The Aborigines would make a poultice from ground tea tree leaves to treat cuts and wounds. Tea tree can also be used to purify drinking water. These days, it is valued for its antibacterial essential oil, which is commonly used for infectious dermatoses.
The leaves and end branches are distilled to obtain the essential oil, which has soothing and restorative properties. It is also a very important antiseptic and does not irritate the skin.