# Tea tree

## Remedy Classification
- **Type:** Herbal Remedy
- **Alternative Names:** Melaleuca alternifolia, Tea tree
- **Miasm:** Psoric Miasm
- **Temperament:** Neutral
- **Aggravation Time:** Neutral/Anytime

## Keynote Indications
Key Actions: Antifungal, Antiseptic.
Parts Used: Essential oil, Leaf.

## Modalities (Aggravations / Ameliorations)
Cautions: Do not take essential oil.

## Symptoms by System

### Skin
- Tea tree Melaleuca alternifolia In aboriginal medicine, tea tree leaves, crushed and inhaled or infused, were employed to treat infections of all kinds.
- Today , the essential oil is normally used, its unrivaled antiseptic action proving effective at countering fungal infection affecting the hair, skin, and nails.
- Medicinal uSeS key information Safety ★ ★ ★ ★ ✩ traditional uSe ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ reSearch ★ ★ ★ ★ ✩ beSt taken aS Neat or diluted essential oil (topical) ✓✓✓ Suppository ✓✓ doSage T (see pp.44–45) often uSed with Calendula fixed oil cautionS Do not take essential oil internally.
- Can occasionally cause dermatitis with topical preparations.
- See also pp.42–51.
- MELALEUCA ALTErNIfoLIA Fresh leaves leaves contain highly antiseptic volatile oil Native to australia, tea tree flourishes in moist soils in northern New South Wales and Queensland.
- The leaves are distilled to produce the essential oil.
- leaves are a natural insect repellent Parts used Essential oil • Leaf key actions Antifungal • Antiseptic Skin infections A must-have for any home herbal first aid kit, tea tree oil can help treat many minor fungal and bacterial skin problems.
- on boils, acne spots, and small patches of fungal infection, like an affected toenail, apply neat tea tree oil sparingly twice a day .
- for larger areas, apply tea tree oil diluted in calendula (Calendula officinalis) or wheatgerm (Triticum vulgare) oil.
- Combine 1 part tea tree oil to 10 parts carrier oil and massage onto the affected area.
- ear infection for infection of the external ear passage and for a mild earache, put 1– 2 drops of neat oil on cotton wool and plug into the affected ear overnight.
- Tea tree oil combines well with lavender oil—use 1 drop of each.
- Vaginal infection for vaginal infections such as thrush, diluted tea tree oil can be applied to the affected area, although it is likely to sting.
- It is far better to use tea tree suppositories.
- Insert one every night for 3–4 days, stop for a few days, and then start again as required.
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