Essential oils are basically volatile fluids derived from plants, bearing aromas and flavors of plants they were derived from. These liquids won't mix with water, but are soluble in numerous organic solvents. Essential oils are volatile and this means that they will evaporate at room temperature. If you are interested in how to make homemade essential oils, here are some things you need to know.
Numerous plants contain valuable essential oils, they just need to be extracted. This can be done on several different ways. Industrial production uses steam distillation and this is the most effective but also the most complicated way. Another common ways for extracting oil are cold pressing and using carrier oils. The method sometimes depends on what kind of plants you use.
Cold pressing can be used for obtaining citrus essential oil. You can use sliced lemon peels, orange peels or some other citruses, but they need to be organically grown. Soak them in distilled water for a while first. This might take a day or two. Strain the peels and place them into your press, or squeeze them between two wooden boards. Put something really heavy on the top to make them release the liquids.
Once these fluids get extracted, they need to be separated. Oils are lighter than juices, and they will naturally layer on the top of your mixture, you just have to collect them and strain using sterile gauze of cheese cloth. You do need a great deal of patience, but this is perfectly clean and pure oil, highly aromatic, with all ingredients saved.
Using carrier oil is the simplest method. Choose good quality low fragrance oil, and you can never make a mistake if you choose cold pressed virgin olive oil. One cup of carrier is enough for one quarter ounce dried flowers, herbs or petals, or for one quarter cup of fresh plants. Mix them together and cook for at least six hours, on very low temperature, approximately 140 degrees F. Strain the obtained oil through a gauze.
It is even easier to simply place this mixture in a mason jar. Close the lid tightly, and make sure to use rubber ring, not metal one. Leave it on full sun for two to three weeks. After straining, pour your oil into some dark glass bottle and remember to label it, with date of filling. It will last for six months, saved on room temperature, away from direct light and heat.
Steam distillation requires special equipment. Practical home distillation systems can be bought for maybe three to four hundred dollars, and they are really easy to use. This steam distillation device is called the still. You just need to add distilled water and herbs, and you will get pure essential oil. Similar equipment can also be home made.
When it comes to steam distillation, it is important to use stainless steel and glass parts only. Copper and similar materials can change the chemical structure of your oil. If you have the right equipment, this procedure is quite simple. Just keep in mind that you do need large quantity of high quality plant material to obtain only a small amount of good quality essential oil.
Numerous plants contain valuable essential oils, they just need to be extracted. This can be done on several different ways. Industrial production uses steam distillation and this is the most effective but also the most complicated way. Another common ways for extracting oil are cold pressing and using carrier oils. The method sometimes depends on what kind of plants you use.
Cold pressing can be used for obtaining citrus essential oil. You can use sliced lemon peels, orange peels or some other citruses, but they need to be organically grown. Soak them in distilled water for a while first. This might take a day or two. Strain the peels and place them into your press, or squeeze them between two wooden boards. Put something really heavy on the top to make them release the liquids.
Once these fluids get extracted, they need to be separated. Oils are lighter than juices, and they will naturally layer on the top of your mixture, you just have to collect them and strain using sterile gauze of cheese cloth. You do need a great deal of patience, but this is perfectly clean and pure oil, highly aromatic, with all ingredients saved.
Using carrier oil is the simplest method. Choose good quality low fragrance oil, and you can never make a mistake if you choose cold pressed virgin olive oil. One cup of carrier is enough for one quarter ounce dried flowers, herbs or petals, or for one quarter cup of fresh plants. Mix them together and cook for at least six hours, on very low temperature, approximately 140 degrees F. Strain the obtained oil through a gauze.
It is even easier to simply place this mixture in a mason jar. Close the lid tightly, and make sure to use rubber ring, not metal one. Leave it on full sun for two to three weeks. After straining, pour your oil into some dark glass bottle and remember to label it, with date of filling. It will last for six months, saved on room temperature, away from direct light and heat.
Steam distillation requires special equipment. Practical home distillation systems can be bought for maybe three to four hundred dollars, and they are really easy to use. This steam distillation device is called the still. You just need to add distilled water and herbs, and you will get pure essential oil. Similar equipment can also be home made.
When it comes to steam distillation, it is important to use stainless steel and glass parts only. Copper and similar materials can change the chemical structure of your oil. If you have the right equipment, this procedure is quite simple. Just keep in mind that you do need large quantity of high quality plant material to obtain only a small amount of good quality essential oil.
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