| Essential oils are used in perfumes, bath products, | | | | expensive method of essential oil extraction. |
| creams, lotions, and in aromatherapy. The oils are | | | | Solvents: This method of extraction is not popular |
| used for promoting physical and mental health as well | | | | with all-natural Aromatherapists because it involves |
| as to improve aroma. Most formulas require just a | | | | the use of manmade chemicals. The plant is dissolved |
| couple of drops. Essential oils are extracted from | | | | in a solvent such as chlorure of methylene, benzene, |
| flowers and plants. Making essential oils involves the | | | | and hexane. A device is used to extract the essential |
| use of special equipment. There are a number of | | | | oil from the evaporated material. The oils extracted |
| methods used to extract the oil that include: | | | | are known as "absolutes." |
| Steam Distillation: Fresh plants are placed in a still. | | | | Carbon Dioxide Extraction: A high pressure is obtained |
| Steam is sent into a lower chamber of the still and | | | | by pumping the gas carbon dioxide into a chamber |
| sent through the plant ingredients to vaporize the oils | | | | containing the plant matter. As the pressure |
| in the plant material. The blend of steam and oil then | | | | increases, the gas becomes a liquid and works as a |
| goes through a condenser. The essential oil is | | | | solvent. The new solvent is then passed into another |
| extracted from the floral water in the separator. | | | | chamber where the pressure is released. The carbon |
| Some plants contain aromatic compounds that remain | | | | dioxide solvent vaporizes leaving behind the essential |
| in the water that is left over after distillation. This | | | | oil. This method is used only for expensive oils |
| water, known as hydrosols, is used by | | | | because the process is costly. |
| Aromatherapists in products such as cosmetics as a | | | | Learning what oil and fragrance best suits your needs |
| skin moisturizer. | | | | will help achieve optimum health results. Essential oils |
| Expression: This extraction method involves pressing | | | | provide a number of benefits such as alleviate pain, |
| the plant's skins, seeds, and flesh. It is most often | | | | promote relaxation, relieve tension, act as a natural |
| used when extracting citrus peels. | | | | insect repellent, contains anti-fungal and |
| Cold Pressing: This form of extraction is another | | | | anti-inflammatory properties, stimulates digestion, |
| method of removing oils from fruit. The process | | | | alleviate respiratory systems, detoxifies the air, |
| involves rolling the fruit between spiked | | | | improve mental function, and promotes healthy skin. |
| protuberances which penetrate the peel. The | | | | The essential oil is a very tiny part of the flower or |
| squeezing will extract the juices that hold the | | | | plant. Many plants are needed to create a small |
| essential oil. The juice is then put through a centrifuge | | | | amount of oil. Depending on how the essential oil is |
| in order to separate the oil from the juice. | | | | produced, it can have an impact on the concentration |
| Enfleurage: Flower blossoms are placed on sheets of | | | | and quality of the oil. |
| warm vegetable fat that absorb the oil from the | | | | Essential oils are a popular natural health product that |
| flowers. The fat is separated out with solvents, | | | | is quickly gaining worldwide recognition. |
| leaving just the essential oil. It is a lengthy and | | | | |