A press is typically associated with extracting resin from cannabis flowers, but it can also be used with other plant materials to extract essential oils. Keep in mind that the quality and quantity of the yield may vary depending on the plant material used. Some flowers and herbs that people have experimented with using a rosin press include:
Lavender: Lavender contains essential oils that are commonly used in aromatherapy and other products.
Rosemary: Rosemary is known for its aromatic and flavourful essential oils, which can be extracted using a rosin press.
Chamomile: Chamomile flowers contain essential oils that are popular for their calming properties.
Mint: Various types of mint, such as peppermint or spearmint, can be pressed to extract their essential oils.
Hops: Hops are used in beer production, and their essential oils can be extracted for various purposes.
Eucalyptus: Eucalyptus leaves contain essential oils known for their respiratory benefits.
Geranium: Geranium flowers are used for their pleasant fragrance, and the essential oil can be extracted with a rosin press.
Jasmine: Jasmine flowers have a sweet and exotic fragrance, and their essential oils can be extracted for perfumes and aromatherapy.
An Example that may help-
The extraction of essential oils from lavender,is influenced by various factors including pressure, temperature, and the extraction method employed. One common method for extracting essential oils is steam distillation. So how does this help?
For lavender oil extraction through steam distillation, typical conditions include:
- Temperature: Generally, the steam is applied at temperatures ranging from 212°F to 302°F (100°C to 150°C). The exact temperature can vary based on factors such as the specific lavender species, altitude, and equipment used. This is the temperature I first tried with my lavender extraction.
- Pressure: The pressure during steam distillation is typically around 1 to 3 atm (atmospheres) this is around 45psi so a relatively low pressure, although variations may occur depending on the equipment and the specific requirements of the lavender variety.
It’s important to note that the optimum conditions can vary based on factors like the lavender species, plant maturity, and the equipment used. Additionally, other extraction methods such as solvent extraction or supercritical fluid extraction may have different temperature and pressure requirements.
Cold Pressing is also and option for lavender oil cold pressing is considered any press with a temperature below around 80c, depending on the literature read.
The accesories you need in addition to your press are:-
- A material to capture the extract eg parchment paper
- A filter to minimise plant cellulose getting into the extract eg a rosin bag around 90 micros, but this is a bit of trial and error.
For precise and safe extraction, it is advisable to follow established guidelines, industry standards, and safety regulations. Consulting scientific literature, industry experts, or professionals in the field of essential oil extraction can provide more specific information based on your equipment and lavender variety. If thee are no guidlines out there to give an indication of where to set your temperature and pressure you will have to experiment.
When using a rosin press for plant materials, it’s essential to consider the specific temperature, pressure, and duration needed for each type of plant to achieve optimal results. Experimentation may be necessary to determine the best settings for different flowers and herbs. Additionally, make sure the plant material you choose is legal and safe for extraction purposes in your location.
There are always other methods of extraction, were simply looking at ways you can use your existing equipment to try with different plant species. Please leave any success stories you have in the comments below.
Happy Pressing