Essential oil raw material optimization

Optimization of raw material quality for essential oil extraction need to be done because it will affect the yield. Qualityof raw materials is influenced by the quality of cultivation which include the appropriate agro-climate requirement, varieties, cultivation technology applied and the proper harvest age. All of that must meet the Good Agriculture Practices (GAP). Harvest handling can affect the yield and completeness of its components.
Research Institute for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (Balittro) of Indonesia has obtained four superior patchouli clones with patchouli alcohol levels above the required quality (more than 30%). They are Cisaroni, Lhoksumawe, Sidikalang, and Tapak Tuan. The clones can be used as reference in the selection of patchouli clones. In addition to forms or clones of plants, optimization of raw material quality for extraction of essential oil can be done by setting the age of harvest. Patchouli plants can be harvested after the age of 6-8 months and subsequent harvests can be done every 3-4 months. When the leaves are too young, the possibility of secondary metabolites which are formed is less than perfect so that it affect on final product quality.
Vetiver essential oil, distilled from the young rhizome, having low specific gravity, optical rotation and is difficult to soluble in alcohol, mostly consists of terpenes and sesquiterpenes. The older rhizome produce vetiver oil which has higher specific gravity and optical rotation, is soluble in alcohol and more intensive smell. At the extraction of jasmine oil, the flowers are picked at the optimum level of aging. In the case of white jasmine oil (Jasminum sambac), the milky white flowers are chosen to be picked, while at the case of gambier jasmine (Jasminum officinale), the flowers are picked at the young age of purple flowers. Optimization of raw material quality for essential oil extraction can also be done by shortening the time gap between the harvest and the processing or distillation, so there will be less volatile substances lost during handling of raw material.

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Essential oil uses to make bath salt

Today, essential oil uses to make bath salt is developed to meet the needs of the spa, beauty, and private with an aromatherapy system. This is because of the essential oil content. They can be considered as the most effective catalyst and as a medium of transport of nutrients to body cells. Thus, treatments with aromatherapy principles have been widely applied by using that volatile substances. In the bathing activity, the principles of aromatherapy have also been used by utilizing the bath salt.
It is defined as additives (additional substances) consisting of a mixture of salts and other inorganic chemicals which are easily dissolved, then given a fragrance materials, dyes, and may also the enzyme. Their main component is Epsom salt (MgSO4) which reaches 90-97%.
It is made with the aim to create a fragrance, coloring effects of water, fitness, and also to reduce water hardness. Its usefulness in general very diverse, among which is to cleanse the body, fostering relaxed atmosphere and as a means of refreshing, lower sense of stress, exfoliate dead skin, eliminate body odor. It is capable of providing a relaxed atmosphere (relaxation). It is mainly due to the of essential oil uses for bath salt that can affect mood and emotions significantly. The special function in terms of health, especially because of it serves to flex the muscle tension, reduces pain in sore muscles, reduce symptoms of inflammation (inflammation), as well as cure the infection. For beauty, it can help smooth the skin (cleansing), stimulate cell growth as well as rejuvenate the skin (rejuvenating), and eliminate fatigue. Potassium and magnesium can stimulate energy regeneration. Types of fragrance that are widely used for this purpose are oil of patchouli, nutmeg, turmeric, ginger, sandalwood, jasmine, rose, ylang-ylang, and so forth.
Of course, the benefits of essential oil uses to make bath salt depending on its type which is used, such as patchouli oil play a role in the treatment of damaged skin, preventing wrinkled and cracked skin, depression and anxiety.

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Rid of fruit flies using essential oil

Get rid of fruit flies using essential oil now can be done with citronella oil or lemongrass oil. The research performed at the Laboratory of Plant Pest and Disease, Hasanuddin University of Makassar, Indonesia, showed that citronella oil is a fruit flies attractant of both males and females.
Fruit flies is one of the insect pests that attack crops in the field. The species of the family Tephritidae reach 4500 species, and there are 20 species of the Bactrocera genus is an important pest on crops and vegetables in Asia. Bactrocera spp. has a pretty much host like: orange, mango, papaya, avocados, bananas, tomatoes, apples, pineapples, pears, apricots, eggplant, guava and melon.
Yield loss due to their attack in Indonesia is quite large. This is because the stadia that causing damage on plant is their larvae which attack directly on the the crops. At the chili crop, the yield losses can reach 80%. Widespread attacks estimated 4700 ha with a loss of 21.99 billion rupiahs in 2002. In tackling these pests, farmers have been controlling in nature, such as by wrapping the fruit, containment plants with plastic nets, fogging around the tree and others. This effort allows for a relatively small land area, but it is inefficient to the land of many hectares. Another control that has been done is sterilization, chemical and wear traps using attractants.
Lemongrass essential oil
Get rid of fruit flies using essential oil is based on the ability of attractant substances such as methyl eugenol in the essential oil which is dripped on cotton inside the trap. Based on the testing, some essential oil give good results as an attractant for those insects. This method is effective in reducing the population as well as restrictions on entry and development of those insects in an area. However, synthetic attractants is only able to get the attention of the male, because it is parapheromone (sex pheromone) are compounds that smell similar to a pheromone produced by female insects to get the males to come. While the main suspect actually is the female which piercing or harming the surface in order to lay eggs inside.
One of the vegetable materials that are attractants of the insects is lemongrass oil. About 20-50% concentration of lemongrass oil effectively attracts both kind of fruit flies in the laboratory and in the field. In field testing, lemongrass oil which is applied in liquid form, which is dripped on cotton that is attached to the trap is quite effective in get them. However, application of this fluid did not kill it so that the trap still needs to be added to a solution of detergent and the application is only effective up to day-to-4. Lemongrass essential oil has a distinctive aroma of lemon. The source of the scent is an aldehyde compound, namely sitral oil as the main compound.
Adding Materials Adhesives
To kill fruit flies which is going into lemongrass oil dripped on cotton, it is required other materials, such as detergent or adhesive. Addition of adhesive on lemongrass oil droplets on cotton was found to increase the effectiveness in controlling their population. Thus, get rid of fruit flies using essential oil is one of the natural and environmental friendly solution.

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Get rid of dandruff by essential oil

Get rid of dandruff by essential oil is one natural way that can be done at home. The material is promising is the kaffir lime oil. It is popular in culinary use to reduce the fishy smell and flavor. They have rough skin which in is used for seasoning “pecel” sauce in East Java and is used as a medicinal in the community of North Sumatra. Beyond that, it is also efficacious to remove dandruff.
Kaffir lime (Citrus Hystrix) or so-called sauce orange or “pecel” citrus is generally used for flavoring food and fragrances. It is included in subgenus Papeda and its appearance is easily recognizable. Compared with other citrus, it has round shape with the bulges, or the rough and thick surface of skin. Its plants originated from East Asia and Southeast Asia, including Indonesia. In Indonesia, they can be found in Java, Sulawesi (Makassar) and the Moluccas.
It is also be used for beauty and health. For health, it is used to prevent and cure influenza. As for beauty, it can brighten dull skin.
Meanwhile, they could serve as anti-dandruff, to overcome dull and stinky odor on the hair and scalp. It contains essential oil which can strengthen the follicles, so it is very useful for treating hair and its roots.
Its essential oil containing 2 to 2.5 percent of citrate. They also contain triperponoid steroids and tannins. No wonder, if many variety of skin and beauty products using ingredients from this as basic materials. Essential oil for fragrance can be obtained from its leaves or its peel.
Explained by Dr. Sri Murniati Moerdowo, LSKI chairman, its leaves have always been used to prevent hair problems. Currently, many hair care products use it as basic materials. Now, their processing is not mashed like in the earlier times, but it is taken to be extract which is used to make the hair look healthy and shiny.
From the results of research in the Journal of Kasetsart, it is found that essential oil of kaffir lime peel in the form of crude extract, could inhibit the growth of Candida alcicans which is a micro-organism associated with the dandruff of the scalp. So, if you want to get rid of dandruff by essential oil, you can take this optimum formula: kaffir lime juice, kaffir lime peel oil, sodium lauryl ether sulfate, coconut diethanolamide, 5-bromo-5-nitro-1, 3-dioxane (Bronidox) and water at 15.0, 1.0, 50.0, 30.0, 0.1 and 30.0 percent (w/w), respectively.
But if you want to use its fruit for hair care, you must clean the fruit first, then cut it into two parts for easy shredded. Grated result, applied to the scalp to stimulate the follicles. Then allow it to stand for one hour until the smear of the grated, really soak into the scalp. After that, you can cleanse it with clean water or with added shampoo. Although this treatment is safe, but you must keep in mind that it is sour substance, so that if irritated scalp is exposed to such material, it.can cause painful irritation. Therefore, you should not take this treatment.
However, get rid of dandruff by essential oil can be performed in natural way using the others, such as rosemary and ylang-ylang or cananga to help stimulate hair growth. Lavender also help us to fight dandruff. Always consult with your doctor to avoid further problem since everybody has different physical condition.

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Essential oil business development in Indonesia

Essential oil business development in Indonesia needs to consider many complex factors, ranging from actors, technical and management of cultivation, processing technology, to the marketing. Intensification programs of essential oil plant need to consider absorption of markets, and prefer the commodity area grouping programs as well as intensification to improve its productivity and quality of raw materials, so it does not pose a risk of loss for farmers. Its plant farming is developed in the appropriate area, using top quality of plant material, and applying a good way of cultivation (good agricultural practices) to improve productivity and quality.
In the downstream, the essential oil industry should be developed that relies on the availability of raw materials and chemicals. Plant engineering and processing as well as R and D is undertaken by the Indonesian people themselves, so they do not only export raw materials but also high value processed commodities.
Volatile oil price fluctuations and levels, among others, are determined by supply and demand. So the government and exporters are expected to play an active role in providing guidance and counseling to farmers and distillers to anticipate market conditions and needs of the world. Attitude of openness of all businesses in terms of information components and cost structure of farming, refining, trading, and export and the level of prices in export markets can improve the harmonization of relationships between business actors.
Its value-added commodities can be improved because the technology to produce derivative commodities or conversion of its natural commodities into high value-added products has been available. The results of research and development need to be disseminated to the business. It required the support and joint efforts between government and business to the intensive dissemination of technology progresses, including the utilization of human resources at universities and research / development institutions.
Formulation and implementation of standardized processes (Good Agricultural Practices and Good Manufacturing Practices), standard equipment, quality standards applicable and needed in world trade, and prices associated with the quality standards should be promoted. It required the support of all stakeholders in order to realize and implement the various standards.
Increased profits can be pursued through the use of high quality raw materials, processing with appropriate technology, as well as increased efficiency of processing and marketing. The more intensive facilitation and coaching from the government / universities / research institutes and exporters needed to disseminate the appropriate technology to farmers and refiners.
Governments need to socialize the conditions and regulations on essential oil businesses development, both nationally and internationally. Improved access to capital for farmers and refiners, as well as institutional strengthening / farmers' associations and refiners in the region should continue to be pursued.
In every essential oil production centers, forum for communication of all relevant actors and agencies should be held periodically to seek solutions to problems faced and develop several action strategies for essential oil business development. The existence of “essential sites” to maintain the networking and communication among stakeholders at central and local governments can also support the efforts.
In order to integrate and harmonize the national essential oil community activities, all the stakeholders have agreed to form the Indonesia Council of Essential Oils. This council serves as a vehicle to: (1) to unite, protect and defend the interests of all stakeholders in the face of globalization, (2) improve the competitiveness and the "glory" of the commodities in the international world, and (3) enhance cooperation in the development of its value-added products.
Referring to the Estates Act No.18/2004 of Indonesia, the government is obliged to facilitate the establishment of commodity boards, so that the Council should be formed immediately. The establishment of the board of commodities is carried by the stakeholders. The small team which is a special task force representing various departments from government can be formed. This team can be a strategic partner in managing the Council and improve the performance and competitiveness of essential oil commodities, so that Indonesia become the world's major producer of volatile oil. Furthermore, the essential oil business development in Indonesia requires a strong commitment from the players to execute all the strategies and rules that have been agreed.

Reference: Molide Rizal and Muhamad Djazuli, 2006. Strategi Pengembangan Minyak Atsiri di Indonesia. Warta Penelitian dan Pengembangan Pertanian Vol. 28, No. 5, 2006)

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Essential oil extraction using microwave

Currently, the essential oil extraction using microwave is studied intensively to replace conventional technologies such as steam distillation (hydrodistillation), isolation with fat (enfleurage), etc. The primarily advantage of this method is the less time of volatile compounds extraction than previous methods.
Electromagnetic waves transmitted through radiation will penetrate the transparent substances like glass as a container of the raw material. It is able to achieve the gland and vascular system in the plant material. Moisture content and other components, including volatile compounds in plant parts absorb the radiation and it will turn it into heat energy. This leads to an increase in temperature in the raw material rapidly. Temperature increasing continues until the internal pressure exceeds the expansion capacity of cell wall. In this condition, the walls will rupture and the substances inside, including volatile substances will come out freely.
After the aromatic compounds went out of the wall, it will be mixed with moisture which is also contained in the raw material. These mechanisms facilitate the the evaporation of volatile compounds and water through a hydrodiffusion mechanism.
Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE)
MAE is a simple technique for the essential oil extraction using microwave. This technique can be applied both in the liquid phase (which liquid is used as a solvent) or gas phase (gas is used as a medium for extracting).
The first technique is based on the principle of differences in the ability to absorb microwave energy at each of the compounds contained in plant parts. Parameters commonly used to measure the physical properties are referred as the dielectric constant.
MAE technique also depends on the dielectric constant of the solvent used. Alfaro et al (2003) said that the ethanol produces the best yield of ginger oil than the other solvent such as hexane, petroleum ether, and dichloromethane. Further in his research said that the use of MAE can reduce the processing time to 60 seconds instead of using the soxhlet extraction.
Microwave-Assisted Hydrodistillation (MAH)
This method is basically a combination between the essential oil extraction using microwave radiation with dry distillation system. Therefore, the MAH are not required additional solvents such as MAE. To ensure ongoing process of diffusion of volatile compounds and water, so the raw material must be fresh (containing moisture).
In general, the method is as follows: plant parts put in the distillation flask made of glass that can be penetrated by radiation so that those materials will absorb it then it reach the gland and vascular systems in the cell wall. These mechanisms generate heat so that the walls will rupture and the aromatic substances inside can freely come out. Water in the raw substance will also become hot due to the absorption of electromagnetic energy and diffuse into the volatile oil causing hydrodiffusion. Aromatic substances and moisture evaporate together based on the principles of distillation and then condensed.
Finally, essential oil extraction using microwave needs to be further studied, especially its composition or its contents, whether there is a change of natural substances in the essential oils or not.

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Essential oil uses as feed additives

Essential oil uses as a feed additive in any type of livestock ransoms can be done without changing the Ingestion system used on a farm, both traditional farming and large livestock industry. The combination of several types of essential oils increase the effectiveness of these oils work (synergist work ). Although administered in low doses (g / ton of feed basalt), they generate more profit, both in terms of social economic and animal physiology.
Something good for mankind will not be bad when it is given to livestock. Therefore, there is no reason not to use them in cattle farm. In cattle, the importance of uses of essential oils active components have just been understood and researched in recent years.
Now, it is more than just an alternative to antibiotics. They not only affect the microbial population, but at the same, showed positive effect on the activity of digestive enzymes and intermediate metabolism. Livestock production is not only intended to enhance the appearance of cattle, but also the nutrition and health of livestock and humans. Currently, the essential oil uses as a feed additive became popular in the world of agriculture and livestock to boost metabolism and digestion (digestion and metabolism promoters).
Because its smell and taste, so its oral consumption which is mixed into livestock basal feed to stimulate central nervous system, that ultimately results in increased appetite and consumption of food substances. They stimulate the production of digestive fluids that produce an appropriate pH for digestive enzymes, such as peptinase. At the same time, it increase the activity of digestive enzymes and regulation of microbial activity. The stability of the microflora in the digestive tract decreases the incidence of diarrhea and other digestive diseases. The real effect of this mechanism is the improvement of energy conversion and digestion of nutrients and positive impact on the metabolism of nitrogen, amino acids, and glucose.
Applications of essential oils blend from Oregano (Oreganum vulgare), Cinnanom (Cinnamon annum), Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and Eucalyptus on the broiler in the area of East Java – Indonesia, showed improvement of feed conversion, increased weight gain, reducing mortality and improvement of farm business profit.
Its ability to stimulate the central nervous system change the cattle characteristic which is more tolerant to stress (increase immunity), both the stress caused by the separation from its parent (especially in pigs) and the stress caused by environmental conditions.
Positively influence of the of essential oil uses as a feed additive was also seen in European countries, the United States, and some Asian countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, and India both on the broiler, laying hens, and ruminants.

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Choosing essential oil bottle

During storage, degradation can occur in essential oils. The deterioration is usually caused by oxidation, resinification (condensed form compounds such as resin), polymerization (forming a viscous compound), and hydrolysis. Because of changes in these compounds, so the its color will change and become more viscous. The changes are activated by heat, oxygen from air, moisture, sunlight, and heavy metal molecules. They should be stored properly so that the deterioration will not happen or at least be slowed.
Here are the best tips on how to store essential oil properly:
Tips # 1: Choose a dark bottle
They should be stored in containers made from glass, dark (eg, brown or dark blue) to reduce the incoming rays.
Tips # 2: Consider the headspace
It is an empty space between the products with a lid. Generally, its function was to provide room for expansion of its content/volume when it was get sterilized. However, if it is too large then the contained material is very likely to get oxidized and discoloration of the packaged material will happen, whereas if it is too small then the packing tip could be broken during sterilization. Typically, its volume is approximately 10% of container capacity. So you have to consider the size of the bottle in this case.
Therefore, it should be fully loaded so that oxygen from the air in the headspace is small. If the content in the bottle is very low then it needs to be poured into another one of smaller size to avoid too large air volume in the previous bottle.
Before closing, preferably CO2 or Nitrogen gas sprayed into the headspace. CO2 and Nitrogen is an inert gas (not easily react with the material). Thus, it can be relatively free of oxygen and was replaced by carbon dioxide or nitrogen.
Tips # 3: Choose the right material for packaging
They should be stored in the place that are completely dry and must be free of heavy metals. Therefore, the essential oil bottle should be made of glass or coated with an inert material.

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