Latin Name: Melaleuca Alternifolia

Part of the plant: Leaves & twigs 

Source: Australia

Extraction Method: Steam Distillation

It seems that the leaves of this tree were used in earlier times for the preparation of tea, hence the name. Tea tree essential oil is a concentrated liquid steam distilled from the leaves of the tree Melaleuca alternifolia, native to the north-east coast of New South Wales, Australia. The oil is believed to have valuable antiseptic and antifungal properties due to terpenoids, and is now used in many personal care products and medicines. 

Tea tree oil is said to be good for constipation, colds, coughs and flu. It is used to treat acne, fungal infections, dandruff, vaginal infections, haemorrhoids and athlete's foot, and is said to relieve sore muscles and joint injuries. As an additive to bath water, it helps fight bacteria.  Tea tree oil should not be taken internally. It is usually only used on adults and must be kept away from children and pets. Do not use it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. 

Tea tree has been known for its medicinal properties in eastern Australia since ancient times. It is known that Indigenous Australians used the crushed leaves to heal cuts, burns, wounds and infections for hundreds of years. They inhaled the oils from the crushed leaves to relieve coughs and colds. They dripped the oil on wounds and put a poultice on them. The leaves were made into a tea to soothe sore throats. Between 1920 and 1930, the essential oil of this tree became known and used in Europe for its antimicrobial properties.