Essential Oils Extraction Methods

Distillation

Distillation is the most widely used and the most economical method of essential oils extraction. There is a great deal of skill involved in the process of distillation in the if the precious essential oil is not to be lost or changed in its composition. Some plants are distilled immediately after harvesting, whereas others may be left for a few days or even dried prior to extraction.

Distillation is a process in which high-pressure steam is passed over the leaves or flowers in a sophisticated still often using a vacuum, so that the essential oils within them vaporize. When the steam carrying the essential oil passes through a cooling system where the oil condenses and can be separated from the water.

Maceration

Maceration is the essential oils extraction process where flowers are soaked in hot oil to break down the cells, releasing their fragrances into the oil which is then purified, then the aromatics are extracted.

Enfleurage

This is a method by which the more delicate and difficult flower essences are obtained, such as neroli, rose and jasmine are extracted. The flower and petals are crushed between wooden-framed, glass trays smeared with a greasy animal fat until the fat is saturated with their perfume.

Carbon Dioxide Extraction

The relatively new essential oils extraction method was introduced only in the 1980s. The price is high because the equipment used is expensive. The process has been designed for the perfume industry. Oils which are extracted utilizing carbon dioxide are supposed to be superior, pure and very close to the natural essential oil as it exists in the plant - and they are completely free of residues of carbon dioxide

Pressing

This essential oils extraction method is reserved exclusively for members of the citrus family such as bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, lime, mandarin and orange. The essence yielded is found in small sacs which are located under the surface of rind. This process was originally carried out using simple hand pressure. The citrus essence was squeezed from the rinds and then collected in a sponge which, once saturated, was squeezed into a bucket. Due to the labor costs involved the majority of citrus oil is now expressed using mechanical presses.

Once the flowers and plants are harvested they are usually processed and stored quickly to preserve their freshness. Always buy pure and natural essential oils, not synthetic clones or adulterated one. This type does act on the body in the same way and many of the beneficial properties are lost. The best quality oils may be expensive but they are well worth the cost.