How to Make an Essential Oil Distiller
You can create your own simple home essential oil distiller that can easily be used on your stove top. There are many methods to do this; most will depend on your level of building experience. Some people choose to purchase a kit,, while others prefer the challenge of making their own.
Supplies
- Large stock pot with lid
- Ice
- Heat safe bowl
- Hot water
- Fresh herbs
- Dark glass bottles with lids
- Wire
- labels
Directions
- Fill the stock pot with 4-8 cups of water, depending on the size and the amount of fresh herbs. Add herbs in whole add stems, too.
- Set the heat safe bowl in the stock pot. It should hang on the edges of the stock pot suspended above the boiling water. Use the wire to create a frame around the bowl and hang it on the sides. This will allow the steam to rise properly.
- Set the lid on top of the stock pot upside down. This will create a bowl like area for you to add the ice. As the steam rises, it will hit the cold lid and dissipate. The essential oil will be left over and drip into the bowl.
- Heat the water. The water should soft boil, just enough to produce steam at a constant rate without cooking the herbs.
- Transfer the oil to a storage container. Once you have cooled the oil completely and the distillation process is complete, transfer your essential oil from the bowl to the dark glass jars and close the lid tightly. The jars should be stored in a cool dark place. Be sure to label your oils with the name and date of distillation.