How to Make Essential Oils and Hydrosols with a Still

Long before stills were linked with spirits, they were used to capture the scent of flowers and herbs. Small copper alembics have long been used to distil lavender, rosemary, citrus peel and rose petals, and it is still one of the most satisfying ways to use a still. You get two things from every run: a small amount of concentrated essential oil, and a much larger volume of fragrant hydrosol, sometimes called floral water.

This guide explains how essential oil distillation works, which plants are worth trying, the equipment you need, and the safety and legal points to keep in mind in Australia.

First, the legal side in Australia

Essential oils are not alcohol, but the ATO still has rules about owning stills. Based on the ATO guidance on stills (last updated 17 September 2024):

• You can own a still with a capacity of 5 litres or less without ATO permission, as long as you are not using it to distil alcohol.
• A still over 5 litres needs permission from the ATO, whatever you plan to distil, essential oils included.
• Using a still of any size to distil alcohol requires an excise manufacturer licence.

In practice, that means our 0.5 litre glass micro still, the 1L Italian copper still and the 4.9L Italian copper alembic sit within the 5 litre limit for essential oil work, while the 23L and 50L boilers would need ATO permission. Please check with the ATO for your own situation. This isn't legal advice.

Essential oil vs hydrosol: what is the difference?

Aromatic plants store their scent in tiny oil glands in their leaves, flowers, seeds or peel. When steam passes through the plant material, it carries those volatile aromatic compounds with it. In the condenser, the steam and oil turn back into liquid together.

• Essential oil is the concentrated oily portion. Most essential oils are lighter than water, so they float on top of the collected liquid as a thin layer.
• Hydrosol is the water portion. It contains small amounts of the water-soluble aromatic compounds, so it smells of the plant but far more gently.

Expect plenty of hydrosol and only a little oil. Most plants contain a small percentage of essential oil, so even a full pot of lavender may give you only a small amount of oil. That is why pure essential oils are precious, and why hydrosol is a lovely bonus product in its own right.

Three ways to distil aromatics

Water distillation (hydrodistillation)

The plant material sits in water in the pot. When heated, the water boils and the steam carries the oils up. This is the simplest method and works well in a small copper alembic. The main thing to watch is scorching, so keep enough water in the pot and keep the heat gentle.

Water and steam distillation

The plant material sits on a basket or grid above the water, so it is surrounded by steam but not boiled. This is gentler on delicate flowers and reduces the risk of a cooked or scorched smell.

Steam distillation

Steam is generated separately and pushed up through the plant material. This is widely used commercially. It is efficient but needs more equipment.

Plants worth trying

Start with plants that are known for their aroma and easy to grow or buy in quantity. Australian gardens are full of good candidates:

• Lavender: the classic first project. Harvest the flower heads as the buds begin to open.
• Rosemary: grows almost anywhere in Australia and gives a fresh, herbal hydrosol. You can also buy dried rosemary.
• Eucalyptus and lemon myrtle: very Australian, with strong, clean aromas.
• Citrus peel: orange, lemon and mandarin peel, especially after a big batch of marmalade or limoncello season.
• Mint: peppermint and spearmint grow vigorously and distil well.
• Rose petals: beautiful rose water, though rose gives very little oil.
• Seeds and spices: fennel, coriander and star anise. Our Botanicals collection is a good place to start.

Use clean plant material that has not been sprayed with chemicals. Many people wilt fresh herbs for a day before distilling to reduce water content. Pack the pot or basket loosely so steam can move through it evenly.

Equipment you need

• A still: a small copper alembic is ideal. The Alembico Copper Pot essential oil mini distillery 4.9L is an Italian-made 4.9 litre mini distillery intended for essential oils. Check with us exactly what is in the box before you order. Browse the full Alembic Pot Stills collection.
• A thermometer: helps you keep heat steady. The Thermometer for Alembic Copper Still is a 15cm, 0 to 100°C thermometer made for alembics; ask us to confirm the fit for your still.
• A heat source: a gentle, controllable flame or hotplate suited to your still.
• Cold water for the condenser: a steady supply keeps condensation efficient.
• Collection glassware: a tall glass vessel or separating funnel makes it easier to see and draw off the oil layer. Browse our Measuring Flasks & Glassware range for suitable glassware.
• Dark glass storage bottles: amber or cobalt glass protects oils from light.

How a run works, step by step

1. Clean the still. Make sure the pot, dome and condenser are clean and rinsed so old aromas do not carry over. Our guide to caring for copper stills covers this.
2. Load the still. Add water and plant material according to the method you are using and the still maker's instructions.
3. Assemble and check. Seat the dome properly, connect the condenser and start the cooling water before you apply heat.
4. Heat gently. Bring the pot up slowly. Rushing it can scorch the plant material.
5. Collect. Distillate will begin to drip from the condenser. Collect it in clean glassware and watch for a thin oily layer forming on top.
6. Know when to stop. As the run goes on the aroma of the distillate weakens. Stop before the pot runs low on water.
7. Separate. Let the collected liquid settle, then draw off the oil with a separating funnel or a clean pipette. The water left behind is your hydrosol.

Storing oils and hydrosols

• Store essential oils in small, clean, dark glass bottles with tight caps, somewhere cool and out of sunlight.
• Hydrosols contain no preservatives, so keep them in clean, sterilised bottles in the fridge and use them within a reasonable time. Discard any that turn cloudy or smell off.
• Label every bottle with the plant and the date. A notebook helps too. See Record Keeping for Distilling Runs.

Safety first

• Never run the still dry. Keep enough water in the pot for the whole run.
• Never seal the system. Steam must always have a clear path through the condenser. A blocked outlet can build dangerous pressure.
• Keep cooling water flowing for the whole run.
• Mind hot surfaces and steam. Copper and steam both cause serious burns. Let everything cool before you dismantle it.
• Treat essential oils with respect. They are highly concentrated. Always dilute in a carrier oil before any skin use, patch test first, keep them away from eyes, and never swallow them.
• Keep oils away from children and pets. Some oils are harmful to animals.

Homemade oils and hydrosols are lovely for scenting a room, linen sprays or gifts. We do not make health or therapeutic claims about them, and anyone with a medical question should speak to a health professional.

Frequently asked questions

How do you make essential oils at home?

Essential oils are made by passing steam through aromatic plant material in a still, condensing the vapour and separating the thin oil layer from the water. A small copper alembic is the traditional tool.

What is a hydrosol?

A hydrosol is the fragrant water left after the essential oil has been separated from a distillation. It smells of the plant but is far gentler than the oil.

Do I need a permit for an essential oil still in Australia?

Based on ATO guidance, a still of 5 litres or less can be owned without permission if it is not used to distil alcohol. A still over 5 litres needs ATO permission. Check with the ATO for your circumstances.

Why did I get hydrosol but almost no oil?

Most plants contain only a small amount of essential oil. Small batches often produce mainly hydrosol. Loading more plant material, using fresher material, or choosing oil-rich plants such as eucalyptus helps.

Can I use the same still for different plants?

Yes. Clean and rinse it thoroughly between runs so aromas do not carry over.