Have you ever wondered where the essential oils come from? It is not manufactured in any industry but is collected from different parts of the plant – twigs, branches, seeds, fruit, cones, bark, wood, and root among others. These oils are highly volatile compounds that easily evaporate and infuse into the air with their characteristic scent. This aromatic oil protects plants against insects. Essential oils consist of the ‘essence’ of the plant, hence the name. This oil can provide various health benefits like relief from anxiety, and depression, pain- relief, and improved mood. It is also helpful in healing cuts and wounds.
Methods to Extract Essential Oil
There are not one but many methods to extract essential oil. Some of them are mentioned below.
Distillation:
It is one of the most common methods of oil extraction. In this method, a specific part of the plant from where the oil is to be extracted is placed in water. The water is brought to a boil and the vapor liquified is collected in the water-cooled condenser. This process is called water distilled.
On the other hand, steam distillation is another process for extracting essential oils. In this process, a jet of steam is passed through the dry plant material. The vapor collected is then cooled using the same water-cooled condenser method. Some of the essential oils collected using this method are tea tree oil and lavender oil.
Solvent Extraction:
In this method, two volatile solvents, alcohol and hexane, are used to extract the essential oil. It is used to extract oils from plant parts that are too heat sensitive and may be damaged by the distillation process, such as petals, fruits, or leaves. This process leads to the creation of higher-yield oils like jasmine oil or rose oil.
Expression:
It is a form of cold-press method of essential oil extraction. During the process, the raw- materials are compressed to extract the oil. This is highly used in the extraction of citrus-based oils like sweet orange oil.
CO2 Extraction:
As the name suggests, carbon dioxide plays a very important role in this process. Firstly, carbon dioxide is turned into liquid under very high- pressure and low temperatures. The parts of the plant when passed through this act as a solvent and essential oils are dissolved into it. After that, when the pressure and temperature come back the normal, the liquid carbon dioxide returns to its vapor form leaving the oil extracts behind.
Popular and Useful Essential Oils and Extracts
Known for their various benefits here are some of the most popular essential oils that you must have.
Tea Tree:
Known for its amazing aroma, the tea tree essential oil has a long list of benefits, which is why it is also nicknamed as ‘medicine cabinet in a bottle’. It can treat acne, and skin infections, soothe the scalp, and remove dandruff. It also provides relief from congestion.
Peppermint Oil:
By applying this amazing oil, you will get more benefits apart from its cool summer breeze-like aroma. It is beneficial in hair growth and boosting the energy of the body. This oil helps in repelling pests rats and mice from the home as well.
Lemon Oil:
Who doesn’t love the fresh smell of the citrus fruit? Its beautiful aroma uplifts the mood. Like other citrus oils, this one is also known for its cleaning properties. Not only will it help you clear your skin and pimples but also helps in improving concentration. A few drops of lemon essential oil in the kitchen dispenser can eliminate harmful bacteria.
Basil Oil:
Extensively used in aromatherapy applications, this oil is beneficial for soothing headaches, fatigue, sadness, and discomfort of asthma.
Oregano Oil:
Oregano oil has antioxidant, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties that play a crucial role in treating digestive problems like belly cramps and irritable bowel syndrome. It is also helpful in weight management.
Final Words
There are so many benefits of essential oils, but because they are volatile, they react differently on different people. Before applying it to your skin, always mix it with carrier oils like coconut oil and jojoba oil. These oils work like magic and can cure many health conditions. However, for the best results, you need to rely on manufacturers that provide organic essential oils. Gramme Products range of essential oils are extracted from plants and all of its natural constituents are kept intact. They serve nature’s miracle in the form of essential oil and promote a sound body and mind.
Gramme Products
Gramme Products is a reputed provider of essential oils in Uttar Pradesh, India. For more than 24 years, we have been providing perfect solutions for skin issues.
