How to Distill Rosemary

Rosemary oil is used in beauty products, for hair growth and for health conditions, such as respiratory problems. It can also be used to reduce pain. You can distill rosemary and create your own essential oils.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Find a steam distiller or a flower still. You can purchase one, or rent one. Some people will make their own, using glass or rubber tubes and various kitchen accessories. If this is your first time distilling herbs, and do not have a background in chemistry, you should consider purchasing a distiller, such as the one in Crucible Catalog.
2. Pick or purchase the entire flowering plant. You will need about 50 to 70 lbs. of rosemary plant to distill 1 pint of Rosemary essential oil.
3. Follow the directions carefully that came with your steam distiller. Each distiller is a little different and will involve different steps. In general, you will be heating distilled water, catching the steam and running it through the rosemary plant material. The steam passes through a cooling system, and turns into the oil and water. The oil and water is then separated using various means, depending on your distiller.
4. Store the collected oil in a dark glass container. In addition, the container should be stored in a cool, dark place.

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