Tea-Tree

(Melaleuca Alternifolia)

Extracts from the Australian tea tree were originally used by the Aborigines as a wound remedy and by the Second World War it was a regular component in field dressing kits among Australian troops. The plant was first studied in Europe in the 1920s when French researchers found that tea tree oil, collected by steam distillation, was a more effective antiseptic than phenol and also identified its impressive antibiotic properties. In the past few years a thriving tea tree industry has grown up which has led to a number of highly adulterated oils appearing on the market.

Source: Moist areas on the northern coast of New South Wales and southern Queensland, Australia.

Part used: Essential oil.

Actions: anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antiseptic, anti-viral. diaphoretic, expectorant

Medicinal Uses: Candida, fungal infections, acne, sore throat (diluted and used as a gargle).
Used traditionally by Aborigines as a local antiseptic.
A drop of tea tree oil can help prevent cold sores developing if applied as soon as the pricking sensation that heralds the sore starts, or it can help soothe them once they appear.
It is also effective on warts, verrucas and insect bites.
True tea tree oil is one of the few which does not usually irritate mucous membranes and it can be used neat on the skin.
A few drops added to tampons make a topical treatment of vaginal thrush (insert and leave them for no longer than four hours).
The oil, used neat on a comb or added to shampoos, can be used for head lice and nits in children.
Tea tree oil also stimulates the immune system and if taken internally (not recommended without professional guidance) acts as an expectorant and diaphoretic, making it useful for chills and coughs.


Forms available: Essential oil, vaginal suppositories, an ingredient in deodorants and other body-care products.

Usage: Tea tree is readily available both as oil and in creams and is an essential household standby for use in antiseptic dressings for cuts and grazes, for acne and other skin infections, or applied to all sorts of fungal infections (including thrush and athlete's foot).

Caution: Do not take the essential oil internally; if using as a gargle, spit out and rinse the mouth.