Lavender oil is extracted by steam distillation, a process that preserves the natural aroma and therapeutic benefits of lavender. The process begins by harvesting mature lavender plants and separating the flowers from their stems.
The flowers are then placed inside a distillation cabinet or still, which is filled with a low-pressure stream of water and then heated to release the oil. As the steam heats the plant material, the plants’ essential oil is released in a vapor form and passes through a condensation chamber.
The vapor is finally cooled and collected, thus producing a watery distillate. The watery distillate is blended with alcohol, which pulls the lavender oil from the water. After the oil and alcohol are separated, the oil is siphoned off and collected.
Through this process, the essential oil of lavender is extracted, leaving behind a watery residual which is known as a floral water or hydrosol.
In which part of lavender oil is extracted?
Lavender oil is extracted from the flowering tops of the lavender plant, which is scientifically known as Lavandula Angustifolia. The flowering tops are especially prized, as their wonderful aroma is released when steam distilled.
When steam distilled, the oil is extracted from the plant and collected in a vessel or container. To ensure the purest oil, it is important that the flowers are harvested when in full bloom and are immediately distilled.
Following the extraction, the oil is then filtered and bottled to preserve its fresh fragrance.
How do you separate lavender oil from the plant?
In order to separate lavender oil from the plant, steam distillation is typically used. This is the most common method of extracting the essential oil from the lavender. First, the flowering tops of the lavender are harvested and then placed into a still.
Steam is then passed through a water chamber, heating the plant material and releasing the oil. As the steam passes through the plant material and condenses, it carries with it the essential oil. This condensed steam is then separated from the oil, usually through low-pressure fractional distillation.
The lavender oil is then cooled, allowed to settle and the clear liquid is removed. Any impurities will be filtered out, leaving pure lavender oil.
How much lavender do you need to make essential oil?
The amount of lavender you need to make essential oil will depend on the type of process you are using to extract it. For steam distillation, an approximate rule of thumb is to use 1 lb (450 g) of lavender for every 1 fluid ounce (30 ml) of essential oil you want to make.
On the other hand, solvent extraction requires substantially less material, typically around 5–10% of the amount needed for steam distillation. So for the same 1 oz (30 ml) of oil, you would need approximately 2.25–4.
5 oz (63-127 g) of lavender flower. Additionally, the quantity of oil produced is also affected by the quality of the lavender and other factors such as the climate and soil conditions. Therefore, different weather and soil conditions may yield different amounts of essential oil, so you may need to adjust the amount of lavender depending on your circumstances.
How do you make lavender extract without alcohol?
Making lavender extract without alcohol is surprisingly easy and produces a versatile herbal extract that is perfect for adding flavor to culinary dishes, homemade cleaning supplies, and even skincare and health products.
To make lavender extract without alcohol, you’ll need some fresh lavender flowers, distilled water, and an airtight glass jar. Start by harvesting some fresh lavender flowers and separating the petals from the stems.
Then, place the petals in the glass jar and cover them with the distilled water, making sure there is at least a 1-inch gap of space between the petals and the top of the jar. Put the lid on the jar and place in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Shake the jar every day for one week. After a week, strain the lavender extract through cheesecloth and discard the petals. You can then store the lavender extract in the glass jar for up to one year in a cool, dark place.
Making lavender extract without alcohol is a great way to bring the flavor and benefits of lavender into your home and to incorporate it into a range of products, from home remedies and beauty products to cooking and cleaning supplies.
How do I make Distilled lavender?
Distilled lavender is a fragrant oil that can be used for a variety of purposes, including aromatherapy, skin care, and even cooking. To make distilled lavender, you will need to start with high-quality dried lavender buds.
Put the lavender into a pot and pour in enough carrier oil (such as almond oil) to cover the buds. Place the pot over low heat and simmer the lavender buds in the oil for 1-2 hours. The pot should be kept on the stove, but ensure that the heat is not too high or the oil will burn.
Once the lavender buds have been simmered, remove the pot from the heat and allow it to cool.
Once the oil cools, strain the lavender buds out of the oil. Place the strained oil in a Mason jar or other glass container and store it in a cool, dark place. To complete the distillation process, you will need to make an essential oil distiller.
This device uses steam to extract essential oils from the lavender oil. To use the distiller, add the lavender oil to the distiller and turn it on.
The steam will pass through the oil and extract the essential oils, leaving a fragrant liquid behind. Once the extraction is complete, pour the essential oil blend into a separate jar or bottle. This distilled lavender oil can be used for aromatherapy, skin care, cooking, and more.
Do you dry lavender before distilling?
Yes, lavender should be dried before distilling to ensure that its essential oils do not become contaminated with mold, bacteria, or other contaminants from wet material. Additionally, lavender should be dried as soon as it is harvested to prevent the essential oils from deteriorating.
When drying lavender, it is best to let it hang upside down in a well-ventilated and dark area, such as a room or a closet. Alternatively, the lavender can be spread out on a drying screen, or on a tray or basket lined with parchment paper.
Dried lavender should feel crisp, brittle, and slightly dry to the touch. The temperature of the drying area should not exceed 35°C (95°F). It usually takes about two weeks for lavender to dry completely.
Once the lavender is totally dry, it can be used in distillation and other recipes.
How is pure lavender oil made?
Pure lavender oil is typically made through the process of steam distillation. Lavender plants are harvested when they are in full bloom since that is when they contain the highest concentration of essential oils.
The harvested lavender is then gathered and placed inside a still. The plant material is then heated with steam, which passes through the plant material, thus separating the oil molecules from the rest of the plant material.
This steam passes through a cooling system, and as the molecules cool, they revert back to liquid form and separate from the steam.
The essential oil is then diverted and collected in a condensation holding chamber, while the steam and other materials are re-directed out of the system. Any remaining plant material is discarded, and the essential oil is filtered and transferred into a collecting vessel.
This is your finished pure lavender oil product.
To ensure the highest purity of the oil, best industry practices say it should be bottled and sealed in airtight containers soon after collection, and the extraction process should take place in controlled environments with the oil being stored and handled under sterile conditions.
Can you distill essential oils from dried herbs?
Yes, it is possible to distill essential oils from dried herbs. The process begins with the selection of appropriate herb varieties, specifically those which contain oil pockets which are undamaged by the drying process.
After harvesting, the herbs are dried and crushed. The crushed herb is then added to a still with hot water, which acts as the distilling solvent. The process of distillation then begins and the oil is collected as the still is heated.
The oil is usually separated from the water and placed into a shallow bowl so that it can cool and be poured into bottles for storage. Distilling essential oils from dried herbs can be labor intensive, so it makes sense to research how much of each herb is needed to produce the desired oil yield before beginning the distillation process.
How long does homemade lavender extract last?
Homemade lavender extract can last up to 2 years if kept in a cool, dark place. To maximize its shelf-life, it’s recommended to store the extract in a dark glass bottle or container with a sealable lid.
Additionally, be sure to keep it away from extreme temperatures and out of direct sunlight to protect the quality of your extract. The same is true if you store it in the refrigerator—avoid overly cold temperatures that could affect the potency of your homemade lavender extract.
What can you do with dried lavender?
Dried lavender has a wide range of uses, from cooking and crafting to natural remedies and relaxation. In the kitchen, lavender can be used to flavor sweet and savory dishes alike. It can be added to baked goods, used as a seasoning for meats, or infused into oils and vinegars.
Lavender is also a popular ingredient in DIY household cleaners and potpourris. When it comes to natural remedies, lavender is thought to have calming and soothing properties. It can be used in aromatherapy, as a topical treatment for skin irritations, or taken orally in the form of teas, tinctures, or supplements.
Lastly, lavender is often used as a natural relaxant. People may use it in bath products, burn it in candles or diffusers, or simply keep a sachet of dried lavender nearby to take in its scent.