Essential oils are the scented liquids taken from flowers and other elements of a plant. Essential oils are used for both skin care and aromatherapy purposes, and are very popular. However, essential oils can be expensive to buy. Instead of buying commercial products, you can make your own essential oils with the right supplies, and a little bit of time. Though, this process takes a little longer than it would if it were commercially made, it also doesn't require expensive equipment such as a sill.
Ingredients
Homemade essential oils are made using flower petals, actual oil and a few household products. To make your own essential oils, you will need fresh flowers that are less than a week old and oil. Any type of oil can be used for this process: Vegetable oil, olive oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, or anything else you prefer. You will also need a resealable storage bag, a wooden mallet or rolling pin, a glass jar and cheesecloth.
Process
The key to making essential oils is to use tightly packed flowers. To prepare the flowers, divide them into 4 equal parts. Then place one group of flowers in a plastic bag, squeezing out all of the air before you seal the bag. Tap the flowers to bruise them slightly, however they don't need to be beaten or ground. Finally, mix the oil and the flowers in the jar and seal the jar securely. The mixture needs to sit for 48 hours in a warm place, such as on a window ledge in warm sunlight, or another warm spot. After 48 hours, use the cheesecloth to strain the oil from the flowers and discard the flower bits. This process must be repeated for the other 3 bunches of flowers, allowing the flowers to soak in the oil for 48 hours each time.
Storage
The best way to store homemade essential oil is to pour it into a dark colored glass bottle. This will keep the light out, which will preserve the oil better. If you don't have a dark colored bottle, paint a glass jar with acrylic glass paint in black or dark blue. The bottle doesn't have to be painted perfectly; just brush paint on the sides and bottom to block out some of the sunlight. Store the bottle in a cool, darkened place as well. Keeping the bottle out of direct sunlight will allow the oil to last for about a year.
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