Tea Tree

TEA TREE

Melaleuca alternifolia 

Common Name

Tea Tree

Family

Myrtaceae

Chinese Medicine Name

None

Ayurvedic Name

None

Parts Used

Leaves

Actions

Antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-parasitic, antiseptic

Energetics

Neutral and balancing  

Edible Uses

Not edible

Native To

Southeast coast of Australia  

Geographic Distribution

It may grow in other parts of the world in tropical and subtropical regions where there are swampy conditions.

 

  

 

 

Botanical Description & Identification 

An evergreen shrub with small aromatic needle-like leaves. The tree has dense pine sapling and can grow anywhere from 7-10 feet in height. Soft woody stems when immature, they eventually hardens with age. This tree has an aggressive growing robust tap root system that allows them to anchor the plant, making it suitable for the windy coasts of Australia.  

While it is generally considered a coastal plant, this tree can withstand colder temperatures and withstand light frosts.

Key Constituents

Terpinen-4-ol, Gamma-terpinene, Alpha-terpinene

Sustainability Issues

None known. 

Harvesting Guidelines

Harvesting is done every two to three years during spring and late summer when the leaves are mature. 

Uses

**BENEFITS OF TEA TREE:

Tea tree is known to:

*Prevent mold growth and expel mold
*Prevent and ease infections, especially of the skin
*Balance skin conditions, especially for acne
*Reduce inflammation (anti-inflammatory)
*Balance a dry scalp
*Soothe wounds
*Soothe ulcers
*Soothe conditions of the skin
*Act as a decongestant - expel mucus
*Aid in respiratory cleansing
*Repel bugs and pests
*Treat the condition of lice
*Dispel conditions of halitosis (bad breath)
*Dispel unwanted microbes (anti-microbial)
*Clean wounds (anti-septic)
*Dispel parasites (anti-parasitic)

Tea Tree is useful in the following more common disorders and diseases:

Halitosis, pneumonia, UTI, respiratory illness, bloodstream infections, strep throat, sinus infections, impetigo, MRSA, strep, candida, jock itch, athlete’s foot, toenail fungus, sore throats, cough, scabies, lice, acne, psoriasis, eczema, mold, insect bites, hair loss

Most common uses: 

Most commonly used for conditions of the hair including lice and dandruff, as well as common skin infections such as warts. 

Fun Facts:

 Tea Tree is:

* Tea tree is just as powerful and helpful as a household cleaning agent. 

* Tea tree is an effective stain remover. 

*  The tea tree was named by eighteenth century sailors, who made tea from the
   melaleuca tree. The name 'tea tree' stuck as its common name. In its origin,
   Australia, however, the name 'tea tree' refers to at least one other tree, therefore
   it's important to remember the true name, 'Melaleuca', when referencing what
   most of us know as 'tea tree'.

References

Apelian, N., & Davis, C. (2019). The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies: The Healing Power of Plant Medicine.

Cheel, E. (1924), Notes on Melaleuca with a Description of Two New Species, and a Variety.  Journal and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New South Wales 58 Journal and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New South Wales 58 : 189-197 (Paper)

Hoffman, D. (1987). The Herbal Handbook: A User's Guide to Medical Herbalism.

Lahhari, A. (2021). Native American Herbalist's Bible.

McIntyre, A. (2019). The Complete Herbal Tutor: The Definitive Guide to the Principles and Practices of Herbal Medicine.

Safety

Tea Tree is used as an essential oil and is generally considered safe. It should be well diluted, especially for little ones. 

Dose