Expression
The chemical profiles within the oil would be damaged or destroyed with other processes that use higher temperatures .
Steam distillation begins with boiling water , which results in steam that passes through the plant material . As the steam passes through the plant part , the heat and pressure release the essential oil from microscopic protective sacs within the plant . The steam then carries the volatile aromatic compounds that were released from the plant into a collecting tube . Here , the steam cools and is condensed back into water , yielding a layer of oil . The layer of essential oil rises to the top , where it is separated from the water and collected . Since essential oils are lipid soluble , it is easy to separate them from water .
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Citrus Rinds
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Cold Pressed Oil
Excess Plant
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Material
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Expression
Unlike the process of steam distillation , expression ( often called “ cold pressed ”) doesn ’ t use heat to extract the essential oil . Typically , this process is used to extract essential oils from the peels of citrus fruits like grapefruit , lemon , lime , orange , and bergamot .
During expression , the rind of the fruit passes across grated cylinders that grind the peel ’ s surface , breaking open tiny sacs that contain essential oil . After the essential oil sacs are opened , the fruit is sprayed with water in order to collect the essential oil after it is released . This watery mixture then goes through a filtering process to get rid of any excess peel pieces , and centrifuged to separate the water from the oil .
When you understand what essential oils are , where they come from , and that they ’ ve been used safely for centuries , it is easy to see that they are not an unexplained mystery , but a practical tool to be used in everyday life . If you are still wondering how essential oils might be applicable to your lifestyle , keep reading to learn about the uses and benefits they hold for individuals of all walks of life .