How To Make Tea Tree Oil At Home

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If you closely follow skincare trends, then you might have heard of tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is an essential oil and is often used, in aromatherapy. Essential oils are known to provide you with a variety of benefits.

Are you struggling to find a product that has endless potential? If you suffer from skin or hair related problems, then tea tree oil can come to your rescue.

Tea tree oil is the most sought-after essential oil. The main component present is terpinen-4-oil, which is extracted from the leaves of Melaleuca. Terpinen-4-ol is known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.

In this article, I am going to give you a detailed overview of tea tree oil. But, most importantly, you will get to learn how to make tea tree oil at home. Yes, you heard it right at home.

However, first, let us go over the benefits of using tea tree oil and how it can help you tackle everyday skin and hair related issues.

 

Benefits Of Using Tea Tree Oil

Benefits Of Using Tea Tree Oil

There is not one way you can use tea tree oil. Tea tree oil can be used to treat a diverse range of conditions, like acne, Athletes foot, lice, insect bites, mite infections, dandruff, etc. 

Want to know more? You are at the right place. Here we have listed for you some of the benefits of tea tree oil.

Acnes-

Acnes

If you are struggling with acne-prone skin, then tea tree oil could be a good option to rely upon. It is a go-to choice for tackling acne because of its antibacterial properties and the presence of terpenes.

It is effective against Propionibacterium acnes. It helps unclog the pores, reducing inflammation and redness. Tea tree oil has anti-microbial properties too, which disinfects the skin.

So, because of all this, it is said to be efficacious against acne.

 

Moisturizing– 

If you suffer from extremely dry skin, then tea tree oil can again be helpful.

It has anti-inflammatory properties, which make it beneficial for tackling irritation, redness and dry skin. Just add a few drops to your moisturizer and apply it to your skin.

 

Dandruff –

Dandruff

Tea tree oil has anti-fungal properties. Therefore, this makes it effectively fight dandruff. Dandruff is caused by an overgrowth of yeast-like fungus.

So, you can lean on tea tree oil to treat your dry scalp and achieve dandruff-free and healthy roots.

 

Effective Against Wounds –

Effective Against Wounds

Tea tree oil can aid in the healing of your wounds. It is so because of its anti-bacterial properties. So, it can help to heal your wounds faster.

 

Glowing Skin –

Glowing Skin

Do not we all wish to have naturally glowing skin all the time? You can turn to tea tree oil to attain that glowing and radiant skin. It is so because it helps to open up pores by removing dirt and impurities that clog them.

 

Tackles Fungal Infection –

In a study, it was found that tea tree oil was able to inhibit the growth of all clinical fungal isolates. It can be used in the treatment of fungal related problems like toenail fungus, athlete’s foot, etc.

 

Prevents Itching And Rashes – 

So, as mentioned earlier, the anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil help to alleviate itching and rashes. It assuages the discomfort and relieves the rashes and redness in the affected area.

 

Hand Sanitizer – 

Tea tree oil can also be used as a hand sanitizer. It is so because it has anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties. 

Some studies have found that it can combat E. coli and other such bacterium strains.

 

Where To Start

Now that you are aware of the benefits and efficacy of tea tree oil, let us have a look at how to make tea tree oil at home. Let’s begin by identifying the primary items that you’ll use for this preparation.

  • Tea tree leaves (if fresh is not available, then go for dried leaves)
  • A pot or a vessel
  • Vegetable steamer
  • Glass Measuring Cup
  • Ice cubes
  • Funnel
  • Dark-tinted water bottle

 

Step-by-step Guide To Make Tea Tree Oil At Home

Step-by-step Guide To Make Tea Tree Oil At Home

Step 01:

Take tea tree leaves. It will not be easily available in all regions. Therefore, in such a case, arrange for dried tea tree leaves.

Tea tree leaves are found in tropical areas, not in cold regions. So, you might struggle a little to find these leaves.

 

Step 02:

Now put these tea tree leaves in a vessel or pot. To this pot, add water. Make sure that the tea tree leaves present in the vessel get soaked nicely in the water.

 

Step 03:

Once this is done, take the vegetable steamer and place it inside the pot. It should be placed over the water and soaked in tea tree leaves.

 

Step 04:

Now inside the vegetable steamer, place the measuring cup.

 

Step 05:

Once this entire set-up has been established successfully, place the lid of the vessel. But, the lid should be inverted. That is, the handle in the middle of the lid should coincide with the measuring cup placed in the vegetable steamer.

 

Step 06:

The real process now starts. You have to turn the stove on so that the soaked tea tree leaves start boiling. Once the water starts rising in the pot, it will condense and get collected in the measuring cup.

 

Step 07:

To increase the evaporation and condensation, put a few ice cubes on the inverted lid from the outside. This will hasten condensation.

 

Step 08:

Once all the ice melts, turn off the burner.

 

Step 09:

Remove the lid carefully. Using a holder, take out the measuring cup.

 

Step 10:

Now take the funnel and make sure that the stopcock is closed. Pour the contents of the measuring cup into the funnel carefully. Now close the top of the funnel and shake the funnel.

 

Step 11:

The previous step will prove beneficial in separating oil and water. Invert the funnel.

 

Step 12:

Open the stopcock so that the water runs out.

 

Step 13:

Your tea tree oil has now been extracted and separated.

 

Step 14:

Repeat this process two-three times more, to extract more oil.

 

Step 15:

Store the tea tree oil in a dark-tinted bottle or jar.

 

Distillation Set Up

If you have a distillation set at home, then the entire process will be even easier to perform. It is so because you will not have to rely on this make-shift setup. Therefore, the chance of anything going wrong is eliminated completely.

The process remains the same in a distillation set. All you need to do is put the leaves in the upper apparatus and water should be present in the lower apparatus.

The water needs to be boiled and the rest of the process will occur on its own. A distillation setup will make the entire process a little less messy.

 

Things To Keep In Mind While Using Tea Tree Oil

It is a universal truth that anything which is not used safely and carefully can lead to side effects. So, to avoid the same here, we have listed a few precautionary measures you should be mindful of when using tea tree oil. Check it out so that you do not regret it later!

  • Tea tree oil should only be used topically or is so because it has 1, 8-cineole that if ingested can lead to irritation and inflammation.
  • If you have extremely sensitive skin, then make sure to dilute tea tree oil in a carrier oil and then apply it. You can mix it with coconut oil, almond oil, or olive oil. 

If you are using it as a moisturizer, then add a few drops to your regular moisturizer.

  • Make sure to do a patch test before applying tea tree oil. If you face any burning sensation, redness or other signs of allergy, then do not use it. 
  • If you are buying tea tree oil, then make sure all the components are safe to use. Some preservatives and chemicals can lead to further irritation. So, go for organic options.
  • Do not use tea tree oil during the day because it can have implications. It can increase the chance of sun damage.
  • Do not use it more than once a day. It is not a potion that will miraculously give you healthy skin or scalp.

 

F&Q

How often should one use tea tree oil?

It should be used only when needed. Do not overuse it. The need to use tea tree oil can vary substantially from person to person.

Therefore, you have to decide when to use it. If you wish to use it every day, diluting it would be a good idea.

 

How to apply tea tree oil?

Tea tree oil can be included in your skincare routine. Make sure you wash your face with a cleanser first and then dry out your face.

Now take tea tree oil and gently dab it on the blemish or affected region with a cotton pad and let it dry. Once this is done, then apply your regular moisturizer and that is it.

 

Which ingredients should not be mixed with tea tree oil?

It is important to be careful when making DIYs. Here we have listed down ingredients that should not be combined with tea tree oil.

  • Benzoyl peroxide
  • Retinol
  • Retin-A
  • Tretinoin
  • Glycolic acid
  • Salicylic Acid

 

How to store tea tree oil? 

Tea tree oil should usually be stored inside your fridge. It has a shelf life of one to two years. Store it in a cool, dark place. Make sure that the bottle is also dark-tinted. All this will prevent it from oxidizing.

 

Conclusion

Tea tree oil can be an effective solution to all your skin related issues. You should try to add it to your skincare routine. The oil has been used for generations as a folk medicine, so it is safe to assume that it is a good choice.

However, keep in mind the necessary warnings while using this oil. You do not want to be a victim of its adverse effects. There are several essential oils and, all are natural and organic, so their efficacy is uncompromised.

I hope you try out the method mentioned in this guide to prepare preservative and chemical-free tea tree oil at home. The process is simple and easy to follow. Homemade products and DIYs are always going to be better than readymade stuff.

Most importantly, the making is cost-effective. So, you do not have to invest in yet another skincare product. Have you ever tried tea tree oil before? If yes, then let me know if you found it helpful or not.

There are a lot of DIYs in which you can add tea tree oil. So, formulate a DIY that suits your needs the best and, you are good to go.

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