Tea Tree Materia Medica

For hundreds of years the tea tree was a source of medicinal remedies for the Australian Aborigines. For instance, they used the crushed leaves to treat cuts and skin infections.

Tea tree, best known for its antimicrobial action, is administered in a variety of ways to treat a diverse spectrum of disorders including: as a vaginal douche or suppository for vaginal yeast infections; mouthwash, gargle or in toothpastes for gum diseases, sore throat and thrush; topical skin application for acne, boils, infected burns, cold sores, athletes foot, insect bites, bee stings, ringworm, and warts.

It is also included in shampoos and applied to hair brushes and combs to treat head lice. Tea tree oil is active against bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses. It is a powerful immuno-stimulant which activates white blood cells and otherwise increases the body’s ability to respond to microbial challenges.

Download this chapter to learn more about TEA TREE—Melaleuca alternifolia.