Tea Tree Oil, also known as melaleuca oil, is made from the oils of the Tea Tree plant, which is a member of the myrtle tree family native to Australia. This potent oil has grown a reputation for being an all-around cure-all such as curing acne, bacterial and fungal infections, and alleviating chest and head congestion and even flu-like symptoms. It is believed that Tea Tree Oil works on a molecular level, killing bacteria and fungus, reducing allergic reactions.
If you would like to make your own Tea Tree Oil, you can follow the instructions below:
- Put the leaves in a pot and cover with water. Place a vegetable steamer in the pot over the top of the leaves and water.
- Put a measuring cup inside the steamer.
- Place the lid on the pot upside down, so that the handle nub in the center is pointing toward the measuring cup.
- Boil the water to steam the leaves. The water will condense and evaporate, and the condensation will slide toward the handle and into the measuring cup.
- Put about four ice cubes on top of the upside down pot lid to hasten the steam condensation.
- Turn off the heat once all the ice has melted.
- Take off the lid and pour the ice cube water into the sink, and then remove the glass measuring cup.
- Pour the measuring cup contents into a separating funnel, but make sure the stopcock at the bottom of the funnel is closed. Close the top of the funnel and shake vigorously.
- Invert the funnel and then open to release the pressure. The oil will float to the top of the water, effectively separating the two substances.
- Put a glass bottle beneath the stopcock and release the water. Pour the oil into a tinted glass bottle.
- Repeat the process up to three more times to pull more oil from the leaves.
As with any other herbal supplement, be sure to consult with your physician before using essential oils or herbs.
Tea Tree oil instructions provided by mercola.com