coconut – Established wrinkles: topical coconut oil →Evidence reviewed: 2026-09-13
SinusitisEucalyptus Inhaled eucalyptus oil; oral cineole is a different preparation Claim: Sinusitis: inhaled eucalyptus oil	Not adequately tested Indirect evidence	Cineole capsule trials cannot establish efficacy of inhaled eucalyptus oil. Study limitations Product and route mismatch; short-term capsule studies and indirect laboratory work.	Do not swallow aromatherapy oil or add it to nasal rinses; follow clinical advice. Read full review: Eucalyptus – Sinusitis: inhaled eucalyptus oil →Evidence reviewed: 2026-09-13
Anxiety and relaxationFrankincense Short-term frankincense inhalation Claim: Short-term relaxation: frankincense inhalation	Promising benefit Limited human evidence	A controlled procedural study provides a preliminary short-term anxiety signal. Study limitations Narrow setting, within-group abstract effect sizes, limited replication and an uncontrolled mixed-oil workplace pilot.	Stop uncomfortable exposure; do not swallow oil or copy research nebuliser protocols at home; persistent anxiety needs care. Read full review: Frankincense – Short-term relaxation: frankincense inhalation →Evidence reviewed: 2026-09-13
NauseaGinger Inhaled ginger alongside postoperative care Claim: Relieves short-term postoperative nausea alongside standard care	Promising benefit Limited human evidence	Promising short-term results, but insufficient for a dependable treatment recommendation. Study limitations Short observation periods, small trials, mixed preparations and uncertain vomiting outcomes.	Do not swallow aromatherapy oil or replace prescribed antiemetics. Persistent vomiting and dehydration need assessment. Read full review: Ginger – Relieves short-term postoperative nausea alongside standard care →Evidence reviewed: 2026-09-13
Anxiety and relaxationLavender Inhaled lavender in short-term clinical settings Claim: Reduces short-term situational anxiety	Promising benefit Limited human evidence	Inhaled aromatherapy may ease short-term anxiety in some clinical situations, but that is not evidence that a home diffuser treats an anxiety disorder. Study limitations The studies cover different clinical situations, comparison groups, oils, concentrations and delivery methods. Scent makes convincing blinding difficult, publication bias is possible, and results from short-term anxiety scales do not establish treatment of generalized anxiety or another diagnosed disorder.	A calming scent may be used as a comfort measure, not as a replacement for mental-health care. Stop exposure if it causes coughing, headache, nausea or breathing discomfort. Read full review: Lavender – Reduces short-term situational anxiety →Evidence reviewed: 2026-09-05
SleepLavender Inhaled lavender aroma Claim: Improves perceived sleep quality	Promising benefit Limited human evidence	Lavender aroma may modestly improve how some people rate their sleep, but the evidence does not establish an effective treatment for insomnia. Study limitations Trials vary in oil, dose, delivery method, population and duration. Many are small, blinding to a noticeable scent is difficult, and outcomes are often self-reported rather than objectively measured. Evidence about aromatherapy in a study cannot automatically be transferred to every consumer diffuser or to clinical insomnia.	Lavender aroma can cause headache or coughing in some people. Stop using a diffuser if it worsens breathing, headache or irritation, and do not use it instead of assessment or treatment for persistent sleep problems. Read full review: Lavender – Improves perceived sleep quality →Evidence reviewed: 2026-09-05
Dental anxietyLavender Lavender aromatherapy as an adjunct around dental treatment Claim: Dental anxiety	Promising benefit Limited human evidence	Lavender scent has promising evidence for reducing short-term anxiety around dental treatment. Study limitations Reviews disagree about certainty; many trials lack a credible scent control. Physiological findings are inconsistent and persistent dental phobia is not established as treated.	Discuss use with the dental team. Do not ingest or apply oil to teeth or gums, and do not replace local anaesthetic or necessary dental care. Read full review: Lavender – Dental anxiety →Evidence reviewed: 2026-09-14
EczemaLavender Mixed essential-oil massage; separate lavender cell experiments Claim: Eczema	Not adequately tested Limited human evidence	Standalone lavender oil is not established as an eczema treatment; a small mixed-oil massage study found no added benefit. Study limitations Laboratory cell findings and a small mixture study using different oils; no convincing standalone clinical efficacy identified.	Fragrance and contact allergy can worsen eczema. Avoid adding oil to creams; infected or rapidly worsening eczema needs assessment. Read full review: Lavender – Eczema →Evidence reviewed: 2026-09-14
Jaw painLavender Lavender massage for muscle-related TMD Claim: Muscle-related TMD: lavender massage	Promising benefit Limited human evidence	One encouraging trial; insufficient replication for a dependable treatment claim. Study limitations Single study, recognisable scent, incomplete abstract-level pairwise estimates and limited follow-up.	Assess unexplained jaw pain; avoid eyes, mouth and unsuitable massage products. Read full review: Lavender – Muscle-related TMD: lavender massage →Evidence reviewed: 2026-09-13
Labour comfortLavender Lavender inhalation or supervised aromatherapy massage during labour Claim: Labour pain	Promising benefit Limited human evidence	Small trials suggest lavender aromatherapy can reduce reported labour pain as an adjunct to maternity care. Study limitations Difficult masking, differing preparations and supportive care, and limited safety reporting. Key trials did not demonstrate shorter labour.	Discuss with the maternity team. Do not ingest, use to induce labour or substitute for requested analgesia or obstetric care. Read full review: Lavender – Labour pain →Evidence reviewed: 2026-09-14
Headache and migraineLavender Lavender inhalation during acute migraine Claim: Acute migraine symptoms with inhalation	Mixed results Limited human evidence	A small positive inhalation trial is not enough to establish dependable treatment benefit. Study limitations Small study, repeated attacks per participant, pooled heterogeneity and different preparations; new mechanism study is in mice.	Avoid scents that worsen symptoms, concentrated skin application and ingestion; new neurological symptoms need urgent care. Read full review: Lavender – Acute migraine symptoms with inhalation →Evidence reviewed: 2026-09-14
NauseaLemon Short-term lemon inhalation for mild pregnancy nausea Claim: Mild to moderate pregnancy nausea with inhalation	Promising benefit Limited human evidence	A small positive trial provides a preliminary signal; combination findings cannot isolate lemon. Study limitations Short duration, smell-related blinding difficulty and limited pregnancy safety outcomes.	No ingestion or home nebuliser recipes; dehydration and severe pregnancy sickness need clinical care. Read full review: Lemon – Mild to moderate pregnancy nausea with inhalation →Evidence reviewed: 2026-09-14
Anxiety and relaxationLemongrass Short-term lemongrass inhalation Claim: Short-term relaxation: lemongrass inhalation	Promising benefit Limited human evidence	Preliminary short-term human findings in experimental and dental settings. Study limitations Small adult studies, incomplete smell controls and no demonstrated anxiety-disorder recovery.	Keep exposure comfortable; avoid ingestion and concentrated skin contact. Read full review: Lemongrass – Short-term relaxation: lemongrass inhalation →Evidence reviewed: 2026-09-13
Menstrual symptomsMarjoram Marjoram alone; indirect evidence from a lavender, clary sage and marjoram massage cream Claim: Menstrual pain	Not adequately tested Indirect evidence	A marjoram-containing massage blend has preliminary human evidence; marjoram alone is not adequately tested. Study limitations One small three-oil blend trial cannot isolate marjoram. Within-group improvement and pooled studies of other oils do not establish a PMS treatment.	Do not ingest or apply concentrated oil. Persistent or severe pelvic pain needs assessment; seek advice if pregnancy is possible. Read full review: Marjoram – Menstrual pain →Evidence reviewed: 2026-09-14
ToothacheMyrrh Myrrh resin mouthwash after extraction or implant surgery Claim: Toothache	Not adequately tested Indirect evidence	Postoperative myrrh mouthwash findings do not establish myrrh essential oil as a toothache treatment. Study limitations Small short studies of different preparations after dental procedures; pain benefits were not established and infected teeth were excluded from the extraction trial.	Do not apply concentrated oil to teeth, gums or sockets. Seek dental care; swelling affecting breathing or swallowing is an emergency. Read full review: Myrrh – Toothache →Evidence reviewed: 2026-09-14
Lyme diseaseOregano Oregano oil and carvacrol in Borrelia cultures Claim: Lyme disease	Not adequately tested Laboratory research only	Oregano has laboratory anti-Borrelia activity, without established treatment benefit in people. Study limitations Culture experiments do not establish safe tissue exposure, clinical recovery or the cause of persistent symptoms.	Do not replace prescribed antibiotics with oregano oil or swallow aromatherapy oil. Seek assessment for suspected Lyme disease. Read full review: Oregano – Lyme disease →Evidence reviewed: 2026-09-14
Fungal nailsOregano Oregano oil alone; blend studies cannot isolate its effect Claim: Fungal toenail cure: oregano oil alone	Not adequately tested Indirect evidence	Laboratory promise and a mixed-product study do not establish oregano’s independent clinical efficacy. Study limitations No adequate controlled evidence for oregano alone; ex vivo lacquer research and uncontrolled mixtures answer narrower questions.	Avoid concentrated application and ingestion; seek assessment for diabetes, immune suppression or persistent infection. Read full review: Oregano – Fungal toenail cure: oregano oil alone →Evidence reviewed: 2026-09-13
Breathing comfortPeppermint Experimental menthol exposure; indirect evidence for peppermint aroma Claim: Eases perceived nasal breathing discomfort	Promising benefit Indirect evidence	Menthol can make breathing feel easier, but the limited evidence does not show that a peppermint-oil diffuser opens blocked airways or treats congestion. Study limitations The evidence concerns menthol delivered experimentally, not ordinary peppermint oil diffused in a home. A change in sensation is not the same as improved nasal airflow, treatment of infection or relief of the underlying cause of congestion.	Peppermint aromatherapy does not replace appropriate care for breathing difficulty. NCCIH says there is not enough reliable information to determine the safety or side effects of inhaled peppermint oil; menthol should not be applied to the face of infants or young children. Read full review: Peppermint – Eases perceived nasal breathing discomfort →Evidence reviewed: 2026-09-05
Headache and migrainePeppermint Studied topical peppermint preparation Claim: Relieves acute tension-type headache	Promising benefit Limited human evidence	A specific topical preparation has limited evidence for short-term tension-headache relief. Study limitations Small crossover trial and brief observation; cannot transfer to migraine, inhalation or other products.	New severe or sudden headache needs urgent assessment. Avoid eyes and mucous membranes; do not extrapolate adult preparations to children. Read full review: Peppermint – Relieves acute tension-type headache →Evidence reviewed: 2026-09-12
IBSPeppermint Formulated oral peppermint capsules in adults Claim: Relieves symptoms of adult irritable bowel syndrome with formulated oral capsules	Mixed results Limited human evidence	May help some adults; controlled results are inconsistent and preparation matters. Study limitations Very-low-certainty pooled evidence; rigorous negative trials; no extrapolation to children, tea or aromatherapy bottles.	Medicinal capsules only as directed. Reflux and other adverse effects occur. Unexplained symptoms need assessment. Read full review: Peppermint – Relieves symptoms of adult irritable bowel syndrome with formulated oral capsules →Evidence reviewed: 2026-09-13
Itching and skin symptomsPeppermint Studied topical peppermint preparations; combination scar hydrogel assessed separately Claim: Itching	Promising benefit Limited human evidence	Small studies suggest short-term itch relief from topical peppermint preparations. Study limitations Small, brief studies with different underlying causes; combination hydrogel results cannot isolate peppermint; no general rash-treatment claim.	Avoid concentrated oil and sensitive areas. Pregnancy-related itching requires clinical assessment; skin irritation and allergy are possible. Read full review: Peppermint – Itching →Evidence reviewed: 2026-09-14
NauseaPeppermint Peppermint inhalation alongside standard care Claim: Adjunctive nausea relief with inhalation	Mixed results Limited human evidence	Some positive setting-specific trials, but findings and certainty remain mixed. Study limitations Different causes, routes, mixtures, comparators and short-term endpoints.	Continue prescribed antiemetics; no ingestion of aromatherapy oil; pregnancy and persistent vomiting need appropriate care. Read full review: Peppermint – Adjunctive nausea relief with inhalation →Evidence reviewed: 2026-09-14
Anxiety and relaxationPeppermint Short-term peppermint inhalation Claim: Short-term relaxation with peppermint inhalation	Mixed results Limited human evidence	Some procedural trials are positive; wider and sustained benefits remain uncertain. Study limitations Short follow-up, imperfect blinding, no-intervention comparators and mixed-oil trials.	No ingestion or home nebuliser protocols; avoid exposure near infants and stop respiratory irritation. Read full review: Peppermint – Short-term relaxation with peppermint inhalation →Evidence reviewed: 2026-09-14
Hair lossRosemary Studied topical rosemary preparations Claim: Improves hair growth in androgenetic alopecia	Promising benefit Limited human evidence	Limited human evidence; equivalence to minoxidil is not established. Study limitations Small evidence base; no reliable equivalence claim; newer blends do not isolate rosemary.	Scalp irritation and contact allergy are possible. Seek assessment for worrying or unexplained hair loss. Read full review: Rosemary – Improves hair growth in androgenetic alopecia →Evidence reviewed: 2026-09-12
Memory and concentrationRosemary Inhaled rosemary aroma; oral herb and drink studies distinguished Claim: Memory performance	Mixed results Limited human evidence	Rosemary aroma has mixed short-term cognitive findings and no established dementia-treatment benefit. Study limitations Small or short studies; some test outcomes worsen or show no between-group difference. Drinks and capsules are distinct preparations.	Do not swallow essential oil or delay assessment of memory problems. Avoid irritating exposure and use practical medication reminders. Read full review: Rosemary – Memory performance →Evidence reviewed: 2026-09-14
EczemaSandalwood Sandalwood-containing creams compared with their vehicle Claim: Added eczema benefit: sandalwood-containing creams	No demonstrated benefit Limited human evidence	The controlled registry results do not establish an advantage over vehicle cream. Study limitations Small trial, uneven groups and no posted formal comparison for the secondary eczema response outcome; bottled oil differs.	Do not apply concentrated oil to eczema or replace prescribed care; fragrance allergy is possible. Read full review: Sandalwood – Added eczema benefit: sandalwood-containing creams →Evidence reviewed: 2026-09-13
Athlete’s footTea tree Studied 10% cream and 25–50% tea tree solutions Claim: Athlete’s foot: studied topical preparations	Mixed results Limited human evidence	Some formulations show antifungal benefit; others improve symptoms without reliable fungal clearance. Study limitations Small older trials, different vehicles and strengths, and incomplete comparison with current treatments.	Concentrated solutions can cause dermatitis; diabetes and concerning foot symptoms need clinical advice. Read full review: Tea tree – Athlete’s foot: studied topical preparations →Evidence reviewed: 2026-09-14
Eyelid conditionsTea tree Specialist tea tree-containing eyelid products for diagnosed Demodex blepharitis Claim: Demodex blepharitis	Mixed results Limited human evidence	Specialist tea tree eyelid products have uncertain benefits for Demodex blepharitis symptoms and mite counts. Study limitations Small heterogeneous trials, substantial risk of bias, mixed products and inconsistent symptom findings. Mechanical-treatment trials do not isolate tea tree.	Do not put bottled essential oil in or around the eyes. Use an appropriate clinician-advised eyelid regimen; pain or vision changes need urgent assessment. Read full review: Tea tree – Demodex blepharitis →Evidence reviewed: 2026-09-14
DandruffTea tree 5% tea tree shampoo Claim: Reduces dandruff severity	Promising benefit Limited human evidence	One short trial supports a specific 5% shampoo; broader and longer-term benefit remains uncertain. Study limitations Single-blind, four-week trial; no comparison with a standard antifungal shampoo and little replication.	Use only a suitable finished product as labelled. Stop for irritation. Do not swallow tea tree oil. Read full review: Tea tree – Reduces dandruff severity →Evidence reviewed: 2026-09-12
Indoor airTea tree Airborne tea tree oil in occupied rooms Claim: Disinfects occupied indoor air	Not adequately tested Laboratory research only	Laboratory antimicrobial findings do not show that diffusing tea tree oil safely disinfects a lived-in room or prevents human infection. Study limitations We found no persuasive human or occupied-home evidence that an essential-oil diffuser reduces infection. Chamber research instead confirms that diffusers add volatile organic compounds and particles to indoor air. Laboratory concentrations and direct contact with microbes are not equivalent to safe airborne use around people.	Do not use an essential-oil diffuser as infection control or in place of ventilation, cleaning or public-health guidance. Tea tree oil must not be swallowed, and exposure can irritate some people and animals. Read full review: Tea tree – Disinfects occupied indoor air →Evidence reviewed: 2026-09-05
EczemaTea tree Topical tea tree oil for atopic eczema Claim: Atopic eczema treatment	Not adequately tested Indirect evidence	Nickel-reaction experiments do not establish a dependable treatment for atopic eczema. Study limitations Different dermatitis models, concentrated preparations and inadequate direct atopic eczema evidence.	Tea tree can cause contact allergy; avoid concentrated applications and never swallow it. Read full review: Tea tree – Atopic eczema treatment →Evidence reviewed: 2026-09-14
Head liceTea tree Tea tree oil alone; combination products are different Claim: Tea tree alone for head lice	Not adequately tested Indirect evidence	Positive combination-product findings do not validate tea tree alone or a homemade shampoo mixture. Study limitations Multiple ingredients, differing treatment schedules, egg and live-louse outcomes, and different tea-tree species.	Avoid concentrated scalp applications, eyes and ingestion; use age-appropriate local treatment advice. Read full review: Tea tree – Tea tree alone for head lice →Evidence reviewed: 2026-09-14
Vaginal thrushTea tree Sequential probiotics and specialist tea tree suppositories; separate isolate studies Claim: Vaginal thrush	Not adequately tested Limited human evidence	Laboratory antifungal activity and a very small uncontrolled study do not establish tea tree as an effective thrush treatment. Study limitations Sequential probiotics and suppository treatment, no randomised comparator, nine completers; isolate studies do not establish clinical or pregnancy safety.	Do not insert essential oil or oil-soaked tampons. Use appropriate antifungal care and seek assessment for first, recurrent or persistent symptoms. Read full review: Tea tree – Vaginal thrush →Evidence reviewed: 2026-09-14
Fungal nailsTea tree Studied topical tea tree preparations Claim: Cures fungal toenail infection	Mixed results Limited human evidence	Limited clinical research does not establish dependable fungal cure. Study limitations Low culture-cure rate; appearance is a separate outcome; combination trial cannot isolate tea tree benefit.	Do not copy the undiluted trial regimen. Seek professional care with diabetes, impaired immunity, pain or spreading inflammation. Read full review: Tea tree – Cures fungal toenail infection →Evidence reviewed: 2026-09-12
PsoriasisTurmeric Distilled turmeric essential oil; not curcumin or turmeric extract Claim: Psoriasis treatment: distilled turmeric oil	Not adequately tested Indirect evidence	Curcumin and extract trials do not establish efficacy of distilled turmeric oil. Study limitations Different preparations, routes and adjunctive regimens; small trials and mixed findings.	Do not ingest aromatherapy oil or replace prescribed psoriasis care; supplement liver injury and topical reactions require separate consideration. Read full review: Turmeric – Psoriasis treatment: distilled turmeric oil →Evidence reviewed: 2026-09-13
Plantar fasciitisWintergreen Methyl salicylate-menthol patch; complex phytoterpenes in DMSO Claim: Plantar fasciitis	Not adequately tested Indirect evidence	Combination-product findings do not establish wintergreen oil alone as a treatment for plantar fasciitis. Study limitations Muscle-strain patch trial is indirect; small ten-day plantar trial tested a complex mixture with DMSO, without isolating wintergreen or measuring structural healing.	Concentrated methyl salicylate can cause serious poisoning. Do not swallow wintergreen oil or recreate experimental DMSO formulations. Read full review: Wintergreen – Plantar fasciitis →Evidence reviewed: 2026-09-14