tea tree

n.

1. Any of various evergreen shrubs or small trees of the genus Leptospermum, native to Australia and New Zealand, having small, needlelike leaves and white, pink, or red flowers.
2. Any of several Australian trees of the genus Melaleuca, especially M. alternifolia, whose leaves yield an oil used in various herbal preparations.

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melaleuca alternifolia

Tea tree oil, with its medicinal, fresh, woody, earthy fragrance, is a deep cleansing and stimulating oil with strong antibacterial properties. It is used for all kinds of abrasions and pains, and is useful for soothing problem skin. It also may be used in the treatment of candida, chicken pox, cold sores, colds, corns, cuts, flu, insect bites, itching, migraine, ringworm, sinusitis, sores, spots, urethritis, warts, and whooping cough.

Safety Precautions: May cause sensitization in some.

For a list of words related to tea tree, see:

• Shrubs

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