Steam Distillation

Water for Gaining Essential Oils

Essential oils are volatile components of aromatic plants like lavender or rosemary. They can be used in many ways. Essential oils are used for medical, nursing, therapeutic and cultural purposes.

How Are These Oils Gained?

The most common method for gaining essential oils is steam distillation.

How Does Steam Distillation Work?

For steam distillation, water is heated in a vessel until steam forms. Subsequently, this steam is directed over the previously crushed and pre-dried aromatic plants. The steam dissolves the oil droplets contained in the plants. The rising steam is then lead through a cooled pipe. At the end of the pipe, water and oil are collected in a container. Since most oils are lighter than water, they float on the surface and can easily be skimmed off.

Here you see a possible set-up of an apparatus for steam distillation:

What is done with the water that remains after the skimming off of the oil?

Well, this water isn’t simply poured away, but used as fragrant spray, since it still smells of the oil - although not as intensely.