How to Extract Myrcene From Lemongrass

Myrcene is obtained from essential oils. It can be found in several plant species including bay, Ylang-Ylang, hops, wild thyme and lemongrass. Once the essential oil has been extracted from the plant, myrcene acts as the main ingredient in perfumes. There are several ways in which essential oils can be extracted from the lemongrass plant, including one which utilizes items you will have at home. You can extract your own oil from lemongrass and use it as an ingredient in homemade products.

Things You'll Need

• 1 wide necked jar
• 300 ml oil
• Glass mixing bowl
• Muslin cloth
• Dark glass bottle with lid or stopper
• Enough lemongrass to fill the jar half way (you will have to do this several times)

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash the lemongrass stalks and cut into small pieces. Cutting the grass will help to release the oils.

• 2

  Place the lemongrass into the wide-mouth jar. Fill the jar with oil. You can choose from several kinds of oil. Choose an oil that has a light color and little odor. Good options include olive oil, sesame oil, safflower oil or almond oil.

• 3

  Put the lid on tightly and place in a sunny windowsill for 48 hours. Shake the jar every 12 hours.

• 4

  Remove the lid and place the muslin cloth over the top of the jar. Drain the oil into the mixing bowl. Squeeze oil from the lemongrass in the muslin cloth.

• 5

  Refill the jar halfway with fresh, chopped lemongrass. Pour the oil back in and place the closed jar in the windowsill for another 48 hours. Repeat this process until the oil contains enough myrcene to have the scent you desire. This process is known as enfleurage.

• 6

  Expedite the process by placing the jar into a pot of cold water every day. Heat the oil until the water is warm to the touch. Leave the jar in the pot for 10 minutes. This process is known as maceration.

• 7

  Mix the myrcene with other ingredients to make perfume.