Natural essential oils are wonderful products which are extracted through a number of ways. All these products have been used for centuries for multitude purposes, including – aromatherapy, beauty enhancement, medicine, and food. These highly concentrated volatile liquids are obtained from the plants & its parts. In this section, we will discuss the essential oils extraction methods 101 adopted by the essential oils manufacturers in India.
Today, natural products such as pure floral waters, natural essential oils, cold-pressed carrier oil, natural traditional Indian attars, Co2 extracts oils and peppermint products are being extracted through various techniques. These approaches include – steam distillation, solvent extraction, Co2 extraction, enfleurage, and cold-pressed.
If we take a note over the distilled essential oils, we find that these have their own unique smell and potential health benefit. The process of essential oils distillation has been used for a long time where the end products are beneficial for different purposes.
Their fragrance makes them fit for aromatherapy & making of perfumes. That helps in eradicating the stress, anxiety, and depression.
Natural Products & Essential Oils Extraction Methods 101- A Brief Note
Worldwide, natural products have been used by people, aromatherapy specialists, medical practitioners, and industries. Now in this section, we will explore how different kinds of natural products are being extracted.
Steam Distillation
Steam distillation is one of the most effective essential oils extraction methods that can purify or isolate temperature-sensitive materials. In this process, the steam is used for vaporizing the internal material of plants. In this process, steam passes through different phases. Liquid gets condensed and collected once it’s cooled.
In the first phase, the plant material is collected into a stainless steel container which is called “Still”. It’s done to make it a closed environment. Now after this, the steam is injected into this container through an inlet that performs a perfect action which causes the release of plant’s material in the form of vapour.
This vaporized mixture now goes to the next stage where it passes through the condensation process. The condenser has two types of pipes one for the exit of hot water and another one for entering cold water. By this process, we get the distilled essential oils such as agar oil, ajwain oil, angelica root oil. Asafoetida oil etc.
When hot water comes in contact with cold water, it cools down. The cold water and oil get collected inside the separator. As we know that essential oils and water have different densities, therefore they don’t mix. Essential oil floats over the water, but a few essential oils have a higher molecular weight that makes them heavier. Now it’s easy to siphon the natural oil from the water from the mixture.
Solvent Extraction
For a long time, solvent extraction is also used for essential oils extraction. In this process, various types of solvents such as hexane, ethanol or other organic compounds are used. It’s advantageous for extraction of essential oils where compounds are not able to withstand the heat. Moreover, the amount is very less.
It’s absolutely one of the finest approaches to get the finer fragrance of plant’s material. Solvent extraction is more popular in the perfume industry & its’ cheaper. During this process, non-volatile plant materials like waxes and pigments are extracted & removed.
In order to understand how essential oils are extracted from this process, we must take a look over this process. First of all, the collected raw material must be dipped in the solvent, and after this, it passes through the multiphase chemical process.
Concrete is formed that is further treated with the alcohol and gets heated. In the next phase, condensation begins, and the final mixture is collected. In this process, the solvent always remains in the oil & can be used in the perfume-making process.
Co2 Extraction Process
It’s widely accepted to obtain Co2 extract oils. In this process, Co2 gas is used that works as a solvent. This gas passes through different phase changes, i.e. liquid to gas, gas to liquid.
Co2 extraction method is also known as supercritical extraction. It’s somehow similar to the steam distillation where the final products are widely used in aromatherapy & perfume making. The best part of this process is that the chemical compounds don’t get altered because of the least heat impact.
In the context of the Co2 extraction process, the raw material is taken inside a chamber. On applying pressure, the Co2 gas turns into the liquid and is used as a solvent. It’s impactful in releasing plant material. The mix of Co2 & plant’s material is now passed to the next stage where Co2 gets depressurized. The low pressure changes the state of Co2 from liquid to gas. This stage separates the Co2 & extracts.
Ginger Co2 extracts oils, Basil Co2 Extracts oils, Fennel Co2 Extracts, Garlic Co2 extracts oil, etc. are a few end products which are obtained from this process.
Cold Pressed Technique
Cold-press is one of the finest approaches to obtain carrier oils. In this process, mechanical pressure is applied for the formation of the sac. It’s good to know that this technique is used for the crushing of fruits and vegetables at very low speed where the juice comes after the squeeze of pulp.
In addition to this, heat & oxidation is supplied for the extraction process. The good thing about this – the enzymes and nutrients do not get disturbed, and we can get the superior quality of the oil. Here it’s also worth noting that during this process a machine is used for piercing the whole citrus fruit. Now after this, the fruit is further pressed & the solid can be removed from the centrifugal process. It’s also worth mentioning the oil and juice gets separated and siphoned off and collected. Cold-pressed oils do not lose the flavour, aroma and nutritional value.
Avocado Carrier Oil – Extra, Broccoli Seed Carrier Oil, Argan Carrier Oil etc. are the best carrier oils for different purposes.
Enfleurage
This process is hardly used during these days, where fat plays an important role and works as a separation agent. This fat can be either of animal or plant fat. During this process, lard that is also known as vegetable or animal fat must be taken and spread over a chassis.
The fresh petals should be placed over the top of the layer. This should be set for 1-3 days, and after this scent of flower seeps into the fat. After these petals are replaced, and other flowers are used. Further after this, it’s washed with alcohol and then dried up.
Get the Best Price Natural Essential Oil
We are known for our world-class natural products. We provide you with the most competitive price, 100% pure and organic essential oils. Each and every product is extracted through a different process. All these natural products are made by the use of the naturally grown raw materials. We explore a vast collection of products. Today, we are recognized as one of the best organic essential oils manufacturers in India.
