Choose fresh or dried plant material
Clean and prepare the plant material
Select an extraction method
Use steam distillation for most plant oils
Use cold pressing for citrus peels
Use solvent extraction for delicate flowers
Use enfleurage for very fragile blossoms
Place the plant material in the extraction apparatus
Heat or press to release the aromatic compounds
Separate the oil from water or solvent
Collect the essential oil
Filter the oil if needed
Store in dark glass bottles
Keep bottles tightly sealed
Store in a cool, dark place