Tea Tree

Maleleuca alternifolia

Monograph

1. Plant Family:
• Myrtacea, or myrtle family ^[1]
2. Habitat & Cultivation:
• Tea tree is originally from and indigenous to Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Cambodia, New Guinea, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. The plant grows favorably on coastland near wetlands. A benefit to the Melaleuca plant is that is can be cultivated in many climates but favors an environment with moist soil in full sun. These plants are tolerable in both drought and flood conditions and can also withstand fires, though they do not tolerate climates with low temperature. ^[1]
3. Parts Used:
• Leaves ^[2]
4. Herbal Actions:
• Antimicrobial
• Anti-inflammatory ^[1]
5. Indications:
• Sinusitis
• The common cold
• Sinus blockage
• Laryngitis
• Coughs
• Apthous
• Ulcers
• Boils
• Impetigo
• Psoriasis
• Infected seborrheic dermatitis
• Tinea infection (including ringworm of the scalp and athlete’s foot)
• Fungal infections including thrush
• Trichomonal vaginitis ^[1]
6. Plant Constituents:
• a-pinene, b-pinene, sabinene, myrcene, a-phellandrene, a-terpinene, limonene, 1,8-cineole, y-terpinene, p-cymene, terpinolene, linalool, terpinen-4-ol and a-terpineol ^[2]
7. System Affinities:
• Immune, integumentary, respiratory, genitourinary ^[2]  
8. Energetics:
• Strongly drying, mobile, clearing ^[1]
9. Safety:
• Not for internal use, topical use only with a carrier oil. ^[1]
10. Interactions:
• None known. ^[2]

Personal Experience

1. Organoleptics:
• The prepared tea tree oil provided in class aligns with my experience of tea tree in the past/present. It’s a clear, drying oil, that has a strong mint smell that I almost liken to gasoline.
2. Preparation Method:
• I used coconut oil as my carrier oil, about a tablespoon with only 1 drop of tea tree due to the strength and concentration of the oil.
3. Usage Notes:
• The “infused” oil has a cooling effect, and is extremely tingly – almost burns. However, I know this is due to the effective antimicrobial effects, and it doesn’t bother me! I also diffused some in my room while I went to sleep. It helped clear up some nasal congestion I was starting to feel and I hope it helped me ward off a cold!

Sources:

1. Zollinger, R. & Riccio, L. (2018). Week 8 Study Questions. Bastyr University: WI-18_MW5122-A Botanicals 2: Postpartum.
2. Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.