Tea Tree Leaf Poultice & Tea

Fresh tea tree (Melaleuca) leaves

Crush a handful of fresh tea tree leaves into a coarse paste.

Apply the paste directly to the wound or skin infection.

Leave in place, sometimes covered with a cloth, and change periodically.

Steep fresh or crushed tea tree leaves in hot water.

Strain and drink for sore throat relief.

MODERN SAFETY NOTE: Tea tree (Melaleuca) essential oil is for topical/inhalation use only today — it is considered toxic if ingested in concentrated form. The historical leaf-tea practice used whole leaves steeped in water, not concentrated oil; if using modern tea tree essential oil products, follow the product's external-use-only directions and do not drink them.

Crushed leaves were also historically inhaled as vapor for coughs and colds, similar to steam inhalation with other aromatic plants.

Commercial tea tree oil (now used worldwide for skin conditions) is the direct modern descendant of this Bundjalung practice.