Purpose of Distillation Process in Extraction

Extraction is the process of removing essential oils from plants. These oils are then used for various purposes. Certain plants have medicinal properties that remain in the extracted oils. The medicinal properties are often not strong enough unless the volatile organic compounds are concentrated, which is often only possible through extraction.

Steam

• With steam distillation, hot water vapor moves over plant material, opening pockets and causing volatile, essential oils to escape from the plant material, evaporating as steam. The temperature should be hot enough to cause extraction, but not so hot that the temperature burns the plant material. The steam is then cooled so it condenses enough for liquid to form. Leafy plant material is sometimes distilled by placing it in a basket, with water boiled beneath. The steam rises up and carries the essential oils to the condenser.

Hydrosols

• Steam distillation produces water molecules “hydrosols," which contain the plant’s aroma. Hydrosols are sometimes applied directly to the skin or near the eyes, while other hydrosols are used in products. Rose hydrosol – for example – is used in toners, douches, body sprays and moisturizers.

Distillation

• Steam distillation is the most common method of essential oil extraction, though not all plant oils can be extracted through this distillation process. Water distillation – another method – involves plant submersion in water. A heating element boils the water and plant together. This method is used commonly with flower blossoms and powders.

Solvent

• Some plants lose their scent when immersed in water or distilled with steam. Therefore, people use solvents instead. A hydrocarbon solvent dissolves the plant’s essential oils, waxes and fatty acids. The essential oils mix with alcohol, so alcohol is mixed with the dissolved plant matter to extract the essential oils. Plant material is usually placed in a perforated tray, where it is washed several times with the solvent. The plant material falls through the tray. The process removes non-extractable materials, including pigments, waxes and highly volatile aromatic molecules.

Uses

• Essential oils are different from perfumes in that they are created from real plants, while perfume oils are created from artificial sources. The therapeutic benefits of essential oils come from inhaling the fragrance or applying a version that is diluted by a carrier oil and placed on the skin. Carrier oils include apricot kernel, sweet almond and grapeseed. Inhaled oils enter the lungs and are absorbed through the bloodstream. One of most common essential oils is eucalyptus oil, which relieves muscle and joint pain. This oil is in many mouthwashes and is rubbed near the area experiencing pain, but should not be taken orally unless it is diluted because it is toxic internally.