How to Extract Essential Oils
There are many methods to extracting essential oils. Which method works best depends on the plant itself. The most common method is distillation and requires work. It is a route you can go or you can use a quick and easy method for home use.
Distillation is the most common way to extract oils, but it is time consuming, requiring that you create a way to steam the herbs and catch the vapor, then cool to collect the extracted oil. Home herbal enthusiasts have turned to another method, which requires only a few steps and patience.
Supplies
- Herbs of your choice
- 2 Glass jars with lids
- Almond oil
- Small amber glass bottles w/lids
- Cheesecloth
- Knife
Directions
- Break up herbs and stems, set aside.
- Fill glass jars with almond oil; leave one to two inches of space at the top.
- Add herbs to almond oil in jar and screw on lid. Allow to sit in a windowsill where it will get plenty of light for a week. Shake the jar gently every few hours.
- Set cheese cloth over your empty jar. Slowly pour the mixture so that it your oil comes through the cheese cloth leaving behind any herbs and debris.
- Pour the oils from the jar into the small amber bottles. Secure the lids and store in a cool dark place. Be sure to label when it was made and which ingredients were used.
These oils are suitable for use in bath oils and soaps. Do not attempt to use these on foods.