🌿 Tea tree
Teebaum
Melaleuca alternifolia
The Australian tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) is an evergreen shrub or small tree belonging to the myrtle family (Myrtaceae). It is native to the moist coastal regions of eastern Australia, particularly New South Wales and Queensland.
The plant typically grows two to seven metres tall. It has narrow, needle-like aromatic leaves and pale, papery bark that peels away in thin layers. Its white to cream-coloured flowers develop in dense, brush-like clusters.
The principal medicinal and cosmetic product is the essential oil distilled from the leaves and young twigs. Tea tree oil contains various monoterpenes and monoterpene alcohols, particularly terpinen-4-ol, γ-terpinene and α-terpinene.
Laboratory studies have demonstrated antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity. The oil has traditionally been applied externally for minor skin complaints, superficial blemishes and certain fungal infections. Limited clinical research is available for some applications, particularly mild acne.
Effectiveness depends on the formulation and concentration. Laboratory findings do not necessarily demonstrate clinical effectiveness against infections in humans.
The plant typically grows two to seven metres tall. It has narrow, needle-like aromatic leaves and pale, papery bark that peels away in thin layers. Its white to cream-coloured flowers develop in dense, brush-like clusters.
The principal medicinal and cosmetic product is the essential oil distilled from the leaves and young twigs. Tea tree oil contains various monoterpenes and monoterpene alcohols, particularly terpinen-4-ol, γ-terpinene and α-terpinene.
Laboratory studies have demonstrated antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity. The oil has traditionally been applied externally for minor skin complaints, superficial blemishes and certain fungal infections. Limited clinical research is available for some applications, particularly mild acne.
Effectiveness depends on the formulation and concentration. Laboratory findings do not necessarily demonstrate clinical effectiveness against infections in humans.
Notes
Tea tree oil is intended only for appropriate external use. It must not be swallowed, as ingestion of even small quantities may cause poisoning.
Undiluted or oxidised tea tree oil may cause skin irritation and allergic contact dermatitis. Only suitably formulated preparations should be used. Avoid contact with the eyes, mucous membranes and ear canal.
Use in infants and young children, during pregnancy or while breastfeeding should be avoided without medical advice because adequate safety data are lacking.
Abscesses, serious skin infections, significant oral inflammation and herpes infections may require medical treatment. Tea tree oil is not an established substitute for appropriate care.
Antiviral and antiparasitic effects have primarily been investigated under laboratory conditions and should not be interpreted as proven clinical efficacy.
Undiluted or oxidised tea tree oil may cause skin irritation and allergic contact dermatitis. Only suitably formulated preparations should be used. Avoid contact with the eyes, mucous membranes and ear canal.
Use in infants and young children, during pregnancy or while breastfeeding should be avoided without medical advice because adequate safety data are lacking.
Abscesses, serious skin infections, significant oral inflammation and herpes infections may require medical treatment. Tea tree oil is not an established substitute for appropriate care.
Antiviral and antiparasitic effects have primarily been investigated under laboratory conditions and should not be interpreted as proven clinical efficacy.
Effects
- itch-relieving
- anti-inflammatory
- antifungal
- antibacterial
Conditions
- blackheads
- lip herpes
- athlete's foot
- acne
- abscesses
Application Areas
- wound care
- skin
Plant Parts
- Shoots
- leaf
Preparations
- essential oil
- extract
Contraindications
- breastfeeding
- pregnancy
- children under 6
- allergy