Traditionally, before the use of solvents became mainstream, there were two main methods used to extract essential oils from their source.

Distillation is very ancient, it dates back to 5000 years ago. The plant material is placed upon a grid inside the still. The still is then sealed, and steam or hot water slowly breaks through the plant material to remove its volatile constituents. These rise upward through a connecting pipe that leads them into a condenser. The condenser cools the rising vapor back into liquid form. The liquid is then collected in a vehicle below the condenser. Since water and oil do not mix, the essential oil will be found on the surface of the water where it is siphoned off.

Cold pressing is mostly used for citrus fruit. The rind of the citrus is first be soaked in warm water. A sponge is used to press the rind, thus breaking the essential oil cavities, and to absorb the essential oil. Once the sponge is filled with the extraction, it is pressed over a collecting container, and there it stands to allow for the separation of the essential oil and water/juice.