DIY Tea Tree Oil from Tea Bags: Home Distillation Guide

Note: This home method yields lower quality/purity than commercial steam distillation.

Materials: Fresh Melaleuca alternifolia leaves, unbleached cotton tea bags, large pot with lid, heat-proof bowl, ice.

1. Rinse leaves; pack into sealed tea bags.
2. Submerge bags in water in pot.
3. Place bowl inside pot (not touching water) to collect condensate.
4. Cover, bring to boil, then simmer.
5. Place ice on lid to enhance condensation.
6. Collect drips into bowl; this liquid contains oil.
7. Repeat until sufficient yield; let separate, decant oil.
8. Store in dark glass bottle, cool place.

For therapeutic use, purchase certified pure tea tree oil.