What is the primary method for collecting essential oils?

The primary method for collecting essential oils is distillation. This process involves steaming plant material, which causes the essential oils to evaporate along with the steam. As the steam cools, it reverts back into liquid, separating the essential oils from the plant material. Distillation is a widely used method because it effectively captures the delicate aromatics and beneficial compounds of the plant without altering their properties, making it suitable for a wide range of essential oils, including those from flowers, leaves, and roots.

Cold pressing is another method commonly used, particularly for citrus oils, but it is limited to specific types of plants. Extraction and solvent extraction are also methods used for obtaining essential oils, but they are less common and can involve chemicals that may alter the purity of the oil. Consequently, while these methods have their applications, distillation remains the most prominent and effective technique in essential oil production.