Frequently Asked Questions

 

What distilling services does Aromaserve provide?

Aromaserve provides Essential Oil production services to growers of herbs and aromatic plants. Botanical material is brought to Aromaserve’s steam distillation facility where it is processed into pure essential oil and hydrosol. The oil and hydrosol, all-natural raw materials, are returned to the customer to be used in any way she or he wishes (i.e. fragrances & flavors or making value-added personal care products). Other services offered include live demonstrations, seminars, and consulting services for start-up commercial lavender growers seeking advice on cultivation, harvest, and oil production. Services are arranged by appointment and contractual service fees are based on a case-by-case basis. Contact Aromaserve to inquire about any of the Essential Oil Distillation Services described throughout this website.

Who are Aromaserve’s customers?

Anyone with a passion for the beneficial attributes of herbs and the all-natural product lifestyle is a potential Aromaserve customer. Whether a small residential herb gardener, a multi-acre commercial herb farmer, or a passionate student of the herbal world, Aromaserve has the resources and expertise to meet your individual goals for essential oil and hydrosol production. Other customers include retail herb supply shops, educators of aromatherapy and herbal studies, and herb gardening clubs.

What kinds of plants can I grow here in New England for essential oils?

Located in Central Connecticut (Zone 6), Aromaserve has grown and wild-crafted several aromatic herbs, shrubs, and trees. Successful distillations of lavender, rose geranium, lemon verbena, chamomile, anise hyssop, hops, marjoram, peppermint, spearmint, wintergreen (teaberry), juniper, balsam fir, and hemlock have been performed on locally grown material. We are geocentrically located in the Witch Hazel capitol of the world. Full sun exposure is the most common requirement (except for wintergreen and witch hazel) and soil with good drainage is the next. Check cultural requirements (see library reference texts or on-line web searches) and have your soil tested (for free at your county agricultural experiment station or extension service) before buying and planting particular crops in your area.

How much botanical material (biomass) do I need to grow for essential oil?

Lots. As much as you possibly can - and you can’t grow too much. Oil yields are painfully low – that’s partly what makes essential oils and hydrosols so highly prized by the people who know them as the super-concentrated potential energy packets that they are. For example, a pound or two of Lemon Balm leaves (Melissa Officinalis) yields almost no oil at all, whereas the same weight of lavender flowers yields approximately a quarter to a half ounce of lavender oil. You will get a beautiful lemon balm hydrosol for making skin toner solution, and the amount of lavender oil distilled per pound of flowers is enough to produce dozens of bars of soap, jars of massage oil, first aid cream, etc. A very little bit of essential oil goes a very long way….

How should I properly harvest my plants?

Proper harvesting techniques vary depending on the particular type of herb. Some herbs have essential oil contained in the leaves while others have essential oil in the roots, bark, flowers, or seeds. Sometimes it is best to partially dry the harvested material before distilling, other times it is best to distill immediately. These considerations are necessary so that oil yield is maximized and oil quality is highest. Contact Aromaserve with the type of herb you are harvesting so that we may suggest the proper way to go about it.

What can I do with my own locally produced essential oils?

You are limited only by your imagination, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. Generally speaking, you can use your locally grown and distilled essential oils for your own household use (diluted in carrier oils such as jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, etc.). You can also make value-added bath products for gift giving and sale for profit or fund raising in your community. The full scope of aromatherapy using essential oils is beyond the capacity of this website to discuss. Aromaserve recommends that you consult a certified aromatherapist before using essential oils for specific healthcare practices. Listed below are just a few examples of things you can do to fully enjoy your own locally produced essential oils:

Bath and Beauty Care Items (skin tonics, creams, sprays & spritzes, first aid salves & balms, soap, shampoo, bath salts, body powder, perfume, eau de colognes, aftershave, massage oil, sleep pillows)
Household Care Items (bathroom and kitchen countertop disinfectant, air fresheners, potpourri, scented candles, laundry dryer freshener, linen storage freshener)
Snacks & Treats (ice cream, baked items, cake icing, hard candy, jelly, breath & after dinner mints, chewing gum, homemade cigarettes & cigars)