Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Common names: Manuka, melaleuca, Tea Tree Oil. The Tea Tree grows in Australia and Asia and contains elements called terpenoids.

This tall evergreen tree has a white, spongy bark. The oil from the leaves has many uses. Australian Aboriginals used the leaves to treat cuts and skin infections. They would crush the leaves and apply them to the affected area. Captain James Cook and his crew named the tree “Tea Tree,” using its leaves as a substitute for tea as well as to flavor beer. Australian soldiers participating in World War I were given Tea Tree Oil as a disinfectant, leading to a high demand for its production.

The oil kills fungus and bacteria, including those resistant to some antibiotics. A single blind study has shown topical application of 5% Tea Tree Oil in people with acne is as helpful as Benzoylperoxide and has fewer side effects. A study found 100% Tea Tree Oil applied topically was as effective as the antifungal medicine Clotrimazole for people with athlete’s foot fungus affecting the toe nails.