From the store, essential oils can be expensive.If you love home projects and want to save money, you can make your own essential oils at home.There are many ways to extract essential oils from plants.Home made essential oils are not as strong as those bought in the store.Even though you can make your own essential oils at home, you should still follow safety instructions.
Step 1: You should gather your materials.
It is possible to extract essential oils from plant material with a common oil.If you would prefer, you can use ethyl alcohol to extract the oils.Both methods use the same process.The right supplies are needed to start.Depending on the type of essential oil you're making, you will need plant material in the form of herbs of flowers.Basil herbs are used for basil essential oil.Rose petals can be used for rose essential oil.You can find flowers and herbs in grocery stores.Pesticides may be harmful to the skin, so make sure the flowers you use are organically grown.Only a small amount of essential oils can be taken at a time, so you should get a large amount.There are two non-metal containers you need.You will need a strainer as well.When you're done, you needsealable bottles to hold your mixture.You need a carrier oil.Aim for ethyl alcohol if you want to use alcohol instead.Unflavored vodka can also be used if you can't find this.
Step 2: Plant material and oil can be put in a container.
Take a portion of your oils and put it in a non-metal container.Pour enough to coat the bottom of the container and then pour the alcohol or oil into it.Just enough is all that is needed to cover the plant material.
Step 3: For 24 to 48 hours, set the container aside.
There is a safe place to store your container.It is unlikely that your container will be knocked over.Children and pets should not be near it.The container will be left in this place for 24 to 48 hours.Set the container aside longer if you want stronger essential oils.If you have small children or pets, a high cabinet is a good option.Inform other household members that you're making essential oils so they don't disturb the container.
Step 4: Take your mixture and strain it.
Remove the container from the storage place after the allotted time has passed.Pour the mixture through the strainer into another container.You can squeeze out excess liquid by pressing the plant material lightly.More oils will be released.If you use a large container, have someone else hold the other container while you pour to make sure nothing spills.
Step 5: Add more plants.
The scent of your chosen plant material should come off at this point.Only a small amount of essential oil has been taken so far.Add another layer of plant material to the original crock.The fragrant mixture should be placed on top of the plant material.
Step 6: Continue the process until your essential oil is what you want it to be.
Set the container aside for 24 to 48 hours and strain the mixture.When the mixture gives off a strong scent of your chosen plant material, repeat this.It will take 6 to 8 rounds of treatment before you get a good amount of essential oils.
Step 7: It's correct to store correctly.
You can pour the oil into bottles once you're done.You can store the oils in a dark place if you tighten the bottles.If swallowed, essential oils can be harmful.Store your oils out of reach of young children if you have them.The oils should be kept out of reach of household pets, like dogs, that could chew through a container.
Step 8: The right supplies should be gathered.
steam can be used to extract essential oils.If you own a crock pot you can do this.You need a crock pot, a glass container, and a piece of cloth to start.
Step 9: Put distilled water in your crock pot.
Make sure your oils are not sullied by chemicals found in tap water if you use distilled water here.If you fill your crock pot with water, it will take about three quarters of the way full.
Step 10: Plant material can be placed inside the crock pot.
Take your plant material with you.It can be placed inside the crock pot to float on the water.You should use enough plant material to fit in the crock pot.
Step 11: For 24 hours, cook the mixture on low.
The crock pot should be turned on low heat.You should cover the crock pot when cooking.Allow it to cook for 24 hours.It's a good idea to be careful where you leave the crock pot.Crockpots are safe to leave on when you're not at home.It is important to keep the crock pot in a safe place.
Step 12: For another 2 to 3 weeks, allow the mixture to sit in the crock pot.
You can turn off the crock pot after the 24 hour period is over.You should open the crock pot as well.For 2 to 3 weeks, leave the mixture alone to allow the oils to be fully taken from the plants.It's important to find a safe place for your crock pot when you leave it open.If you have children or pets, the water from the crock pot should not be consumed.A high cabinet may be the best option.It's a good idea to let other household members know that you are making essential oils.
Step 13: The oil should be collected from the water.
A small amount of visible oil should have risen to the surface of the water after 2 to 3 weeks.You should collect the oil and put it in a glass container.You can use a spoon to remove the oil.It may take a few scoops to get all the oil.Don't take any water or plant material, and only the essential oil.
Step 14: Put a piece of cloth over the water for 24 hours.
Place your cloth on top of the container.For 24 hours, set the container aside.Your essential oils will be safe to use after 24 hours, as any extra water will have evaporated.It's important that you take precautions when storing your container.Place it in an area where it won't be disturbed, and keep it out of the reach of children and pets.It takes about 12 months for essential oil to last.After 24 hours have passed, put it in a container.
Step 15: Take your materials.
Maybe you don't have a crock pot.You can use a pot of water to make essential oils, but you will need some extra material.This method requires two people, a cotton and linen bag, as well as string to tie it shut, and a dark glass container.
Step 16: Plant material can be put in a cotton or linen bag.
Put your chosen plant material in your bag to fill it.The bag needs to be tied shut.It's important to make sure the bag is completely shut.Hold the bag upside and shake it to make sure no plant material escapes.
Step 17: Bring your bag to a boil by placing it in a pot of water.
It's important to make sure the water you're using is distilled.You don't want tap water to ruin the purity of your essential oils.Bring the water to a boil once the bag is submerged.
Step 18: The water should be boiled for 24 hours.
It can be difficult to boil the water, as you should never leave a stove unattended.Someone will help you.The two of you can watch the pot as it cooks for 24 hours.It's a good idea to do this on the weekends because no one will have to wake up early.If you're watching the pot late at night, make sure you get a good night's sleep.Coffee and other beverages will keep you alert as you watch the pot.The stove could start a fire if you fall asleep.
Step 19: Take the water from the pot.
The oil will rise to the surface of the water after the 24 hours of simmering are over.Transfer the oil into a dark container using a spoon.It is important to get mostly oil and not a lot of water.After collecting the initial oil, squeeze the bag.There may be a small amount of essential oil in the bag.
Step 20: Let the water sit for a week and cover it with a dark cloth.
The container needs to be covered with a cloth.It is a good idea to set it aside for 24 hours.The essential oil should be ready after this.You can put it in a glass container.It should last at least a year.When storing your container, be careful where you store it.Children and pets should not drink the water.It should be kept out of reach of others.
Step 21: It will not be as pure if you accept your oils.
Making essential oils at home will not be as pure as store bought oils.Commercially made essential oils can be withdrawn from plant materials.Professional steaming methods need materials from a chemistry lab.It is not a good idea to expect homemade oils to be as pure as commercially purchased oils.
Step 22: Follow all safety guidelines when using commercial essential oils.
You should follow the same safety instructions if your oils aren't as pure as store bought oils.It's better to be safe when dealing with essential oils.If you put essential oils on your skin, it can cause irritation or an allergic reaction.It's a good idea to add essential oils in a carrier oil.You should aim for 3 to 10%.People with sensitive skin should only use 1% of essential oil.
Step 23: Is it worth it to make your own oils?
It can take weeks to make essential oils at home.After the process is over, you'll find a product that isn't as pure as a store bought equivalent.While essential oils are expensive, the amount of plant material you'll need for certain recipes may get high.If you don't have a lot of spare time, you may be better off buying essential oils online.