The Essential Oil Maker's Handbook

This book contains so much information! I didn't expect producing essential oils and hydrosols via steam distillation is so easy. The best of all, you don't need much. Between 10 and 20 ounces of plant material is enough for 2 to 20 milliliters of essential oil and 500 milliliters of hydrosol, depending on the used plant species. The authors describe in detail all issues to maximize oil yield and to receive the most intense hydrosol, whether it is still shape, amount of water, distillation process, plant preparation, harvest time, etc. Finally I've found a sensible application of unused or surplus material from my herb bed which I composted all the years before. It's even possible to use dried plant materials. Assembling your own still with equipment found in every kitchen is simple, no need to weld or solder. Nearly every imaginable essential-oil-plant is accurately described: which part to use, when to harvest, specific preparation, oil yield, and other special characteristics. The last part of the book contains step-by-step instructions for all kind of essential oil and hydrosol applications. An outstanding handbook for everyone who intends to produce his own essential oils and hydrosols.

I haven't had time yet to collect the materials or equipment to produce my own oils, but I've read the book almost cover to cover already. It is very comprehensive, with excellent descriptions of the right way to get the most oil and best quality from many ingredients. There is good detail on many types of equipment, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of each, as well as common mistakes that could potentially ruin the batch of oil. I am looking forward to setting up my own "still room" and producing my own small batches of essential oils and hydrosols. I've made herbal tincures and salves from wild crafted herbs - it's time to take the next step! Edited to add: It should be noted that the authors sell stills and some of the information is focused on selling the two models they've developed. (All the other info can be applied to any distillation method.)

If you are looking for a theoretical book backed by practical facts on EO, this is it! I enjoyed the layout and the relèvent illustrations provided by the authors. I highly recommend it for those new to EO distillation.

A lot of detailed information. It would have been nice to be offered a basic at home set up, but this field does require some very specific items designed to get the most from the plant oils. The best distillation stills are from about $500 and up; however, if this is your passion, then I am sure it is worth every penny.

This book was written by two doctors, and has excellent technical information I was pleased with, but not so much as to be overwhelming. If you are interested in many varieties of still, a world of different techniques and options, you will enjoy this book. If you are less interested in knowing what a hydrosol is in a chemical sense, you can easily skip ahead and get right to the procedures. For me this was the perfect style.

There are 2 books by Bettina Malle and Hedge Schmickl. It is worth having both. The other is Crafting Distilled Spirits. Both books are released as high quality hardbound books. The photos and illustrations are excellent. Both books are very practical. If you are going to only buy one book, then this book on the Essential Oils goes more deeply into which types of stills work, and which ones are not as effective. The book on crafting spirits gets into how to prepare the mashes. Please keep in mind that the USA has very tight regulations on alcohol production .. you must pay taxes if you produce large quantities. But there are no problems with distilling essential oils. These authors are very experienced, and they know what they are doing. Highly recommended!

Seems a bit outdated to some extent, but great overall resource!

The directions are a little obscure so if you want something more definite like I did it’s not this book.

Un buen libro para entrar en el fascinante mundo de los aceites esenciales.

I've read this book from cover to cover and can say it is really packed with hands-on information. Describes many extraction method. I believe it is an excellent reference for anyone wishing to start making their own essential oils.

Have you ever wondered how scents are made? I have always known that it is a skilled art and that is why scents can be so pricey. This book gives me a great insight into the techniques involved. It draws attention to the shortcomings of artificially produced scents. It elaborates on the different methods of distilling the oils from their natural sources. My interest in the question was spurred on originally by learning of the health giving properties of sourced plants and the use of precious oils in religious ceremonies. I cannot recommend this book too highly.

ok

Excelente libro de referencia sobre el tema. Muy conciso y hecho por gente calificada técnicamente y conocedora de las aplicaciones y usos