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About the Distillation Process

The Distillation Process

'Her'story

Lavender Flower

One of the greatest contributors to the science of aromatics was made by Maria Prophetissima (c. 3rd century A.D.).
As one of the founders of alchemy, she is attributed with the invention of the alchemical apparatus known as the kerotakis and the tribikos – one of the first distillation-like apparatus.

From Flowers to Oil

Lavender is one of the oldest plants to be cultivated for herbal treatments, and one of the most popular for minor wounds and bruises. Its aromatic and therapeutic properties come from the plant's essential oil.

Tiny secretory structures containing the essential oils are located in various parts of plants. For example in the leaves (eucalyptus), berries (juniper), grasses (palmarosa), petals (rose), roots (angelica), zest of fruit (orange), resins (frankincense) and wood (cedar). The essential oils of a lavender plant are located on the flowering tops - stored in tiny vesicles at the base of each flower bud.

Distillation Process

Lavender essential oil is extracted from the plant by the process of steam distillation. The oil-giving part of the plant is placed inside a stainless steel distillation vat and the extreme pressure of the steam around the vat breaks down the plant material, releasing the essential oil from the plant cells.

Distillation Diagram

Diagram courtesy of Musée de la Lavende

The different chemical components that make up the lavender oil and are stored in a tiny vesicle at the base of each flower bud have a boiling point less than the temperature of the steam. When subjected to the steam (100˚C), the lavender oil chemical components boil – turn to vapour and rise with the steam to the top of the still. When cooled, the oils separate naturally from the water.

After extraction, the resulting essential oil is a highly concentrated liquid that contains the aroma and therapeutic properties of the source from which it came. Nothing should be added or removed from this oil if it is to be used in aromatherapy. To achieve maximum therapeutic benefits, essential oils should be exactly as they came from the still, so to speak.

The residual water, called hydrosol, is also used for cosmetic purposes. The process of distillation, in many respects, has not changed for many centuries.

Lavender Harvest

Harvesting Lavender using tractors in the South of France

Distillary in France

Lavender 'Distillery' in the South of France