Which extraction method is best for Essential Oils?
Essential oils are not produced but extracted from plants as they are naturally occurring oils in plant sources. Extraction methods impact the quality of oils and also affect overall costing.
Extraction methods are:
1) Steam Distillation: One of the oldest and popular extraction methods.
2) Solvent Extraction: Oil is extracted using a solvent, mostly used for floral oils.
3) The expression or Coldpress oils are used mainly for citrus oils.
4) CO2 is a new technology with a very high purity level in the extracted oil.
We need to select the extraction method on the basis of the quality required and costs involved. This is why steam distillation is so popular, as it offers high purity with low costs.
Also, we need to consider the family of plants, e.g. root, flower, fruit, stem, etc.
Roots: Turmeric, Ginger
Flower: Rose, Lavender, Geranium, Jasmine
Leaves: Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Lemongrass
Wood: Sandalwood, Cedarwood
If the economy of price allows, you should go for high purity extraction methods.
References:
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