The oils used in Aromatherapy are obtained by a process called steam distillation. The plant matter is harvested and placed into a canister through which steam is channeled. The steam rises through the plant material and lifts the essential oils through a condenser coil. This coil then cools the steam and liquid droplets are produced.
The oil and water mixture flows into a Florentine flask where the oil separates from the water and floats on top of it. Many manufacturers see this process as an art and claim to have superior techniques for gathering top quality oils from the best quality plant matter.
Good distillation needs a finely tuned balance of time and temperature to extract the most intense molecules from the plant without damaging their therapeutic properties.
The Origin and Cultivation of Plants
Where a plant grows and its growing climate and conditions influences to a large extent its quality and it is for this reason that many see it as similar to winemaking. The soil, rainfall, relative humidity and sunlight all affect the plant's production of oils. Many oils offer information on location and growing conditions on the bottle. There are several methods of cultivation:
* Certified Organic Farming (CO):
This is certified by independent monitoring agencies as organically grown. No artificial fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides are used. Oils are distilled in organic facilities according to the highest therapeutic standards.
* Organic Farming (O):
These farms are not independently monitored but do practice organic farming methods. Often there aren't monitoring agencies in their area. These remote farms are often not able to buy herbicides and fertilizers since they are expensive.
* Selected Farming (S):
Oils grown on this type of farm are selected and tested for the best quality. If no organic monitoring agencies exist and there is no personal contact, oils are chosen carefully.
* Wildcrafted (W):
Plants gathered in their natural environment and free of any artificial intervention. They are truly organic, kissed by the sun and as pure as Mother Nature herself!
* Absolute (Abs):
This type of oil is extracted by using of solvents rather than steam distillation. A two-step process with an aromatic waxy substance called a concrete is used.
