Essential oils are characterized by having the most beneficial extracts of the plants from which they are obtained and which, in turn, provide numerous benefits for humans. These substances could be used for different pharmacological actions, which is why they are the basis of aromatherapy and are used in perfumes and cosmetics.
They have this name because they are obtained by dragging using steam (distillation) or by pressure extraction in the case of citrus fruits. There are different methods to obtain them but here we leave you two ways to make them easily at home.
Benefits of essential oils
Essential oils have therapeutic properties due to the heterogeneity of their components, giving way to aromatherapy with a duration of 1 to 3 weeks. Thanks to some beneficial molecules from plants, today they are also used in cosmetics.
They have an antiseptic action as they include a number of pathogenic bacteria and certain antibioresistant strains. Some oils are active against those responsible for mycoses and even yeasts, being a superior antiseptic to phenol.
Essential oils with antelope are effective in reducing gastrointestinal spasms and intensifying gastric secretion, thus classifying them as digestive and stomachic, that is, they promote gastric health.
How to make an essential oil?
With the help of a distiller we can obtain lavender, rosemary, mint and many other medicinal plants. It will be necessary to gather the freshest and most tender parts of the plants and try to make them free of herbicides and pesticides.
We will pour distilled, unperfumed water into the distiller tank and add the herbs. Once inside, we will begin to boil the water so that the water vapor rises through the herbs, thus allowing them to release their essential oil. Depending on the plant, this process can take anywhere from half an hour to eight hours.
The first thing you will see falling will be water, do not think that it is not working, first the hydrolate will fall and then you will be able to see the oil. Once the process is finished, you will very carefully drop the hydrolate into one container and the oil into another.
If you do not have a distiller at home, you can make one using a pressure cooker.
How to make citrus essential oil?
Using the pressure extraction method we can obtain the essential oils of citrus fruits, such as orange. This method is based on squeezing the raw material or charge to extract the oil. Either with the use of our hands or a machine, we will squeeze the skin of the citrus fruits and then filter the liquid obtained and thus extract the oil.
We must peel the fruits and keep the peel, since this is where the essences accumulate. We will cut the shells into pieces and place them on a linen or cotton cloth, and crush them with our hands or a machine, as much as possible. Finally, we will drain the cloth in a jar that must be closed quickly to prevent the essential oils from evaporating.