Hydro Distillation

Hydro distillation is a variant of steam distillation where the plant material is directly immersed in water, and the water is then boiled.

History

Hydro distillation has been traditionally used in rural areas and for specific plants like sandalwood.

Process

The plant material is submerged in water, and the water is boiled to create steam that extracts the oil. The steam is then condensed, and the oil is separated.

Required Equipment

  • Distiller
  • Condenser

Extraction Details

  • Extraction Time: 5-7 hours
  • Raw Material: 1200 grams of plant material
  • Yield: 1-1.5% of essential oil (12-18ml per 1200g)
  • Temperature Range: 100°C
  • Water Ratio: 1:4

Tips for Best Results

  • Ensure the water does not evaporate completely during the process.
  • Use hydro distillation for dense or tough plant materials.

Oils Extracted by this Method