The Fascinating Process of Still Distillation: How Essential Oils are Made

Essential oils have been used for centuries for their therapeutic and aromatic properties. From lavender to peppermint, essential oils can be found in a variety of products such as candles, soaps, and perfumes. But have you ever wondered how essential oils are made? Essential oils have become increasingly popular over the past few years due to their many uses and benefits, including aromatherapy, natural cleaning products, and personal care. One of the most popular methods of extracting essential oils is through still distillation.

What is still distillation?

Still distillation is a process used to extract essential oils from plant materials. The process involves heating water and plant materials in a still, which causes the essential oils to evaporate. The steam is then captured and condensed into a liquid form, which is the essential oil.

The process of still distillation has been used for centuries and is still widely used today. In fact, it is one of the most common methods of extracting essential oils.

Plant material

The first step in the still distillation process is selecting the right plant material. The quality of the plant material is critical to the quality of the essential oil produced. In general, the best plant material is harvested during the optimal time, which is when the plant is in full bloom. It is also important to use plant material that is free from pesticides and other chemicals.

The plant material is typically harvested by hand and then dried. Drying the plant material is essential because it helps to reduce the moisture content, which can affect the quality of the essential oil. Once the plant material is dried, it is then ready to be used in the still distillation process.

The still

The still is the most important piece of equipment in the still distillation process. It is where the plant material is placed and where the steam is generated. There are several different types of stills, including pot stills and column stills. The type of still used will depend on the plant material being used and the desired end product.

The pot still is the most common type of still used in the essential oil industry. It is a simple design that consists of a large pot with a lid, a condenser, and a collection vessel. The pot is filled with water and the plant material is placed in a basket or container above the water. As the water is heated, steam is generated, which carries the essential oil out of the plant material and into the condenser. The condenser cools the steam, causing it to condense back into a liquid, which is then collected in the collection vessel.

The column still is a more complex design that is used for more delicate plant materials. It consists of a column filled with packing material, which allows the steam to flow through and extract the essential oils. The steam is then cooled and condensed, similar to the pot still.

The distillation process

Once the still is set up and the plant material is loaded, the distillation process can begin. The water in the still is heated, which creates steam that passes through the plant material. As the steam passes through the plant material, it extracts the essential oil and other aromatic compounds.

The steam and essential oil then pass through the condenser, where they are cooled and condensed into a liquid. The liquid is then collected in a collection vessel. The essential oil is separated from the water, which can be reused in the still.

The distillation process typically takes several hours, depending on the plant material being used and the desired end product. Once the distillation is complete, the essential oil is ready to be bottled and used.

Quality control

Quality control is an important part of the still distillation process. The quality of the essential oil is dependent on several factors, including the quality of the plant material, the still used, and the distillation process itself. To ensure the highest quality essential oils, it is important to use high-quality plant material and a well-maintained still. 

The final product of the still distillation process is the essential oil, which is a highly concentrated liquid that retains the unique properties and fragrance of the plant it was derived from. The oil is then bottled, labeled, and prepared for sale or distribution.

Still distillation is a complex yet highly effective process for producing essential oils. It has been used for centuries and remains the most popular method for extracting essential oils from plants. From the careful selection of raw materials to the precise regulation of temperature and pressure, every step of the process is critical in ensuring the purity, potency, and quality of the essential oil produced.

It is important to note that not all essential oils are created equal. The quality of the final product is largely dependent on the quality of the raw materials used, the expertise of the distiller, and the care taken in the distillation process. At Natural Wholesale, we pride ourselves on sourcing only the highest quality raw materials and distilled oils. Whether you are a seasoned aromatherapist, a soapmaker or simply looking to incorporate essential oils into your daily routine, you can trust that our essential oils are pure, potent, and of the highest quality.