Essential oils are made a few different ways, most are not used today. The most widely used in the world today is steam distillation, new advances in technology may find better ways in the future. It would take roughly 6-8 million lavender flowers to make 1.5-2 pounds of lavender oil.
Steam Distillation
A device very similar to a pressure cooker is used, the steam is pasted through the plant matter. In doing this the oils inside the plant burst out and turn into vapor. The gas steam/oil is then cooled are transfered back to its original state water and oil. The water and oil are then separated.
Typical Steam Distiller
Maceration
Creates more of a blended oil and not so much a essential oil. Plants are soaked in olive and grape seed oils, heated and then strained and used for massages.
Cold Pressing
Is done by grinding the peels of limes, lemons, tangerines, and grapefruit. Then ran through a press the oils will get squeezed out of the peel. Oil and water will be left behind over time they will bond back to each other. Essential oils made this way and have a shorter shelf life 5-8 months.
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