How Is Valerian Essential Oil Extracted? A Detailed Look at the Production Process

1. A method for improving the extraction rate of valerian essential oil, characterized by the following steps:

(1) Sun-dry valerian until the moisture content is 8-12%;

(2) Mechanical activation: mechanically activate the sun-dried valerian to obtain valerian powder with a particle size of 2.0mm;

(3) Enzymatic hydrolysis: use a composite enzyme to carry out enzymatic hydrolysis on the valerian powder to obtain an extraction liquid;

(4) Distillation: introduce steam from the bottom of the distillation tank to heat the extraction liquid, and after the extraction liquid boils for 2-3h, a mixed vapor is obtained;

(5) Condensation: the mixed vapor is condensed through a condenser to obtain an oil-water mixture;

(6) Oil-water separation: the oil-water mixture is subjected to oil-water separation through an oil-water separator to obtain valerian crude oil and water;

(7) Extraction: the valerian crude oil is extracted through an extraction tank, and after layering, the upper layer is the valerian essential oil.

2. The method for improving the extraction rate of valerian essential oil according to claim 1, characterized in that the mechanical activation refers to treatment with a stirred ball mill at a rotation speed of 90-130r/min for 3-7min.

3. The method for improving the extraction rate of valerian essential oil according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the composite enzyme in step (3) is prepared by mixing papain, cellulase, extraction enzyme and pectinase in equal proportions.

4. The method for improving the extraction rate of valerian essential oil according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the time for enzymatic hydrolysis with the composite enzyme in step (3) is 2.5-3h.

5. The method for improving the extraction rate of valerian essential oil according to claim 3, characterized in that the temperature for enzymatic hydrolysis with the composite enzyme in step (3) is 45-50°C.