Hobbies And Interests
Product
The products obtained from hydro distillation are essential oils. Essential oils come from a variety of plant sources. Through distillation, an oily residue or distillate collects in a beaker. The residue contains the same aromatic and healing properties of the plant material. Essential oils sell as natural product scents, medicines and aromatherapy. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the quality of commercial essential oils depends directly on the distillation process used.
Process
Hydro distillation involves soaking plant matter in a still full of water over heat. Distillation stills are made of copper, glass or stainless steel, and they must be fitted with a condensing apparatus attached to a receiving flask. The condensing apparatus will condense the steam and oil vapor produced by your heating pad. Excess water pours out through a hole in the condensing apparatus before reaching the receiving flask. The receiving flask is where your distillate deposits.
Potential Problems
Heating methods not easily controlled, such as wood-burning ovens, may get too hot and burn the plant material. Another burning hazard occurs if a still runs dry of water while over heat. Some stills can be fitted with a two-neck adapter that allows you to add more water as the distillation process occurs. Not all of the steam vapor will escape through the condensing apparatus. Some further extraction processes may be necessary to get a pure essential oil.
History
Hydro distillation is among the oldest methods of extracting oils. According to the University of Florida, the ancient Egyptians, Persians and Indians were distilling oils and alcoholic beverages in the middle ages. Turpentine, juniper, lavender and rosemary were among the first substances to be made into oil. Throughout the history and modern evolution of hydro distillation, users have revered the essential oils produced for their medicinal and fragrant qualities.