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Melaleuca alternifolia

Myrtaceae

Tea Tree
Tea Tree

analgesic

antibacterial

anticarcinogenic

antifungal

anti-inflammatory

antimicrobial

antiparasitic

antipruritic

antiseptic

antiviral

antizymotic

deoderant

diaphoretic

exanthematous

expectorant

fungicidal

germicidal

immune stimulant

insecticide

vulnerary


  • Viral infections (herpes, cold sores)

  • Fungal infections (thrush, Candida, Chicken pox, athlete's foot, ringworm)

  • Cold & flu symptoms (soar throat, coughs)

  • Skin issues (abscesses, acne, cracked skin, warts, wounds, dandruff)

  • Ingrown toenails

  • Arthritis

  • Asthma


  • NOT considered GRAS by the FDA - avoid internal use

  • Children under the age of ten should not use it topically

    • Can be diffused in 15-minute intervals up to 4 times per day for children under 10

  • Skin patch test is required before topical application

    • Oil that is oxidized has been shown to irritate the skin


(There are 3 different chemotypes, and each one yields different amounts of constituents.)


  • Monoterpenols

    • Terpinen-4-ol

    • Alpha-terpinene (reduces with autoxidation)

  • Monoterpenes

    • Camma-terpinene

  • Oxide

    • 1,8 cineole


Note: If borneol or camphene are found on the GC/MS report, adulteration of the oil is likely.


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