Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Photo: Tangopaso · Public domain
- Skin
- 2 conditions
- Licensed photo
Overview
Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) is a small evergreen native to Australia, with papery bark, narrow leaves, and white to cream flower spikes. Its leaves produce a pungent, antiseptic essential oil that’s central to Australian bush medicine, used widely in Western herbalism since the 1920s for skin infections and general disinfection.
Traditional uses & properties
Antiseptic & Antimicrobial: Targets bacteria, fungi, viruses; used in wounds, athlete’s foot, candida infections, and acne. Expectorant & Immune Support: Internally (low-dose, under supervision) for chronic cough, glandular fever, and some fatigue syndromes. Dental & Oral Health: As a mouthwash, helps gum infections and canker sores. Skin Infections: Effective for ringworm, lice, scabies, insect bites, and stings.
Traditional preparations
Preparation amounts are not shown for this herb. It is toxic, restricted, or otherwise unsafe to self-dose - the margin between a traditional dose and a harmful one is too small to publish as reference material. If you are considering it, that conversation belongs with a doctor or a qualified practitioner, not a website.
Safety & precautions
Essential Oil (Internal Use): Potentially toxic; avoid taking internally unless under professional supervision. Allergic Reaction: Rare but possible. Dilute before applying topically to sensitive skin.
Drug & food interactions
Interaction data is not available for this herb - talk to a pharmacist before combining it with any medication. A blank entry here means we have not documented interactions, not that none exist.
Habitat
Endemic to moist soils of New South Wales and Queensland, tea tree is now cultivated extensively in these regions. Harvested year-round, leaves and small branches are steam-distilled for the essential oil.
Traditionally used for
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Frequently asked questions
What is Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) traditionally used for?
Traditional sources describe Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) as follows: Antiseptic & Antimicrobial: Targets bacteria, fungi, viruses; used in wounds, athlete’s foot, candida infections, and acne. Expectorant & Immune Support: Internally (low-dose, under supervision) for chronic cough, glandular fever, and some fatigue syndromes. Dental & Oral Health: As a mouthwash, helps gum infections and canker sores. Skin Infections: Effective for ringworm, lice, scabies, insect bites, and stings.
How is Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) prepared?
Preparation amounts are not shown for this herb. It is toxic, restricted, or otherwise unsafe to self-dose - the margin between a traditional dose and a harmful one is too small to publish as reference material. If you are considering it, that conversation belongs with a doctor or a qualified practitioner, not a website.
What safety cautions apply to Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)?
Essential Oil (Internal Use): Potentially toxic; avoid taking internally unless under professional supervision. Allergic Reaction: Rare but possible. Dilute before applying topically to sensitive skin.
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