Botanical Extraction

Botanical extraction includes removing beneficial compounds from plant material to create products like essential oils, tinctures, and concentrates. Common botanical extraction methods include using ethanol, CO2, butane/propane, water, and pressure.

Ethanol for Extraction

Ethanol extraction is one of the most popular methods of botanical extraction. This involves submerging plant material in ethanol to extract desired compounds, and this technique has become very popular due to being safe, easy, and producing high-quality extracts. Ethanol for extraction remains popular due to the food-grade nature of ethyl alcohol. Ethanol is also a cost-effective solvent, making this an economical solution for large-scale extraction operations.

CO2 for Extraction

CO2 extraction is another popular botanical extraction method. This process uses pressurized CO2 to extract desired compounds from the plant material and produce high-quality extracts safely and cost-effectively, making it an attractive solution for large-scale operations.

Hydrocarbon Extraction

Hydrocarbon extraction proves to be a popular technique for high-quality botanical extraction. Common hydrocarbons used for extraction include butane and propane. However, butane and propane can pose potential hazards. They should only be used with extreme caution as both can quickly ignite.

Different Water Extraction Methods

For some plants, water extraction proves to be effective. This technique utilizes steam to extract desired compounds from plant material. Water extraction produces high-quality essential oils while still being relatively safe; however, not all compounds dissolve well in water, which may not apply to all plant material types. 

One other method of water extraction includes ice-water extraction. This method entails freezing plants with high oil content and agitating the plant material in an ice water bath. This process removes beneficial compounds from plants.

Pressure Extraction

Pressure extraction is an emerging botanical extraction method. This technique involves applying pressure to plant material to extract desired compounds, producing high-quality extracts while remaining relatively safe. Although pressure extraction works with some plant species, some compounds do not dissolve under pressure.

Botanical extraction is a complex process and requires careful consideration of both the plant material used and desired end product. Common methods for botanical extraction include ethanol, CO2, hydrocarbon, water, and pressure extraction. Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages; each extractor should choose their chosen extraction technique according to their needs and priorities for safety and quality to produce safe and effective products in the end.

Isopropyl alcohol botanical extract

Can You Extract Botanicals with Isopropyl Alcohol?

Extract Botanicals with Isopropyl Alcohol Are you a fan of natural skincare products? Then you’re in the right place. Nowadays, people want to use traditional plant beauty products. Those commodities protect and nourish the skin without a downside. The best way to get that effect is to maximize the production of bioactive compounds with a non-polar solvent. In this article, you’ll learn about how to extract botanicals with isopropyl alcohol. You’ll also know the advantages of extracting botanicals with the solvent. Let’s dive in.

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200 proof ethanol extraction oil

Ethanol for Extraction: 200 Proof, 190 Proof, or Ever Clear? – 190 Proof vs 200 Proof for Extraction

Ethanol for Extraction: 200 Proof, 190 Proof, or Ever Clear? Ethanol production contributed $34.7 billion to the country’s GDP. Manufacturers use that solvent to make sanitizers, extract oils, and as a cleaning agent. Alcohol grading depends on the solvent’s concentration and the impurities present. In this article, you’ll learn what makes 200 proof ethanol vital in extraction procedures. And factors making it better than 190 proof ethanol or Everclear. What is 200 Proof Ethanol for Extraction? Vendors call the product 100% absolute, anhydrous, or dehydrated alcohol. However, it’s challenging to gain...

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190 Proof vs. 200 Proof Ethanol Differences

190 Proof vs. 200 Proof Ethanol Differences

190 Proof vs. 200 Proof Ethanol differences 190 Proof vs. 200 Proof Ethanol differences; the alcohol manufacturing business generated a household revenue of 28.7 billion in 2021. That effect was majorly due to the solvent’s use in manufacturing sanitizers to combat COVID-19. Botanical oil industries also used ethanol in their extraction processes. And thereby, the companies provided products that could help manage anxiety and depression that arose during the pandemic. However, there’s a lot of confusion concerning alcohol grades as the industry grows. Notably, what are the differences and uses of 190 proof and 200 proof ethanol?But...

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ethanol for winterization botanical oil essential oil

Ethanol for Winterization: All You Need to Know

Ethanol for Winterization: All You Need to Know Do you need high-quality botanical oils? You’re going to need an excellent dissolving solvent such as ethyl alcohol and an easy, affordable, and safe technique such as ethanol for winterization.  The advantage of using ethanol is that you’ll increase your product’s potency by extracting most of the cannabinoids, terpenes, and alkaloids in a high percentage. Moreover, you’ll also effectively sieve out impurities such as chlorophyll, fats, waxes, and lipids. ​But how do you use alcohol for the winterization process? Below you’ll find out all you need...

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illustration of a gray and red molecule to explain ethanol for winterization vs. ethanol for extraction

Ethanol for Winterization vs. Extraction for Extraction

Ethanol for Winterization vs. Extraction for Extraction Ethanol for Winterization vs. Extraction for Extraction; a financial report predicts that botanical oil sales will grow by 700% from $6 billion in 2016 to $50 billion in 2026. That massive boom will increase demand for resources such as ethanol used in extracting and purifying botanical oil.  Lately, there have been many questions surrounding alcohol use. For example, is the solvent effective for winterization or extraction? ​The answer is both. However, you’re bound to extract a mediocre product without the proper technique. But...

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Essential Oil Extraction with Ethanol

Essential Oil Extraction with Ethanol

Essential Oil Extraction with Ethanol Essential Oil Extraction with Ethanol, did you know that recreational alcohol use dates back 13,000 years ago? Now you know. ​And have you ever bought cannabis oil, caraway seed oil, or lavender oil and wondered how companies make them? That process is possible through ethanol. But why do they use ethanol to extract the essential oils? Below, you’ll find out everything about that and what steps to follow to get a premium product. Read on to learn more. What Are Essential Oils?

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Beaker of denatured alcohol Vs. rubbing alcohol sitting on a periodic table of elements.

Denatured Alcohol Vs. Rubbing Alcohol

Denatured Alcohol Vs. Rubbing Alcohol Denatured Alcohol Vs. Rubbing Alcohol - Alcohols are organic compounds with one or more hydroxyl groups attached to a hydrocarbon chain. They have various uses at home and in industries as disinfectants, preservatives, solvents, and fuel additives. Our particular interest is in comparing two alcohols; Denatured alcohol vs. rubbing alcohol. This article aims to explain the difference between the two alcohols and how they are used at home and in industrial settings; What Is Heptane? Denatured alcohol is pure ethanol...

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