Things You'll Need:
- Base oil (safflower, almond, olive)
- Fresh flowers/herbs
- Glass container with lid
- Plastic bag
- Wooden mallet/rolling pin
- Cheese cloth
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Step 1
Gather flowers or herbs in the morning when the oils are at their peak. Pick herbs just prior to blooming, as they lose potency once they begin to bloom. Check the flowers or herbs for any signs of insects or insect damage. Rinse the plant with clear water and pat it dry with a paper towel. Place one cup of herbs or flowers in a plasticstorage bag and bruise them with a small mallet or rolling pin. Bruise the leaves and petals just enough to cause them to release oils.
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Step 2
Prepare a jar with at least 1 cup of a good base oil. Many prefer to use olive oil, but any vegetable oil will do. Almond oil will give your essential oils a light scent that will complement almost any natural aroma and is a great oil if you intend to use essential oils on the skin.
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Step 3
Add the bruised flowers or herbs to the oil and seal the container. Allow them to steep in a warm area for 24 to 48 hours. Use caution and do not expose them to direct afternoon sunlight, as this will quickly heat the oil and cook the vegetable matter. Open the container and strain the flowers and herbs with a piece of cheese cloth. Return the oil to the jar and discard the vegetable matter.
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Step 4
Repeat the procedure for bruising the flowers and herbs and steeping for 24 to 48 hours at least three times or until the oil reaches the desired degree of fragrance. Store essential oils in dark bottles to block out light or store them in a dark area. Add essential oils to potpourri mixtures or use them as a body oil.
Comments
Carol-Ann said
on 12/8/2008 I would like to make my own essential oil using a small distillation unit. There was once an article on making such a distillation unit.
I grow Lavender and make my own soap.
Can you help.
Carol-Ann