DIY essential oils

Does anyone make their own essential oils? I've been looking at essential oil distillers, but have discovered it's a complex topic with different kinds of distillers and distillation methods. They're pricey enough that I don't want to buy one just to see if how it works and if I like the product it produces. So I'd be interested in the experiences and advice of others before venturing any further. Anyone?

I took a class a couple years ago on distilling EOs.  I learned a lot, but have not invested in the equipment to distill my own.  IF I were to get a distiller, I would purchase from Heart Magic (link below).  Distillers sold on Amazon are made in China and pieces often don't fit correctly.  

It takes a LOT of plant material to get a very small amount of EO.  It also takes a lot of time.  As an herbalist, I do use some EOs, but not enough to justify the investment of time or money.  So, there you have my $0.02 worth.

Bonnie

https://heartmagic.com/EssentialDistiller.html

Bonnie, thank you for that. I've heard of the heart magic, and have not been at all impressed with the ones on Amazon, nor do I need a 3-gallon distiller!

I got interested in it when I started using oregano EO for worming goats. I have a huge bed of oregano and figured it would pay off in the long run to make my own. Plus a few of the others I like to use and can grow.

Thanks for the link!

Leigh, from my understanding, the oregano oil you normally find commercially is distilled from a different species than what we normally grow in the garden.  I don't have Latin names at the moment, but can find them if needed.

Bonnie

Interesting! If it's not too much trouble, I'd definitely be interested in that information.

Leigh Tate wrote:Interesting! If it's not too much trouble, I'd definitely be interested in that information.

From my notes:  "Active constituents in oregano oil - thymol, carvacrol - from wild oregano found in the Mediterranean region.  Thymus capitatus found in Spain, Origanum vulgare found throughout the Mediterranean region."   I believe these constituents are found in more significant levels in these varieties.  Thymus capitatus EO will be labeled as oregano - same family, different name (ugh, botanists sometimes).  However, common oregano is still a good herb.  I often use it in tea.  Hope this helps.

Also, I highly recommend av-at.com, Appalachian Valley for essential oils.  I've not found any other company with such high standards.  I have no affiliation other than being a happy customer.

Bonnie  

Thanks Bonnie. I'm not even sure what kind I have growing; actually I think I have two different kinds. I'll add this to my notes for future reference.