Witnessed by: Western
Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), of the Myrtaceae family. Small paperbark tree with fine needle-like leaves and creamy bottlebrush flowers; native range: swampy coastal lowlands of northeastern New South Wales, Australia. Globally recognized as narrow-leaved paperbark; ti-tree in English. The part used is leaf and terminal branchlet (steam-distilled essential oil). Crushed leaf gives a sharp, camphoraceous, medicinal scent; the pale oil is fresh, pungent and penetrating.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
TEA TREE
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- tea tree
- Scientific name
- Melaleuca alternifolia (Maiden & Betche) Cheel
- Family
- Myrtaceae
Form
- Part used
- leaf and terminal branchlet (steam-distilled essential oil)
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- Western
- aromatic · pungent
Temperature
- Western
- warm
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- Western
- skin · mucous membranes
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- Western
- antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral, vulnerary
Cautions
- Contraindications
- for external use only; not to be taken internally
- Toxicity
- the neat oil can cause contact dermatitis and is toxic if swallowed; keep away from children and pets
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