Extraction Methods of Natural Essential Oils

Essential oils are used in a wide variety of consumer goods such as detergents, soaps, toilet products, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, perfumes, confectionery food products, soft drinks, distilled alcoholic beverages (hard drinks) and insecticides. The world production and consumption of essential oils and perfumes are increasing very fast. Production technology is an essential element to improve the overall yield and quality of essential oil. The traditional technologies pertaining to essential oil processing are of great significance and are still being used in many parts of the globe. Water distillation, water and steam distillation, steam distillation, cohobation, maceration and enfleurage are the most traditional and commonly used methods. Maceration is adaptable when oil yield from distillation is poor. Distillation methods are good for powdered almonds, rose petals and rose blossoms, whereas solvent extraction is suitable for expensive, delicate and thermally unstable materials like jasmine, tuberose, and hyacinth. Water distillation is the most favored method of production of citronella oil from plant material.