Contact Dermatitis. 2001 Aug; 45(2): 65-7.

Safety, efficacy and provenance of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil.

Carson CF, Riley TV.

Department of Microbiology, The University of Western Australia, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands WA 6009, Australia. ccarson@cyllene.uwa.edu.au

The identity, sources and composition of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil are discussed, and earlier errors in the literature indicated. Reports of both therapeutic and allergenic effects are reviewed.