Other Common Names: Australian tea tree oil, breathaway, cymene, malaleuca, narrow-leaved paper back tea tree, oleum, ti tree, TTO.

Habitat: The tea tree is native to the coastal areas of Australia and Indonesia. Early European settlers made a tea from the leaves and thus the name was derived. The whole plant extract was used originally by aboriginals and the essential oils themselves were used during the World War II as a general antimicrobial agent and insect repellent and provided in the first aid kits of serving Australian soldiers.

Description: A member of the Myrtaceae family. A small tree growing to about 7 metres with small needle-like leaves and bottlebrush like yellowy or purplish flowers.

Plant Parts Used: A volatile oil is obtained by steam distillation of the leaves and twiglets of the trees. A 1995 Australian standard, tea tree oil should contain at least 30% terinen-4-ol and less than 15% cineole. The oil is yellow-green liquid with an acrid odour and a hint of citrus.

Therapeutic Uses, Benefits and Claims of Tea Tree Oil

* Tea tree has been used traditionally by the Australian aborigines for burns, cuts and insect bites.

* Most of its present applications are for its antimicrobial action in skin infections and associated conditions.

* There is clinical evidence to suggest it is of benefit for the treatment of acne and comparable to using benzoyl peroxide lotion.

* Tea tree oil is also thought to be of benefit for fungal infections such as nail infections and athlete's foot.

* Alcohol-based and alcohol free solutions of tea tree have been used for the treatment of thrush.

* It is popular to use tea tree solution to protect against infection with MRSA.

* Tea tree oil is found in many personal hygiene products promoting healthy hair and skin.

* There are studies investigating the effects of tea tree mouth wash on gum inflammation and plaque.

Potential Side Effects of Tea Tree Oil

There are few risks with the proper use of tea tree. There are many reports of allergy to tea tree oil when taken by mouth or used on the skin. Thus people with a history of allergy or a known allergy to the Myrtaceae family should avoid tea tree oil and its products. It is not recommended for oral use or for external use on mucous membranes. It is not recommended that tea tree products are used on burn wounds due to potential further damage to skin cells. Tea tree products may result in drying of the skin and may worsen dry skin conditions. Although there is little information available, it is recommended that pregnant and breast feeding mothers do not use tea tree oil or its products.