One question I often see in the essential oil community is "How do I make my own essential oils?" and I am so happy to see people getting into this fun and rewarding corner of EOs!
If you're new to the whole essential oil thing and wondering WHY you would even want to make your own essential oils, let me briefly bring you up to speed:
What is an Essential Oil?
Essential oils are nature's own potions, extracted from plants through steam distillation or mechanical pressing. These potent oils capture the plant’s unique scent or “essence,” which is how they got their name.
However, the journey from plant to oil doesn't end there. The freshly extracted essential oil is too concentrated for direct use, so it needs to be blended with a carrier oil like jojoba, coconut, or rosehip.
Why Use Essential Oils?
Beyond their delightful aromas, essential oils offer a plethora of benefits. They can help alleviate anxiety, headaches, muscle aches, low immunity, joint pain, itching, digestive upsets, wound healing, eczema, rashes, insomnia, skin infections, and inflammation, just to name a few.
However, the effectiveness of an essential oil hinges on its quality.
The Problem with Store-Bought Oils
The market is flooded with essential oils, but not all are created equal. Since there is no strict regulation, many commercial essential oils are diluted with cheaper ingredients like perfume and artificial fragrance, compromising their potency and effectiveness.
This is why making your own essential oils can be a game-changer.
By crafting your own essential oils at home, you can ensure they are pure and potent, maximizing their therapeutic benefits.
Plus, it's a rewarding and enjoyable process that allows you to connect with nature and create personalized blends tailored to your needs.
So as you can see, essential oils are pretty dang awesome and everyone should have them in their home.
How to Make an Essential Oil
One of the easiest essential oils to make at home is Peppermint essential oil, so we'll start with that one.
It's an easy herb to grow and you can get quite a lot of fresh plant material from it. You can even buy organic peppermint plants from a local nursery and plant them in a large pot.
Before you know it, you'll have plenty of fresh peppermint to make your first batch of essential oil at home.
DIY Peppermint Essential Oil
You will need:
- Fresh peppermint leaves
- Two-piece or three-piece distillation kit (such as this one)
- Ice water
- Small container
- Pipette
- Carrier oil
- Dark-tinted bottles
Instructions:
The simplest and most effective way to make your own essential oil at home is through steam distillation.
Although a two-piece distillation kit may cost around $100, it is a worthwhile investment that will quickly pay for itself, given the high price of store-bought essential oils.
So, if you have ever wondered "Is it cheaper to make your own essential oils?" then I can confidently say YES! It definitely can be especially if you grow your own plant material.
- Prepare Your Equipment: Set up your distillation kit according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Prepare the Peppermint: Wash the peppermint leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or impurities.
- Fill the Big Pot: Place the washed peppermint leaves into the large pot of the distillation kit. Add just enough water to submerge the leaves slightly.
- Secure the Lid: Attach the lid securely to ensure no steam escapes except through the designated steam valve.
- Connect the Smaller Pot: Attach the smaller pot to the steam valve and place it on the stove.
- Begin Heating: Heat the pot on the stove. As the water boils, it will produce steam that travels through the steam valve and into the coil.
- Condense the Steam: Fill the coil section with ice water (cold water alone won't yield very good results). The cold temperature will cause the steam to condense back into a liquid, carrying the essential oil with it.
- Collect the Essential Oil: As the steam condenses, you will see the peppermint oil forming on the surface. Use a pipette to carefully collect the essential oil and transfer it into a small container.
- (Optional)Mix with Carrier Oil: Dilute the concentrated peppermint oil with a carrier oil of your choice, such as jojoba or coconut oil, to make it safe for use if desired. Mix 7 to 15 drops of essential peppermint oil with one fluid ounce of carrier oil, adjusting the strength to your preference.
- Store Properly: Pour the pure essential oil into a dark-tinted bottle to protect it from light and preserve its potency. An essential oil bottle like this works best.
After about 20 minutes, you’ll have collected one or two glasses of hydrosol as well!
How to make peppermint hydrosol
This method works for many other essential oils as well, including lavender and chamomile, which I always keep on hand.
How to Make Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil is a versatile powerhouse, perfect for:
- Anxiety: Calm your mind and reduce stress.
- Fungal Infections: Use as a natural antifungal treatment.
- Allergies and Eczema: Soothe skin irritations.
- Depression and Insomnia: Promote restful sleep and improve mood.
- Nausea and Menstrual Cramps: Ease discomfort and pain.
To make lavender essential oil at home (and the chamomile essential oil below), just follow the intructions for making peppermint EO above. It's the same process!
How to Make Chamomile Essential Oil
Chamomile oil, particularly German chamomile, is known for its potent therapeutic benefits:
- Inflammation and Pain Relief: Alleviate conditions such as back pain, neuralgia, and arthritis.
- Skin Application: Rub a few drops on your skin for targeted relief.
The Hidden Gem: Hydrosol
The water left after extracting the essential oil is called hydrosol. It shares many properties with the essential oil but is less concentrated and has a softer scent, making it safe to use without dilution.
I like to put this hydrosol in a spray bottle and use it as a peppermint scalp mist to stimulate hair growth. Hydrosol can be used for many other purposes too, adding versatility to your homemade essential oil toolkit.
Homemade Essential Oils Using Other Plant Materials
There are several types of plant materials that you can easily use at home to make essential oils.
Here are some popular options:
1. Lavender
- Benefits: Calming, helps with anxiety, insomnia, and skin irritations.
- Uses: Aromatherapy, skin care, and bath products.
2. Rosemary
- Benefits: Stimulates hair growth, improves memory, and reduces muscle pain.
- Uses: Hair treatments, massage oils, and diffusers.
3. Lemon (steam-distilled)
- Benefits: Energizing, helps with digestion, and acts as an antiseptic.
- Uses: Cleaning products, diffusers, and skincare.
4. Eucalyptus
- Benefits: Clears respiratory congestion, disinfects, and soothes sore muscles.
- Uses: Inhalation, cleaning products, and massage oils.
5. Tea Tree
- Benefits: Antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory.
- Uses: Skincare, hair care, and cleaning products.
6. Orange (steam-distilled)
- Benefits: Uplifting, helps with digestion, and acts as a natural cleanser.
- Uses: Diffusers, cleaning products, and skincare.
7. Basil
- Benefits: Reduces stress, improves digestion, and acts as an antibacterial agent.
- Uses: Aromatherapy, massage oils, and skincare.
8. Peppermint
- Benefits: Relieves headaches, improves digestion, and stimulates the mind.
- Uses: Inhalation, massage oils, and skincare.
9. Chamomile
- Benefits: Calms nerves, reduces inflammation, and promotes sleep and relaxation.
- Uses: Skincare, aromatherapy, and bath products.
10. Thyme
- Benefits: Boosts immunity, reduces respiratory issues, and acts as an antiseptic.
- Uses: Aromatherapy, skincare, and cleaning products.
Tips for Making Essential Oils at Home:
- Use Fresh Plant Material: Freshly harvested plants tend to produce the best essential oils.
- Proper Washing: Ensure all plant material is washed thoroughly to remove any dirt or pesticides.
- Distillation Process: Follow a similar steam distillation process as outlined for peppermint oil, adjusting quantities and methods as necessary for different plants.
By experimenting with these various plant materials, you can create a wide range of essential oils at home to suit your needs and preferences.
It's also important to note that the yield of the final product can vary greatly depending on the plant material used.
*** I should also note that certain essential oils like rose absolute and other flower based essential oils will be extremely difficult to make yourself. I suggest just buying those from a reputable source like Plant Therapy or Mountain Rose Herbs.
Dosing Instructions (for Adults and Children)
- Application: Apply a generous amount of the oil mixture to your scalp and hair, ensuring you cover the entire length of the hair.
- Massage: Gently massage the oil into your scalp for a few minutes.
- Duration: Leave the oil on for at least an hour or, for deeper conditioning, overnight.
- Washing: Wash off with a mild shampoo.
- Frequency: Use 1-2 times a week for the best results.
How Long Essential Oils Last and How to Store Them Properly
Essential oils have a shelf life of a few years and don’t spoil like food. However, they do undergo changes over time due to oxidation, which occurs when the oil is exposed to oxygen, ultraviolet light, or heat.
Tips for Extending Shelf Life:
- Storage: Keep your oils in dark-tinted dropper bottles to protect them from light.
- Environment: Store them in a cool, dark place away from heat and sunlight.
Properly stored, your peppermint oil can last around four years.
Signs of Oxidation:
- Smell: The scent of the oil has changed.
- Color: The oil's color has altered.
- Clarity: The oil has become cloudy.
If you notice any of these changes, it’s time to discard the old oil and make a new batch.
Frequently Asked Questions About Making Essential Oils at Home
Which essential oils are too difficult to make yourself at home?
While many essential oils can be made at home with the right equipment and techniques, some are particularly difficult to produce due to the complexity of the extraction process or the amount of plant material required. Here are some essential oils that can be challenging to make at home:
- Reason: Producing rose essential oil requires a vast amount of rose petals. The yield is extremely low, with thousands of petals needed to produce just a small amount of oil. The extraction process is also delicate and often involves solvent extraction, which can be hard to replicate at home.
- Reason: Jasmine flowers are highly sensitive and must be picked at specific times to ensure the highest oil yield. Like rose, jasmine oil is often extracted using solvents or enfleurage, both of which are complex processes not easily done at home.
- Reason: Sandalwood essential oil is derived from the heartwood of mature sandalwood trees, which take many years to grow. The distillation process is lengthy and requires specialized equipment to extract the oil efficiently.
4. Frankincense Essential Oil (and other resinous essential oils like myrrh)
- Reason: Frankincense resin, obtained from the Boswellia tree, needs to be distilled for an extended period to produce the essential oil. The process is intricate and requires a significant amount of resin to yield a small quantity of oil.
- Reason: Neroli oil is extracted from the blossoms of the bitter orange tree. The flowers are delicate and must be processed quickly after harvest to prevent the loss of volatile compounds. The oil yield is low, making the process resource-intensive.
- Reason: Extracting vetiver oil involves distilling the roots of the vetiver grass. The process is time-consuming and requires specific expertise to properly extract and purify the oil.
7. Oud (Agarwood) Essential Oil
- Reason: Oud oil is extracted from the resinous heartwood of the agarwood tree. The tree must be infected with a specific mold to produce the resin, and the distillation process is complex and lengthy.
- Reason: Although cypress trees are abundant, the oil extraction from the leaves and branches requires a long distillation process and yields a relatively small amount of oil.
Factors Contributing to Difficulty:
- Yield: Low oil yield means large quantities of plant material are needed for a small amount of essential oil.
- Equipment: Specialized or complex distillation and extraction equipment can be expensive and challenging to operate without professional training.
- Delicacy of Plant Material: Some flowers and plants are extremely delicate and require precise handling and timing to preserve their essential oils.
- Time: Certain essential oils require lengthy distillation times to properly extract the oil.
- Environmental Impact: Harvesting certain plants or trees for essential oils can be environmentally taxing and unsustainable if not done responsibly.
What are some other essential oil extraction methods for making essential oils?
There are various extraction methods for obtaining essential oils, each suitable for different types of plant material and purposes. Here are some common methods:
Solvent Extraction
Solvent extraction involves using solvents like hexanes to dissolve the essential oil from the plant material. This method is often used for delicate flowers that cannot withstand the heat of distillation.
More on Solvents and Alcohols
- Solvents
In solvent extraction, solvents like hexanes and ethanol are used to dissolve the essential oils from the plant material. These solvents are later removed, leaving behind pure essential oil.
- Alcohol
Alcohol, such as vodka, is sometimes used as a solvent for making tinctures or extracting oils from certain plants.
Enfleurage
Enfleurage is an ancient technique where flowers are placed on a layer of fat or wax to absorb their fragrance. The fat is then processed to extract the essential oil. This method is ideal for fragile flowers.
Cold Pressing
Cold pressing is commonly used for extracting oils from citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and grapefruits. The fruit peels are pressed to release the oil. This method preserves the oil's natural scent and properties. Cold-pressing essential oils at home is more difficult than making steam-distilled essential oil.
Steam Distillation
Steam distillation is the most popular method for extracting essential oils. Plant material, such as stems, bark, and leaves, is steamed to release volatile compounds, which are then condensed into essential oils.
What are some components found in homemade essential oils?
Essential Oil Components
Compounds
Essential oils are made up of numerous compounds that contribute to their therapeutic properties. These include terpenes, esters, alcohols, and ketones.
Pigments
Pigments are the natural colors found in plants that can sometimes be carried over into the essential oil, giving it a characteristic hue.
What are some good carrier oils to use when using essential oils?
Almond Oil
Almond oil is a popular carrier oil used to dilute essential oils for safe application on the skin. It is lightweight and nourishing.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is another commonly used carrier oil, rich in vitamins and antioxidants. It's excellent for diluting essential oils for both topical and culinary uses.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is prized for its similarity to the skin’s natural oils, making it an excellent carrier oil for skincare applications.
What tools do I need to make essential oils at home?
Tools and Equipment
Crockpot
A crockpot can be used for a DIY slow extraction method, where plant material is gently heated in a carrier oil over several hours to infuse the oil with the plant's essence.
Copper and Stainless Steel
High-quality distillation kits often feature copper or stainless steel components, which are durable and help maintain the purity of the essential oils.
How do I store my homemade essential oils?
Containers and Storage
A Small Glass Jar
A jar is essential for storing plant material during the extraction process or for keeping finished oils.
Dark-Tinted Bottles
Storing your essential oils in dark-tinted bottles protects them from direct sunlight, which can degrade the oil.
Labels
Always label your essential oils with the date of extraction and type of oil to keep track of their shelf life.
What are the best carrier oils for essential oils?
The best carrier oil for essential oils depends on your specific needs and preferences, as different carrier oils offer various benefits.
Here are some of the most popular carrier oils and their uses:
1. Jojoba Oil
- Benefits: Closely resembles the skin’s natural sebum, making it ideal for all skin types. It’s non-greasy, absorbs quickly, and has a long shelf life.
- Uses: Skincare, hair care, and massage.
- Benefits: Rich in vitamins E and A, this oil is nourishing and moisturizing. It’s excellent for dry and sensitive skin.
- Uses: Skincare, massage, and aromatherapy.
- Benefits: Lightweight, non-greasy, and easily absorbed by the skin. It has a long shelf life and is highly moisturizing.
- Uses: Skincare, hair care, massage, and as a base for homemade beauty products.
4. Olive Oil
- Benefits: Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, it’s excellent for dry skin and hair. It’s heavier and can be a bit greasy, but very nourishing.
- Uses: Skincare, hair care, and massage.
- Benefits: Lightweight, non-greasy, and easily absorbed. It’s rich in antioxidants and has a high linoleic acid content, making it great for acne-prone skin.
- Uses: Skincare, massage, and aromatherapy.
6. Argan Oil
- Benefits: Rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin E, it’s deeply nourishing and hydrating. It’s excellent for both skin and hair.
- Uses: Skincare, hair care, and as a facial oil.
7. Rosehip Oil
- Benefits: High in vitamins A and C, it’s known for its regenerative properties and is great for aging or damaged skin.
- Uses: Skincare, especially for anti-aging and healing scars.
8. Avocado Oil
- Benefits: Rich in vitamins A, D, and E, as well as fatty acids. It’s deeply moisturizing and nourishing.
- Uses: Skincare, particularly for dry and mature skin.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Carrier Oil:
- Skin Type: Choose a carrier oil that suits your skin type (e.g., jojoba oil for oily skin, sweet almond oil for dry skin).
- Allergies: Ensure you’re not allergic to the carrier oil you choose.
- Absorption Rate: Some oils are absorbed quickly, while others are heavier and take longer to penetrate the skin.
- Scent: Some carrier oils have a distinct smell that might affect the aroma of your essential oil blend.
- Shelf Life: Consider how long the oil lasts before it goes rancid.
Recommendations:
- General Use: Jojoba oil or sweet almond oil are versatile and suitable for most purposes.
- Sensitive Skin: Grapeseed oil or jojoba oil are gentle and less likely to cause irritation.
- Dry Skin: Avocado oil or olive oil are deeply moisturizing and nourishing.
- Oily Skin: Grapeseed oil or jojoba oil, as they are lightweight and non-greasy.
Ultimately, the best carrier oil for your essential oils will depend on your specific needs and preferences. It might be helpful to experiment with a few different oils to see which one works best for you.
Leave a Reply