Glossary
Steam distillation is a common essential oil extraction method where steam helps release volatile aromatic compounds from plant material.
What Steam Distillation Means
In steam distillation, steam passes through plant material such as leaves, flowers, wood, resin, roots, or herbs. The heat and steam help carry volatile aromatic compounds away from the plant material. The vapor is then cooled and condensed, allowing essential oil and aromatic water to separate.
Why It Matters
Steam distillation is used for many essential oils, including lavender, peppermint, rosemary, tea tree, eucalyptus, cedarwood, frankincense, and many herbs. The process can influence aroma, chemistry, and the final character of the oil.
Example in Essential Oil Use
Lavender essential oil is usually steam distilled from flowering tops. Peppermint essential oil is steam distilled from the aerial parts of the peppermint plant.