Essential oils are used in aromatherapy, perfumes, oil and creams and for many more applications where a nice smell is needed. There are a variety of methods that are used in order to extract essential oils from plant material and flowers. Plants contain only a tiny amount of essential oil as a result a large number of flowers are needed to make a small amount of oil. More than 100 pounds might be required to produce an ounce of oil. Some plants are also much too delicate to use any of the cheaper methods and longer and more labor intensive techniques must used. Essential oils can be expensive although they are very strong. Many recipes only use a tiny amount so a very small bottle will last for a very long time.

Steam distillation is in use for nearly all the essential oil production. Pressurised steam is passed through the flowers that have been placed on screens inside a still. The oils are absorbed by the steam which then is lead to another chamber and cooled. When it condenses the essential oil floats on the top of the water where it is easily removed. The water left behind is called floral water and can also be used as it contains tiny amounts of the oil. It can be used for toners and mists. Floral water can be used by those who are hypersensitive to essential oils because it is much less concentrated.

Solvent Extraction

For plant material or flowers that are too delicate to use steam extraction, solvent extraction is often used. A solvent is passed through the flowers on mesh trays, repeatedly. The esential oils, along with some other substances that are soluble, are absorbed by the solvent which is filtered and then distilled under low pressure to remove the solvent. The resulting material is called concrete which is a waxy solid that contains the waxes, pigments and the oils from the flowers. More processing is undertaken to extract the waxes and oils from this concrete. The concrete itself can also be used as a perfume and the waxes are used in creams, lotions and for candle making.

Enfleurage

For those flowers and plants with only extremely low levels of essential oils, for example jasmine, a different method needs to be employed. Flowers are soaked in vegetable oil and left for a few days before being replaced by fresh material. Fresh flowers are repeatedly placed in the vegetable oil until the oil becomes saturated with the essential oils. Alcohol is then used to extract the essential oil from the vegetable oil. On evaporation of the alcohol the unadulterated essential oil is left behind. This procedure takes many days and needs a large quantity of flowers which makes the essential oil very expensive.

Carbon Dioxide Extraction

In this technique carbon dioxide is used to remove the essential oil. The gas is pumped into a compartment containing the plant material or flowers. When the pressure increases the carbon dioxide liquifies and acts as a solvent. The carbon dioxide is then allowed into into another chamber and the pressure released. The gas then vaporises leaving the oils behind.

As no impurities are left behind the oil is very clean and has a lovely, fresh aroma. As a much lower temperature is used than for steam distillation, essential oil can be obtained from delicate flowers that would be destroyed by steam distillation.

Cold Pressing

Some oils such as citrus, in which the oil is extracted from fruit, use a procedure referred to as cold pressing. In this technique fruit is rolled between spikes which pierce the peel and then the fruit is squeezed to extract the juice containing oils. The juice is then centrifuged to separate the essential oil.

For more information and lots more craft and hobby ideas please visit us at Easy Craft Ideas or Essential Oil Recipes

Vanilla Absolute in Jojoba Oil Essential Oil .5 fl oz

100% pure essential oil pre-blended with skin-nourishing jojoba oil. Use as a natural perfume to calm and comfort the mind and spirit. Dab onto dry skin to soothe and nourish. The rich, sweet fragrance is a popular scent, likely because of its association with childhood and ”comfort” foods, such as ice cream, cookies and cake. Its aroma can, therefore, ease nervous tension, frustration and irritation, promote restful sleep and induce relaxation. Due to its ability to nourish dry, itchy skin and dull hair, vanilla oil is often added to lotion, bath oil and shampoo. The oil’s primary component, vanillin, makes it a relaxing additive in aromatherapy lamps and baths. Its nostalgic scent promotes self-confidence, sensuality and restful dreams. In addition, its moisturizing property soothes dry, irritated skin. Avoid in Pregnancy (induces menstruation) and with babies and children. Calming, reduces stress; promotes a restful sleep; encourages dreaming; mood uplifting, aphrodisiac.

Click here to buy Vanilla Absolute in Jojoba Oil Essential Oil .5 fl oz