Medicinal Plant Extraction – A Brief Overview
This overview shows common medicinal plants, plant parts, extraction methods, carrier oils/solvents and active ingredient notes. All methods are suitable for home users.
Oil Extract (Maceration)
Plant parts: Flowers, leaves
Amount: 50 g dried flowers in 200 ml carrier oil
Duration: 2–6 weeks at room temperature, shake gently daily
Temperature: max. 40 °C, optional gentle water bath
Carrier oil: Olive oil, sunflower oil, jojoba oil
Note: Store in dark place, filter oil after extraction, directly usable for ointments or skin care
Steam Distillation
Plant parts: Leaves, flowers, needles
Amount: approx. 100 g plant material for 200 ml distillate
Duration: 1–3 hours steam treatment
Temperature: 100 °C steam temperature
Note: Oil condenses in water, separate from water, store light-protected in glass bottle
Cold Pressing
Plant parts: Citrus peels, seeds
Amount: 5–10 peels or 50 g seeds per 50 ml oil
Duration: immediate pressing, collect oil yield directly
Temperature: no heating
Note: Aromatic oils, active ingredients preserved, store in dark glass bottle
Tincture (Alcohol Extract)
Plant parts: Leaves, flowers, roots
Amount: 50 g dried plant parts in 200 ml 70% ethanol
Duration: 2–4 weeks at room temperature, shake occasionally
Note: Consider alcohol content, store in dark place, directly usable after filtering or dilute further
Infusion / Tea Extract
Plant parts: Leaves, flowers, roots
Amount: 5 g dried plant parts per 200 ml hot water
Duration: 5–15 minutes steeping time
Temperature: approx. 90–95 °C, not boiling
Note: Only water-soluble active ingredients extracted, heat-sensitive substances may be lost, drink directly or process further
Some Suitable Medicinal Plants
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
Plant part: Roots
Methods: Tincture, oil extract
Carrier oil/solvent: 70% ethanol, olive oil
Notes/active ingredients: Calming, sleep-promoting. Low oil yield, main effect from alcoholic extract.
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)
Plant part: Leaves
Methods: Steam distillation, oil extract
Carrier oil/solvent: Olive oil, jojoba oil
Notes/active ingredients: Liberating for airways, oil yield approx. 1–2%.
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
Plant part: Seeds
Methods: Steam distillation, oil extract
Carrier oil/solvent: Olive oil, sunflower oil
Notes/active ingredients: Digestive support, oil yield approx. 2–4%.
Hops (Humulus lupulus)
Plant part: Flower cones
Methods: Tincture, oil extract
Carrier oil/solvent: 70% ethanol, olive oil
Notes/active ingredients: Calming, relaxing.
St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
Plant part: Flowers
Methods: Oil extract, tincture
Carrier oil/solvent: Olive oil, 70% ethanol
Notes/active ingredients: Mood-lifting, anti-inflammatory.
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)
Plant part: Flowers
Methods: Steam distillation, oil extract, tincture
Carrier oil/solvent: Olive oil, sunflower oil, 70% ethanol
Notes/active ingredients: Anti-inflammatory, calming. Oil yield approx. 0.2–1%.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Plant part: Flowers
Methods: Steam distillation, oil extract, tincture
Carrier oil/solvent: Olive oil, jojoba oil, 70% ethanol
Notes/active ingredients: Calming, relaxing. Oil yield approx. 2–3%.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Plant part: Leaves
Methods: Steam distillation, oil extract, tincture
Carrier oil/solvent: Olive oil, sunflower oil, 70% ethanol
Notes/active ingredients: Calming, antiviral. Oil yield approx. 0.3–0.5%.
Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)
Plant part: Leaves
Methods: Steam distillation, oil extract, tincture
Carrier oil/solvent: Sunflower oil, olive oil, 70% ethanol
Notes/active ingredients: Refreshing, invigorating. Oil yield approx. 0.5–1.5%.
Lemon / Orange (Citrus)
Plant part: Peel
Methods: Cold pressing, oil extract
Carrier oil/solvent: Olive oil, sunflower oil optional
Notes/active ingredients: Refreshing, mood-lifting. Oil yield approx. 0.5–2%.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Plant part: Flowers
Methods: Oil extract, tincture
Carrier oil/solvent: Olive oil, sunflower oil, 70% ethanol
Notes/active ingredients: Anti-inflammatory, skin care. Oil yield depends on carrier oil.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Plant part: Leaves
Methods: Steam distillation, oil extract, tincture
Carrier oil/solvent: Olive oil, jojoba oil, 70% ethanol
Notes/active ingredients: Stimulating, promotes concentration. Oil yield approx. 1–2%.
Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Plant part: Leaves
Methods: Steam distillation, oil extract, tincture
Carrier oil/solvent: Olive oil, jojoba oil, 70% ethanol
Notes/active ingredients: Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory. Oil yield approx. 0.5–1%.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Plant part: Leaves/flowers
Methods: Tincture, oil extract
Carrier oil/solvent: Olive oil, sunflower oil, 70% ethanol
Notes/active ingredients: Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic.
Plantain (Plantago lanceolata)
Plant part: Leaves
Methods: Tincture, oil extract
Carrier oil/solvent: Olive oil, sunflower oil, 70% ethanol
Notes/active ingredients: Expectorant, anti-inflammatory.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Plant part: Leaves/flowers
Methods: Steam distillation, oil extract, tincture
Carrier oil/solvent: Olive oil, jojoba oil, 70% ethanol
Notes/active ingredients: Antibacterial, antiviral. Oil yield approx. 0.5–2%.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Plant part: Leaves
Methods: Steam distillation, oil extract, tincture
Carrier oil/solvent: Olive oil, sunflower oil, 70% ethanol
Notes/active ingredients: Calming, antiviral. Oil yield approx. 0.3–0.5%.
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)
Plant part: Leaves
Methods: Oil extract, tincture
Carrier oil/solvent: Olive oil, 70% ethanol
Notes/active ingredients: Calming, digestive support.
Chocolate Mint (Mentha × piperita f. chocolate)
Plant part: Leaves
Methods: Oil extract, tincture, steam distillation
Carrier oil/solvent: Olive oil, sunflower oil, 70% ethanol
Notes/active ingredients: Refreshing, invigorating, light chocolate scent.
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Plant part: Roots
Methods: Tincture, oil extract
Carrier oil/solvent: 70% ethanol, olive oil
Notes/active ingredients: Expectorant, anti-inflammatory.
Juniper (Juniperus communis)
Plant part: Berries
Methods: Oil extract, steam distillation
Carrier oil/solvent: Olive oil, jojoba oil
Notes/active ingredients: Diuretic, antibacterial. Oil yield approx. 0.5–1%.
Willow Bark (Salix alba)
Plant part: Bark
Methods: Tincture, oil extract
Carrier oil/solvent: 70% ethanol, olive oil
Notes/active ingredients: Pain relieving, anti-inflammatory.
Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)
Plant part: Leaves/flowers/berries
Methods: Tincture, oil extract
Carrier oil/solvent: 70% ethanol, olive oil
Notes/active ingredients: Heart strengthening, circulation promoting.
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)
Plant part: Leaves/flowers
Methods: Oil extract, tincture
Carrier oil/solvent: Olive oil, 70% ethanol
Notes/active ingredients: Digestive support, rich in bitter compounds.