Essential oils can be extracted in 3 ways:
1. Steam distillation
2. Cold pressing
3. Extraction
1. Steam distillation process for essential oils
The most common method of obtaining essential oils is by means of steam distillation.
Steam distillation is used for herbs, spices and wood types.
1. The plant parts are placed in a copper or stainless steel boiler. Water is boiled in the first vessel, creating steam.
2. In the second vessel, steam (water vapor) is introduced at the bottom, carrying the volatile plant components upwards. In the process, tiny oil droplets from the plant parts are carried along in the steam. The steam contains not only essential oils but also water-soluble substances.
3. The mixture of steam, oil, and plant parts then travels to the cooling tower, where it cools down sufficiently to form a liquid.
4. Finally, the liquid mixture enters the decanter. Here, the oil is separated from the water. (The essential oil is lighter than the water and therefore floats on top of the water.) The essential oil is drained off at the top of the vessel. The remaining water contains plant extracts and is therefore discharged as floral water. Floral water is also known as Hydrolate.
2. Cold pressing process for essential oils
Citrus essential oils such as Orange, Lime, and Mandarin are often obtained through cold pressing. Because the peel of citrus fragrances contains so much essential oil, it can easily be extracted by cold pressing. The fruits are peeled very thinly, and these peels are pressed. Afterward, the liquid only needs to be filtered and decanted. Distillation is sometimes applied after this; the distilled oils are used more often in the food industry than in aromatherapy. The cold-pressed oil is much more complete.
3. Essential Oil Extraction Process
Most floral scents such as Rose oil and Jasmine oil and some resins are extracted. Ethanol, butane, and carbon dioxide can be used as solvents. The plant material is mixed with the chosen solvent and heated slightly. After a while, the blossoms have transferred their fragrance. Subsequently, the solvent is removed, resulting in the final product, the so-called absolute.
