Botanical Index No. 1024

Teatree

melaleuca alternifolia

Medicinal Actions

Analysis pending research update.

Primary Conditions Treated

Acne Arthrosis Athlete’s Foot Bacteria Bite Boil Bruise Bug Bite Bunion Burn Callus Candida Cold Colitis Corn Cramp Cystosis Dandruff Dermatosis Fever Fungus Gingivosis Headache Infection Mucososis Myalgia Mycosis Odontosis Onychosis Pediculosis Pharyngosis Respirosis Sinusosis Sore Stomatosis Sunburn Tonsilosis Toothache Vaginosis Varicosis Virus Wart Wound Yeast

General Dosage

Topical as directed StX; 0.05–0.2 ml cajuput oil; 0.3–2 ml cajuput spirit.

Safety & Contraindications

Not covered. None at designated doses. Topical and vaginal irritation have been reported, but the “topical use of the oil has not generally been associated with toxicity.” Still, “the topical use ... cannot be recommended at this time”. As with most EOs, this one may induce dermatosis in sensitive individuals. Naturopaths Yarnell and Meserole caution that tea tree oil “must not be applied to allergic dermatosis because it will make this condition worse.” For external use only with small children, diluted 1 to 2 drops tea tree oil to 1 tsp of another oil. Not for internal use. Overdosage led to confusion and discoordination, 70 ml led to coma.

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