Tea Tree

Part used: essential oil

Traditional use: Traditionally used as a topical antibacterial and antifungal for fungal and parasitic skin problems (tinea, athlete's foot, ringworm, nail fungus), boils, cuts, bites and similar.

How to prepare (traditional): Tea tree essential oil is for EXTERNAL use only. People with sensitive skin should dilute it first with a fixed carrier oil such as almond oil. Available in many products (toothpaste, soap, shampoo).

Dosage note (descriptive only): External use only; dilute for sensitive skin.

Reference only — not a dosage instruction

Part used: leaf

Traditional use: Traditionally applied to pimples/acne.

How to prepare (traditional): Cream made by adding essential oil to a base cream.

Dosage note (descriptive only): For pimples, the book suggests adding 5 drops essential oil to 1 tsp base cream and applying three times a day.

Reference only — not a dosage instruction

Part used: leaf

Traditional use: Traditionally taken for chronic infections.

How to prepare (traditional): Infusion of the herb.

Dosage note (descriptive only): For chronic infections, the book suggests infusing 1/2 tsp herb in 3/4 cup (150 ml) water, taken twice a day.

Reference only — not a dosage instruction

Part used: leaf

Traditional use: Traditionally applied to athlete's foot and skin infections.

How to prepare (traditional): Essential oil diluted in carrier oil and dabbed onto the skin.

Dosage note (descriptive only): For athlete's foot, the book suggests 3 drops in 12 drops carrier oil dabbed on.

Reference only — not a dosage instruction