(Melaleuca alternifolia)

The tea tree is a small tree in the myrtle family that grows in Australia and Asia.

Interest in the tree oil emerged in the 1920s when Australian researchers found it had up to thirteen times greater antiseptic activity than Carbolic acid, then a well-know germicide. The oil kills fungus and bacteria, including those resistant to some antibiotics.

Tea tree oil is now one of Australia’s more popular herbal exports. Clinical trial provides evidence that topical use of Tea tree oil is effective against common acne.

Health Concerns
Acne (topical), Athlete foot (Topical), Toenail Fungal Infection (Topical)

Actions / Properties
Anti-microbial, Anti-biotic, Anti-septic, Anti-fungal, Anti-parasitic

Constituents
Terpinen, Cineole