Origin and history
The tea tree is a small tree native to Australia, belonging to the Myrtaceae family. Aboriginal people have used it for centuries for its medicinal properties: they crushed the leaves and applied them directly to wounds or infused them to relieve coughs and sore throats. Its name "tea tree" comes from Captain James Cook, who, during his expeditions in the 18th century, is said to have used its leaves to make an infusion reminiscent of the taste of tea.