Stem Distillation of Sassafras Roots
by Madchemist
NOTICE: TO ALL CONCERNED Certain text files and messages contained on this site deal with activities and devices which would be in violation of various Federal, State, and local laws if actually carried out or constructed. The webmasters of this site do not advocate the breaking of any law. Our text files and message bases are for informational purposes only. We recommend that you contact your local law enforcement officials before undertaking any project based upon any information obtained from this or any other web site. We do not guarantee that any of the information contained on this system is correct, workable, or factual. We are not responsible for, nor do we assume any liability for, damages resulting from the use of any information on this site.
Once you have found the plant and have dug up the roots, it's time to extract that valuable precursor. This is accomplished by a process called steam distillation. Some documents say to use only the root bark, but I say to use the whole root. Make sure you shred your roots somehow as best as you can. Sassafras roots are pretty tough, so a sharp knife and a good pair of clippers are neccessary.
The apparatus consists of still flask number one, which is a flask close up with a one hole stopper. A tube extends from the top of still flask into one kneck (stoppered with a one hole of course) of a three knecked flask (or some other improvisation) and ran all the way to the bottom it. This three knecked flask is called still flask number two. In the second kneck a thermometer
is placed to record vapour temp. The third neck is connected to a condensor.
Still flask one is filled with water. Still flask two is filled with sassafras root peices. The bottom of both flasks are heated to the same temp. The water will boil and the steam will be pushed out of the tube into the roots. It will collect in the roots for a little while. But after 10-15 minutes, the more steam thats coming in coupled with the heat at the bottom of still flask
two will begin to pick up sassafras essenstial oil and condense in the receiving flask.
Fill still flask one as often as needed. When oil stops coming over (you'll notice, trust me), stop and separate the oil from the water in the receiving flask in a separatory funnel. Viola! You now have essential oil of sassafras!
|