Plant Extraction Methods Of Essential Oils

By Author: long winter
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Plant extracted using a variety of methods, although some are not commonly used today. Some plants contain alkaloids as part of their chemical composition, and these different alkaloids will extract into different solvents.

Strangely enough, indigenous tribes never needed such references; their knowledge of plants and the effective use of them are now being scientifically documented. To extract the essential oil, the plant material is placed into a still where pressurized steam passes through the plant material.

The essential oil vapor and the steam then pass out the top of the still into a water cooled pipe where the vapors are condensed back to liquids. At this point, the essential oil separates from the water and floats to the top.

Solvent Extraction: A hydrocarbon solvent is added to the plant material to help dissolve the essential oil. When the solution is filtered and concentrated by distillation, a substance containing resin, or a combination of wax and essential oil (known as concrete) remains.

From the concentrate, pure alcohol is used to extract the oil. When the alcohol evaporates, the ...
... oil is left behind. This is not considered the best method for extraction as the solvents can leave a small amount of residue behind which could cause allergies and effect the immune system.

Steam Distillation: Used mainly to extract essential oils from plants. The plant material is placed into a still (very similar to a pressure cooker) where pressurized steam passes through the plant material.

The heat from the steam causes globules of oil in the plant to burst and the oil then evaporates. The essential oil vapor and the steam then pass out the top of the still into a water cooled pipe where the vapors are condensed back to liquids. At this point, the essential oil separates from the water and floats to the top.

Now, this doesn't sound like a particularly complicated process but did you know that it takes more than 8 million Jasmine flowers to produce just 2 pounds of jasmine oil? No wonder pure essential oils are expensive!

Cold Pressing：Cold pressing is used to extract the essential oils from citrus rinds such as orange, lemon, grapefruit and bergamot. The rinds are separated from the fruit, are ground or chopped and are then pressed. The result is a watery mixture of essential oil and liquid which will separate given time.

It is important to note that oils extracted using this method have a relatively short shelf life, so make or purchase only what you will be using within the next six months.

ThePlant Extract Supplier will offer verified plant extract. Plant Extract Suppliers find plant extract to do business with manufacturers.