Family Name: Myrtaceae
Botanical Name(s): Melaleuca Alternifolia
Popular Name(s): Ti Tree, Tea tree, Australian tea tree
Parts Used: Essential oil, the leaf
Habitat: Native of Australia.
Description: Tea tree is a small tree, growing to a height of 22
feet, with narrow, soft, alternate leaves and yellowish flowers the
shape of bottlebrushes. The capsule-like seeds follow the flowers.
Uses: The oil can be used neat on minor wounds and small
infections, as well as plantar warts, as well as rubbing it into the
scalp to get rid of nits (the eggs of head lice), but for other
applications must be diluted in a suitable carrier oil. Wounds and
scrapes can be washed out with a mixture to disinfect the area. It also
helps to soothe sore muscles and generally fortifies the body.
