Melaleuca alternifolia

Melaleuca alternifolia, commonly known as narrow-leaved paperbark, narrow-leaved tea-tree, narrow-leaved ti-tree, or snow-in-summer, is a species of tree or tall shrub in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. Endemic to Australia, it occurs in southeastQueensland and the north coast and adjacent ranges of New South Wales

Contents

• Uses
• Benefits
• Cautions
• Interactions
• Other names
• References

Uses

• The indigenous Bundjalung people of eastern Australia use “tea trees” as a traditional medicine by inhaling the oils from the crushed leaves to treat coughs and colds.
• They also sprinkle leaves on wounds, after which a poultice is applied.
• In addition, tea tree leaves are soaked to make an infusion to treat sore throats or skin ailments.
• Characteristic of the myrtle family Myrtaceae, it is used to distill essential oil.
• It is the primary species for commercial production of tea tree oil (melaleuca oil), a topical antibacterial.
• It may be effective for treating fungal infections such asAthlete’s foot

Benefits

•  While records show that tea tree has been used for thousands of years by some indigenous people, thankfully today science is finally catching up and describing why tea tree oil is so effective. To date, over 327 scientific studies refer to tea tree oil’s antimicrobial prowess alone.
• Some of the many traditional uses for tea tree include healing:
  • Acne
  • Bacterial infections
  • Chickenpox
  • Cold sores
  • Congestion and respiratory tract infections
  • Earaches
  • Fungal infections (especially Candida, jock itch, athlete’s foot and toenail fungus)
  • Halitosis (bad breath)
  • Head lice
  • MRSA
  • Psoriasis
  • Dry cuticles
  • Itchy insect bites, sores and sunburns
  • Boils from staph infections

Cautions

• Tea tree oil is toxic if ingested in large amounts and may cause skin irritation if used topically in high concentrations.   Please consult with your doctor.

Interactions

None are recorded.  Please consult with your doctor.

Other names

narrow-leaved paperbark, narrow-leaved tea-tree, narrow-leaved ti-tree, or snow-in-summer

References

Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melaleuca_alternifolia#Medicinal_uses

DrAxe, https://draxe.com/tea-tree-oil-uses-benefits/