How to Extract Oil From Gumamela

Better known as hibiscus, gumamela flowers are large and brightly colored.

The brightly colored flowers of the gumamela shrub are more commonly known as hibiscus. While grown in a variety of gardens for ornamental purposes, the shrub is also highly regarded for its medicinal properties. The flowers are not only valued for their aesthetic value, but they hold an essential oil integral to many medicines. Extracting the essential oils from the medicinal shrub is simple, and only requires a few key tools and ingredient.

Things You'll Need

• Gumamela flowers
• Mortar
• Pestle
• Small saucepan
• Vegetable oil, such as canola
• Small strainer
• Small sealable jar

Instructions

1. Place one hibiscus flowers, whole, in the mortar. Grind it with the pestle until it has been broken in to small pieces and has a mushy quality.

2. Repeat the grinding of the flowers one at a time, until the amount desired has been achieved. Place them in the small saucepan.

3. Pour oil over the mashed flowers, enough to cover them by 1/4 inch. Place the pot on the stove.

4. Turn the stove to low-medium heat. Allow the oil to heat until it is hot but well below the boiling stage -- reduce the heat if necessary.

5. Heat the oil for eight hours, or longer depending on how much oil you want released. Remove the pot from the stove and allow it to completely cool to room temperature.

6. Place the sieve in the top of the jar. Pour the oil through the sieve in to the jar. Seal it and store it in a cool, dry area indefinitely.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the oil for a range of ailments, as directed by a holistic health practitioner. These can range from lowering fevers or in topical antibacterial applications.

References

• Healthy New Age: Making Essential Oils
• Aromatherapy At Home: Homemade Essential Oils
• Yard & Garden Brief: Hibiscus