LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Essential Oils: Steam Distillation
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Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil is extracted by steam distillation of the leaves and twigs. It has a sweet aniseed-like aroma with a balsamic undertone. Lemon Eucalyptus blends with bergamot, black pepper, cedarwood, clary sage, geranium, lemon, orange, peppermint, pine, vetiver and ylang-ylang. Do not take internally. May cause sensitization in some individuals.
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Similar to essential oils, absolutes are concentrated, highly-aromatic, oily mixtures extracted from plants. Whereas essential oils can typically be produced through steam distillation, absolutes require the use of solvent extraction techniques. First, an organic solvent, such as hexane, is added to the plant material to help extract the hydrophobic compounds. This solution is filtered and concentrated by distillation to produce a waxy mass called concrete. The lower molecular weight, fragrant compounds are extracted from the concrete into ethanol. When the ethanol evaporates, an oil—the absolute—is left behind.
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Balsam Fir Essential Oil is derived through steam distillation of the oleoresin collected by puncturing vesicles in the bark of the tree. It could ... be described as being soothing, calming, uplifting, refreshing and grounding. It has a sweet, soft, evergreen or pine-like scent that blends with other balsams, benzoin, cedarwood, cypress, juniper and sandalwood. Use diluted since it may cause skin irritation in some individuals.
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Mostly, essential oils are obtained by steam distillation although other methods are used. Citrus fruits are cold pressed by mechanical means, and the oil from delicate flowers is obtained by a more sophisticated method that produces what is known as an absolute. This is because delicate flowers can not withstand the high temperatures needed for steam distillation.
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Steam Distillation