Let's make tea tree oil

Tea tree oil production involves steam distillation, condensation, separation, and collection of the essential oil. It starts with the use of a distillation still which allows the Melaleuca alternifolia tea tree leaves to be steamed at approximately 100 °C for 2 hours. The generated steam then passes through a condenser with temperatures of 35 to 55 °C, forming an oil-water mixture. It then goes through a separator wherein it’s possible to separate the essential oil from the water. To further improve the quality of the product, you may subject the tea tree oil to a refinement process, to increase its commercial value. For that, you use a vacuum distillation column.

The Melaleuca alternifolia tea tee has been used therapeutically for many centuries in Australia, where it is also approved for use in aromatherapy. This essential oil is a known antimicrobial and antifungal agent, able to eliminate bacteria and fungi. As such, your tea tree oil can be used topically for acne treatment, facilitate wound recovery, and reduce inflammations. In addition, tea tee oil can be infused with other cosmetic products, such as soap, shampoo, face oil, or even other oils such as argan oil.

However, the dosage must be controlled as tea tree oil can be irritating at high doses. Furthermore, some people exhibit an allergic reaction to it. There have been reports saying that the use of tea tree oil causes endocrine disruption in children. However, medical reviews have shown that there is insufficient evidence to support this claim.