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Melaleuca alternifolia Tea tree Evergreen shrub (1 Page of 5) The Melaleuca alternifolia plant species is found in Australia - New South Wales, Queensland. It is a member of the Myrtaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Tea tree. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses Latin Name: Melaleuca alternifolia Common Name: Tea tree Family: Myrtaceae Author: Cheel. Known Hazards: None known Mature Height: 6 Mature Width: 4 Habitat: Swamps by the coast[156].
Medicinal Information: Tea tree, and in particular its essential oil, is one of the most important natural antiseptics and it merits a place in every medicine chest[254]. It is useful for treating stings, burns, wounds and skin infections of all kinds[254].
An essential oil obtained from the leaves and twigs is strongly antiseptic, diaphoretic and expectorant[156, 157, 238]. It stimulates the immune system and is effective against a broad range of bacterial and fungal infections[238]. Internally, it is used in the treatment of chronic and some acute infections, notably cystitis, glandular fever and chronic fatigue syndrome[254]. It is used externally in the treatment of thrush, vaginal infections, acne, athlete's foot, verrucas, warts, insect bites, cold sores and nits[238]. It is applied neat to verrucas, warts and nits, but is diluted with a carrier oil such as almond for other uses[238].
The oil is non-irritant[238]. Another report says that high quality oils contain about 40% terpinen-4-ol, which is well tolerated by the skin and 5% cineol which is irritant. However, in poor quality oils the levels of cineol can exceed 10% and in some cases up to 65%[254].
The essential oil is used in aromatherapy. Its keyword is 'Antiseptic'[210].
For further Melaleuca alternifolia gardening information click on one of the blue links below Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses
The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'. View their bibliography

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