If you are fascinated by the interesting world of aromatherapy, then you might want to know how essential oils and absolutes are made. They’re both aromatic oils, yet their production involves unique methods, selected based on the desired aromatic and therapeutic result, as well as the tolerance of the plants themselves to each technique.
You can use essential oils in varied ways. They have properties which mean they can be applied to help combat fungus and bacteria, and can also help you to relax or be invigorated. They can be added to a massage oil or added to a burner in order for the scent to spread through your home and enhance the atmosphere.
Not a lot is known about the production of them by most people. While these techniques are relatively similar throughout the world, truly high grade oils demand exacting standards of the variables involved in their making
Common “essential oils” are made through a process of steam distillation. To achieve this, the plant material is placed in a still and hot steam is forced over the material. This serves to make the molecules of the oils to escape from the plant. The steam is then passed through a cooling system, and the oil and water are separated (the oil will float on top of the collected, cooled water). This happens at a fairly high temperature, and there are a few plants that do not do well with the process.
Absolutes are more likely to seem to have a richer aroma that those which have been distilled. Their extraction comes from plants as well but this is carried out with a more protracted and drawn out process. Their processing, and the rarity of the plants themselves, lead to their generally higher cost.
Oils extracted in this manner are generally of a higher concentration than those which have been distilled conventionally. When dealing with jasmine, for example, a lot of the plant is needed for production and this drives up cost. Thankfully, as it is very concentrated, not a lot is needed. One drop can leave you smelling like a blooming jasmine bush for hours.
So with absolutes, solvents are used for the extraction. The plant material is washed in alcohol (and sometimes hexane). This produces a “concrete”, a solid aromatic material, from which a second extraction produces the oil. In the final phase, the solvent is evaporated, leaving only the natural plant oils. Jasmine and Rose absolute are some popular examples of ones which are produced in this way. The vast majority that are used by aromatherapists are steam distilled, as these have the most natural sources used for extraction.
There’s so much more to learn. Find a vast amount of information about employing the therapeutic actions of essential oils at the Ananda Apothecary.