How to Extract Kudzu Plant Oil
If you've ever traveled through the Southeastern United States, you've undoubtedly encountered kudzu, whether you knew what it was or not. This highly aggressive vine covers everything it comes in contact with. With a growth rate of a foot per day in the growing season, kudzu multiplies rapidly. Kudzu oil is used in a variety of home-beauty treatments, aromatherapy remedies and in Chinese medicine. You can extract your own kudzu oil at home with a few simple steps. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Food processor
- Kudzu leaves and vine
- Cheesecloth
- Bowl
- Storage container
Instructions
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Use scissors to cut the kudzu vine. Cut several lengths of kudzu from the vine. Cut these pieces into shorter lengths of approximately 2 inches apiece, that will fit easily into your food processor.
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Use a food processor to extract essential oils from kudzu. Place the kudzu in the food processor, put the lid on and puree the kudzu into a lumpy mixture.
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Place your cheesecloth over a bowl and stretch it tight. You may want to have another person hold the cheesecloth or stretch a rubber band over it to keep it secure.
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Dump the contents from the food processor onto the cheesecloth. Allow the plant oil to soak through the cheesecloth into the bowl. Press the material into the cheesecloth with the back of a spoon to extract all of the oil. Discard any remaining plant material. Repeat this process until you have the desired amount of kudzu oil.
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5
Store the kudzu oil in a plastic-storage container or glass jar and refrigerate it. Label the container clearly so everyone is aware of its contents.
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Tips & Warnings
Wash your food processor bowl and blades thoroughly in hot, soapy water to remove any residual oils.
References
- Photo Credit scissors image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com Food processor on a kitchen work surface image by Jeff Dalton from Fotolia.com
