This "tea tree" is not the same as the "tea" tree we are familiar with! The tea we commonly drink comes from plants of the Theaceae family and the Camellia genus, whereas the Tea Tree (scientific name: Melaleuca alternifolia) belongs to the Myrtaceae family and the Melaleuca genus, mainly distributed in Queensland and New South Wales in eastern Australia.

In 1770, Captain James Cook of the British Royal Navy, along with the botanist Joseph Banks, embarked on their first Pacific expedition. Sailing along the coast of Australia, they discovered a dense forest with incredibly fragrant and sticky leaves. The local Aboriginal people used these leaves to make a aromatic tea that was refreshing and invigorating, leading Captain Cook to name this tree the Tea Tree (Ti-Tree/Tea Tree).

The therapeutic effects of the Tea Tree on various skin conditions, including wounds, have been known to the Aboriginal people of Australia for hundreds of years. They would use Tea Tree leaves to prevent and treat infected wounds, improve boils, and treat skin diseases. It has been reported that during World War II, a large amount of Tea Tree oil was used as a preservative and disinfectant on the battlefield. It was developed into medications for treating skin diseases, burns, scalds, gunshot wounds, cuts, and insect bites, as well as in daily necessities and industrial oils. Tea Tree oil is considered one of the most powerful natural antibacterials discovered to date.

Appearance: Colorless to light yellow liquid

Extract Part: Leaf

Origin: Australia