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There are various ways to extract essential oil from plants, but one in particular is the fastest and most effective. Let’s see it in detail.
Essential oils , responsible for the pleasant aroma of plants, have been recognized and used since ancient times .
Over the centuries, their fate has oscillated between greatness and obscurity, with the latter often corresponding to advances in chemistry and synthetic compounds.
However, since the 1990s, essential oils have enjoyed a resurgence in popularity and come under renewed scrutiny.
This has led to the widespread adoption of aromatherapy as a means of healing and relaxation.
Essential oils are used to improve one’s physical , emotional and mental well-being, thus helping to improve the quality of life.
The process of how to extract oil from fragrant plants is intriguing and requires a complete understanding of the flora. However, it is also quite achievable at home with great ease.
To do this you need a 12 L distiller , a gas or electric stove, some water and scented plants, such as mint, lavender, thyme, rosemary , savory and sage, which boast a rich concentration of essential oils.
For the process , approximately 2 kg of freshly harvested plants are sufficient during their balsamic period, when they are more concentrated in active compounds.
Extract essential oil from plants with distillation
Steam distillation is a process in which steam is used to separate a mixture of two or more substances that have different boiling points.
To obtain essential oils, steam distillation is the reference technique, which involves the exploitation of the steam generated by boiling water .
The vapor then passes through the plant matter present in the still, carrying with it the aromatic molecules of the plant cells.
These molecules are incredibly light, making them highly volatile and easy to vaporize. The water vapor and volatile molecules then flow through a condenser, returning to a liquid state.
Continued on next page
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