Steam Distillation Essential Oil Extraction Methods

Nearly all essential oils are obtained using physical extraction methods with most essential oils.

Steam distillation essential oil extraction methods.

Essential oils derived from the supercritical co2 extraction of herbs are similar to the oils produced through distillation in that they can be used in aromatherapy and natural perfumery. Essential oils are mixtures of aromatic chemicals present in plant material such as leaves buds flowers fruit bark root or wood and are comprised of various natural compounds including terpenes acids aldehydes alcohols esters and ketones. This happens when the steam vaporizes the plant material s volatile compounds which eventually go through a condensation and collection process. Steam distillation is the most widely used method for the extraction of essential oils and isolation of petroleum components.

Essential oil extraction methods. Steam distillation is done in a still the still is tall with a head and a well insulated swan s neck preceded by a mechanism to prevent fumes and impurities passing through. The hot steam helps to release the aromatic molecules from the plant material since the steam forces open the pockets in which the oils are kept in the plant material. Fresh or sometimes dried botanical.

When steam distillation is used in the manufacture and extraction of essential oils the botanical material is placed in a still and steam is forced over the material. Steam distillation is the most popular method used to extract and isolate essential oils from plants for use in natural products. Steam distillation and cold pressing. Proper selection of the distillation technique play a vital role in determining the quality and yield of end products.