Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia (Maiden. & Beche.) Cheel.)
Parts used: essential oil
Constituents: volatile oil
Actions: antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, immune stimulant
Indications: skin infections
Applications: Tea tree oil may be used topically in the treatment of fungal skin conditions such as athlete’s foot and ringworm. It may also be applied to boils and acne, bites and stings. A few drops added to a bowl of boiling water may be inhaled to relieve the symptoms of coughs and colds.
Safety: Poor quality oil contains greater quantities of cineol which may irritate the skin.
Dosage: for external use only.
