Tea Tree is the most powerful anti-septic known. In WW2 it was issued to Australian servicemen for dressing wounds. It is active against infections including viral, fungal and bacterial. Eucalyptus leaves were used to bind wounds by the Australian Aborigines to stop infection. They also brewed the leaves for relief from fevers. Eucalyptus oil is an excellent decongestant for flu and colds, and aids the respiratory system. The oil is extracted from the leaves and twigs of the Australian Blue Gum Tree by steam distillation.