Tips

 Essential oils are extremely concentrated, and it is often

advisable to dilute them in a carrier oil before applying
them to skin. The most popular carrier oils are almond oil
and grapeseed oil, but a variety of different oils can be
used. They can be added during the bottling process or
mixed with the pure oil just prior to use. The latter is often
preferable because you may not want diluted oil for some
uses, and carrier oils often have a shorter shelf life than
essential oils.

 Separating oil from water can be done by putting the

batch in the fridge. This should harden the oil slightly, like
butter, which will make it possible to separate it from the
water.

Warnings

 For the distillation of most flowers, skip the drying

process and distill soon after harvesting.

 Most essential oils should not be ingested, especially if

undiluted, and many should be diluted even when applied
topically. Also, some essential oils are toxic. See the
external links for more information.

 When drying plant material, you should exercise care not

to allow the material to become contaminated with dirt,
dust or other contaminants. Contamination will reduce the
quality of your oil and may make it unusable.

 If the plant is organic, that does not mean that pesticides

or fertilizers were not applied to it; they are just different
 from commonly used synthetic pesticides or fertilizers
(which some are less toxic than types of organics). Try to
find a local grower who can inform you about how the plant
was grown.

 Do not distill a batch for too long (check

recommendations for the specific plant), as this will add
little additional oil but may possibly contaminate your batch
with unwanted chemical compounds.

Things You'll Need

 Distillation equipment, including at least a tank, a

condenser, a furnace or other heat source and a separator.

 Glass tubing to connect distillation components

 Plant materials from which to extract the oils

 Containers made of dark glass or stainless steel in

which to store the oils

References
1. ↑ Krell, Erich Handbook of Laboratory Distillation. New
York: Elsevier Science Ltd., 1981.
2. ↑ http://www.essentialoil.com/products/glass-essencier-
essential-oil-separator
3. ↑ Krell, Erich. Handbook of Laboratory Distillation. New
York: Elsevier Science Ltd., 1981.
4. ↑ http://www.nda.agric.za/docs/Brochures/ProGuiRosemar
y.pdf
5. ↑http://www.researchgate.net/publication/233842808_Dryi
ng_Method_Affects_Essential_Oil_Content_and_Composition
_of_Basil_(Ocimum_basilicum_L.)
6. ↑ https://www.naha.org/explore-aromatherapy/about-
aromatherapy/how-are-essential-oils-extracted/
7. ↑ http://www.essentialoil.com/pages/percentage-yield
8. ↑ http://www.aromaweb.com/articles/essentialoilshelflife.
asp
9. ↑ http://www.quinessence.com/shelf_life.htm