Steam distillation is the most common and trusted method of extracting essential oils. In this process, steam is passed through plant material, which causes the aromatic compounds to vaporize. The steam and oil vapors are then condensed back into liquid form, and since water and essential oil don’t mix, the oil naturally separates to the top and is collected. It is preferred over solvent extraction because it uses no chemical solvents and — when carried out at the correct temperature and pressure — preserves the complete therapeutic profile of the plant. The quality of the equipment, the distillation duration, and the temperature directly impact the quality and potency of the final oil.