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17 Most Common Tea Tree Types (With Pictures to Identify)
Tea tree is native to China and parts of Asia, but it's now being grown in many other countries as well. Each type of tea tree has its own unique characteristics, flavors, and health benefits. In this article, we'll introduce you to the 17 most common tea tree types and provide pictures to help you identify them.
The most common tea trees include Camellia sinensis, the New Zealand tea tree, Cajuput tree, broad, flax- and-narrow-leaved paperbark, Punk tree, Snow-in-summer and lemon-scented tea tree, Manuka tree, White tea tree, Taxandria parviceps, European, Duke of Argyll's, weeping, yellow, and coast tea tree.
Camellia sinensis, also known as Thea sinensis, is the most well-known and widely cultivated tea tree species. It is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 9 meters tall if left unpruned. If you're interested in knowing the unique characteristics of each tea tree, stay tuned.
Summary
- The leaves of Camellia sinensis contain compounds such as polyphenols, catechins, and caffeine, which contribute to the flavor, aroma, and health benefits of the tea.
- The Melaleuca linariifolia is well-adapted to fire-prone environments due to its fire-retardant papery bark, making it a popular choice for revegetation projects.
- Melaleuca cajuputi is known for producing cajuput oil, which is derived from its leaves and twigs through steam distillation and has a camphoraceous aroma used for its antiseptic, analgesic, and expectorant properties.
- Tea tree species such as Leptospermum lanigerum and Leptospermum laevigatum are well-suited for coastal environments and can serve practical purposes such as stabilizing sand dunes and preventing erosion.
Is Tea Tree Oil Safe?
When used as intended, tea tree oil is generally considered to be safe.
Some research has suggested tea tree oil may disrupt endocrine functions in children and lead to adverse health effects like gynecomastia (an increase in breast tissue in males). However, there is currently no substantial evidence to support this claim.
Additionally, little is known about how the use of tea tree oil can affect people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Due to a lack of research, it is best to avoid tea tree oil if you fall into either category.
The National Capital Poison Control Center expresses caution when using tea tree oil as directed and strongly urges against its oral consumption, even in the use of dental care, to avoid toxicity concerns if accidentally swallowed.
What to Look For
When shopping for essential oils, you want to be sure you are purchasing a high-quality natural oil and not a synthetic oil, which is supplemented with artificial components. Synthetic oils often mimic the scents of essential oils, but rarely, if at all, offer the same benefits.
To ensure your oil is natural, scan the bottle for the oil’s botanical name. In the case of tea tree oil, look for the name Melaleuca alternifolia.
Next, look at the bottle itself. Light, heat, oxidation, and moisture can all compromise the quality of the oil and alter its composition. For these reasons, manufacturers tend to bottle essential oils in dark containers with tightly sealed caps.
How to Use Tea Tree Oil in Your Skin-Care Routine
You can use tea tree oil as a natural treatment for nail fungus or athlete’s foot, says Holman, though it will not be as effective as a prescription product. There’s some in vitro research that shows tea tree oil inhibits the growth of fungus in onychomycosis, [ 5 ] the name for the fungal infection of fingernails and toenails that causes thick, discolored, distorted, and even smelly nails. [ 6 ] That said, more research is needed to evaluate it. If the condition is not resolving or is getting worse, seek your doctor’s advice.
If you are using tea tree oil to treat a nail fungal infection, dilute it in a carrier oil, such as coconut oil. (Aim for a ratio of two to three drops of tea tree oil to 15 to 20 drops of carrier oil.) “For nail fungus, use a stronger concentration of tea tree oil than you would on the skin of your face,” says Holman.
Tea tree oil may also promote a healthy scalp. “It’s a great ingredient for clarifying hair, so it’s helpful for conditions like seborrheic dermatitis (a variation of dandruff) and scalp folliculitis, as well as general itchiness of the scalp,” says Holman. (“Clarifying” means that a product can help remove product buildup and oil from the scalp.) Look for tea tree–based shampoos or scalp treatments and use these two or three times per week, she recommends. When included in the formula of antidandruff products, research suggests that tea tree oil’s antimicrobial properties may be effective in keeping flakes at bay. [ 7 ]