How to Make Essential Oils

For those not afraid of a little DIY project, making essential oils of your own can be a great investment both for your finances and your health. Essential oils are extracted from numerous common plants. Different oils come from different parts of the plant including the flowers, fruits, roots, and leaves. These oils have been used for centuries in homeopathic treatments and recently there has been an explosion of interest on the unique effects these oils can have on health and well-being. CBD oil can have positive effect on your health if you happen to suffer from pain, anxiety or depression. Learn more at https://cbdforsure.com/benefits-of-cbd-oil-for-health/.

Master the art of making your own essential oils and you have a wonderful gift to give your loved ones. Those enjoying the process of extracting oils may also turn the process into a profitable business. For those interested in turning oil-making into a full-time job, professional equipment is available to assist in the oil extraction and processing phases. However, there are many simple recipes available to help you make your own oils at home with common household items.

Making Essential Oils

Essential oils must be removed from the plant part based on where the oils are found. Most commonly, oils are extracted from the plant using one of three methods:

• Distillation
• Extraction
• Expression

Depending on the type of oil you desire, you may need to use one or all three of the methods in your home process.

How to Distill Your Own Essential Oils

Steam distillation is the most commonly used oil extraction process. It is also the most economical. This process exposes the plant to steam. The heat of the steam causes the oils in the plant to evaporate. As the hot vapors begin to cool and condense, the oil and water vapor will separate. Distillation can also be done with water and steam such as when oils must be extracted from herbs and leaves. When using flowers for extraction, only water distillation is used as the steam causes flowers to clump together.

How to Get Essential Oils From Plants

The process of extraction involves the use of solvents for plants which are too fragile for distillation or extraction. The solvent works to draw out the essential oils from the plant. When the solvent has evaporated, the oil product remains along with wax and pigments from the plant. Solvents used to extract oils include petroleum ether, ethanol, and methanol.

Expression Process

Expression is used to extract essential oils from citrus products including oranges, limes, lemons, and grapefruits. Oils in these fruits are found in the outer part of the peel known as the flavedo. The process of expression is also known as cold-pressing because the oils are pressed out of the peel using hands or a machine. The oils will also contain small amounts of residues from the peel, including waxes. A benefit of the cold-pressing process is it allows the oils to retain the original aroma found in the peel.

How Do You Use Essential Oils at Home?

Essential oils are being used in a number of ways. Topically, the oils can be applied directly to the skin and are commonly used in massages. Essential oils are also useful when part of a hot or cold compress for injuries and body pain. Many people add essential oils to their regular bath or foot baths. To absorb oils quickly, apply them directly to the soles of the feet as the largest pores of the body are found on the foot. Additional application sites for quick absorption include the wrists and behind the ears.

As part of aromatherapy treatments, essential oil aromas can be inhaled for treatment of a variety of issues including the treatment of depression, anxiety, nausea, and to achieve quick boosts of energy. Diffusers are available to enjoy the scents of the oils, which can also be used in a vaporizer, humidifier, or when applied to fabrics. Oils can also be used as part of a massage, with therapeutic effect occurring with the body’s absorption of the oil as well as the inhalation of the oil’s aroma.

Around the home, essential oils are being used more frequently due to their natural properties. Many essential oils contain anti-bacterial properties which make the oils effective at cleaning. Lemon oil and spruce oil are great for polishing wood furniture or for cleaning kitchens and bathrooms. Interestingly, essential oils can also be applied to gallons of pain to effectively remove fume smells common with paint.

Essential Oils for Good Health

There are a number of uses for essential oils when it comes to maintaining good health. Physical, mental, and emotional health can all be affected by the proper use of essential oils.

Here are some examples of essential oils, their uses, and how to make them for yourself:

Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint is one of the most widely used oils around the world. It has been shown to be effective in a number of ways and used as a:

• Digestion aid
• Breath freshener
• Sore muscle soother
• Anti-nausea remedy

How to Make:

Fresh peppermint leaves, a glass jar, and olive oil is all you need to make this popular oil. Wash the peppermint leaves first. Chop or crush them to release the oil. Place the leaves inside the jar and cover all leaves with the olive oil. Seal the jar and allow to set for 24 hours. Strain away the oil and add additional leaves. Cover again with oil. Continue to repeat the process for a total for five days. Finally, strain oil from the leaves and store remaining oil in an air-tight container.

Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon oil is another commonly used oil in a number of DIY health and beauty products and household cleaners. It has been shown to have health benefits including:

• Treatment for skin conditions
• Hair conditioner
• Treatment for infections
• Detoxifying agent

How to Make:

Making lemon essential oil is simple. Start by washing and drying the lemons thoroughly. Cut slivers of the lemon peel in long ribbons using a vegetable peeler. Place peels in a jar, pressing down until they are tightly packed. Cover all of the peels using coconut oil. The jar should be tightly sealed and placed in a window which receives abundant sunshine. Allow the peels to sit for 1-2 weeks, shaking often. After the set time, strain out the peels and pour the oil into well-sealing glass jar.

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil is a go-to choice for those experiencing sleep problems. Lavender has been show to help produce a deeper sleep. It has also been shown effective as a:

• PMS-symptom reducer
• Insect bite remedy
• Eczema treatment
• Motion sickness treatment

How to Make Lavender Oil:

To produce lavender essential oil, start with fresh sprigs of lavender. Allow the sprigs to dry completely. Once dry, crush the lavender gently with hands and place the flowers inside a glass jar. Use olive or almond oil to cover the flowers in the jar completely. Seal the jar and place it in a sunny window for at least 48 hours. A stronger scent will require setting for up to six weeks. Lavender can also be heated in oil on the stove, using a double broiler or a crockpot. Continue heating on a steady temperature for 2 to 5 hours. Strain the flowers before storing oil in a sealed glass jar.

Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus essential oil has been known for its healing properties. It is often used in common health products like cough drops and mouthwashes. Eucalyptus can also be used for:

• Aroma therapy
• Dental health
• Pain relief
• Immune health

How to Make Eucalyptus Oil at Home:

Eucalyptus oil requires 2 ounces of fresh eucalyptus leaves. The leaves can be placed in a crock pot. Pour 8 cups of olive oil over the leaves to cover completely. Cover the crock pot with the lid and allow the mixture to sit for 6 hours on low heat. Strain the oil through a metal strainer to catch leaves. Store the oil in a dark glass container.

Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary oil offers a unique scent and has been used in herbal medicine for centuries. It is a versatile oil which has been shown to effectively treat many health issues including:

• Stress and anxiety
• Memory problems
• Better circulation
• Cold/flu relief

How to Make:

Rosemary fresh from the garden can be easily infused to make a versatile oil. Fresh rosemary to fill a glass jar is needed. Wash the rosemary with water and allow it to dry completely. Once dry, pack a clean jar with the rosemary then cover completely with olive oil. The jar should be sealed tightly and allowed to sit in a sunny window for up to one month. Strain away the rosemary pieces and pour the infused oil into a sealable glass jar.

Sharing the Wealth

As you become adept at creating your own essential oil recipes and blends, you may want to take things a step further. Bottling your own essential oils to sell or to share with family and friends may be a great way to earn or save cash. Almost all essential oils need to be stored properly in an air-tight glass jar. Common container options for essential oils are small vials which offer a dropper closure for individual use.

Here are some ideas for sharing your essential oil mastery:

• Essential oils make a great gift idea for everyone on your shopping list. Holiday-scented oils like peppermint, cinnamon, and clove oils can be gifted along with a diffuser at Christmas time or used in your own house to ensure a festive vibe.
• If your household comes down with a nasty wintertime cold, use essential oils like tea tree, peppermint, and eucalyptus to ease coughs and sore throats. Tea tree oil is also anti-viral and anti-bacterial. The next time you bring soup to a sick friend, include your very own bottle of essential oils to wish them better health.
• For friends with kids, gift a bottle of lemon oil to help remove gum from clothing. Lemon oil used in the laundry will also eliminate germs and keep laundry smelling fresh and clean.
• Add essential oils to unscented body wash for a unique gift idea. Just a few drops can provide a great scent and helpful aromatherapy with each shower.
• Gift the gift of a massage to your spouse using your own essential oils. Massage is proven effective for relieving a number of health issues including depression, stress, hypertension, and muscle pain.

There are many ways essential oils can change your life for the better. Whether you just use them for your own personal health reasons or you create specific oils specifically to help family and friends, you can benefit greatly from learning how to utilize the natural power of essential oils. When you master a few favor oil recipes, you may consider selling your products outside your own social circle. Dress up your oil bottles with our own unique logo and earn some extra money showing off your talents.