Myrtaceae
Tea Tree
Melaleuca alternifolia
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Origin: Australia (New South Wales)
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Extraction Method
Steam distillation
Plant Part
Leaves and twigs
Aroma Profile
Fresh, medicinal, camphoraceous, slightly earthy
Dilution Ratio
1-2% topical, up to 5% for antimicrobial use
💧 Applications
🌬️ Aromatherapy🖐️ Topical (diluted)💨 Diffuser🛁 Bath🧊 Compress
💊 Therapeutic Uses
Antimicrobial, antifungal, acne, wound healing, oral health, nail infections, MRSA activity. Most clinically studied antimicrobial oil.
🔬 Main Constituents
Terpinen-4-ol (35-45%), gamma-terpinene, alpha-terpinene, 1,8-cineole
🎨 Blends Well With
Eucalyptus, Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint, Rosemary
⚠️ Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
None known
Contraindications: Do not ingest — toxic internally. Oxidized oil causes sensitization — store properly. Keep from eyes.
Side Effects: Sensitization with oxidized oil, rare gynecomastia reports at high use