- Region
- Oceania
- Origin
- Melaleuca alternifolia; New South Wales and Queensland, Australia
Oceania · Other · № 22
Melaleuca alternifolia
Other · Oceania
Tea tree oil
Melaleuca alternifolia
An essential oil for external use. Limited research suggests possible effects for acne or athlete’s foot; evidence is preliminary.
Safety notes
Do not swallow: oral exposure can cause severe neurological symptoms. Topical products may irritate skin.
Preparation
Steam-distilled from leaves. Use only appropriate topical products as labelled; never swallow it.
Use in traditions
NCCIH describes Aboriginal Australian use of tea tree leaves for wounds, burns, and insect bites; practices differ among communities.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral, induces sweating, expectorant.
Preparation and amount
2–3 drops of oil per tsp of melted cocoa butter as a vaginal pessary for thrush; 1 drop in 10 drops of almond oil on a cold sore at the first tingle; undiluted drop on warts 2–3 times a day; on the gums for an abscess; cream for athlete's foot, ringworm, small wounds and insect bites.
Natural skin and hair care
Attributed effects
Antiseptic and antibacterial, fights acne; against dandruff and oily hair.
Preparation and amount
External: leaves in a patchouli cleanser; essential oil in witch hazel toner, acne toner and hair products against oily hair and dandruff.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Salve and balm