The leaves of the melaleuca tree (or tea tree) have been used for thousands of years by the aborigines of Australia to heal cuts, wounds, and skin infections. With twelve times the healing
antiseptic power of phenol, it has some strong immune powers. Tea tree oil is unusual in that it is reactive against all three varieties of infectious organisms: bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

The melaleuca is a small tree or shrub with needle-like leaves, similar to the cypress. It has heads of yellow or purple flowers. The essential oil is obtained by steam or water distillation from the leaves or twigs. It is a pale yellow-white liquid with a warm, spicy-camphoraceous scent. Tea tree oil's properties have been claimed to be anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antiviral, bactericidal, balsamic, diaphoretic, expectorant, fungicidal, immuno-stimulant, parasiticide, tissue regenerative, and vulnerary.

This oil may help with acne, athlete's foot, bronchitis, burns, colds, diaper rash, diarrhea, flu, fungal infections, inflammation, gum disease, rashes, skin healing, sunburn, viral infections, and wounds.
Native to Australia, mainly New South Wales, other varieties of tea tree have been cultivated elsewhere. Melaleuca alternifolia, however, is not produced outside of Australia.

Chemical constituents are monoterpenes (paracymene 3-20%); monoterpene alcohols (45-50%); and terpinene (25-45%). Safety Data: Possible SENSITIZATION in some people.