Essential Oil Yield from Different Herbs

Below is a list of some common herbs and their approximate essential oil yields by weight, expressed as a percentage (% w/w, weight of oil per weight of raw material). These yields are based on typical values from fresh or dried plant material under standard distillation conditions. Note that yields can vary significantly due to factors like plant species, growing conditions, harvest time, and extraction methods.

The figures provided are approximate averages derived from general botanical and aromatherapy sources.

• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

  • Yield: 0.5% - 3% (fresh flowers)

  • Notes: Higher yields from fresh flowers, typically around 1-2% in commercial production.

• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

  • Yield: 1% - 2% (dried leaves)

  • Notes: Fresh material may yield slightly less, around 0.5-1%.

• Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

  • Yield: 0.5% - 4% (dried leaves)

  • Notes: Yields peak at flowering stage; commercial yields often 1-2%.

• Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

  • Yield: 0.5% - 2.5% (dried aerial parts)

  • Notes: Varies by chemotype; thymol-rich varieties may yield higher.

• Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

  • Yield: 0.2% - 1.5% (fresh or dried leaves)

  • Notes: Linalool or methyl chavicol types affect yield; typically around 0.5-1%.

• Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

  • Yield: 1% - 3% (dried leaves)

  • Notes: Higher yields from wild varieties; often 1-2% in practice.

• Sage (Salvia officinalis)

  • Yield: 0.7% - 2.5% (dried leaves)

  • Notes: Fresh material yields closer to 0.5-1%.

• Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

  • Yield: 0.3% - 1.5% (dried flowers)

  • Notes: German chamomile typically yields 0.5-1%; low due to delicate flowers.

• Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)

  • Yield: 0.5% - 2% (fresh grass)

  • Notes: Higher yields (1-2%) from steam distillation of fresh material.

• Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)

  • Yield: 1% - 3% (fresh leaves)

  • Notes: Commercial yields often 1.5-2%; varies by species.

• Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

  • Yield: 2% - 6% (dried seeds)

  • Notes: Seeds yield higher than leaves; typically 3-4%.

• Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)

  • Yield: 0.3% - 1.5% (fresh flowering tops)

  • Notes: Often around 0.7-1% in practice.

• Marjoram (Origanum majorana)

  • Yield: 0.5% - 2% (dried aerial parts)

  • Notes: Sweet marjoram typically yields 1-1.5%.

• Dill (Anethum graveolens)

  • Yield: 0.5% - 1.5% (dried seeds), 0.1% - 0.5% (fresh herb)

  • Notes: Seed oil yields higher than herb oil.

• Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

  • Yield: 0.02% - 0.3% (fresh leaves)

  • Notes: Very low yield, often 0.1% or less, making it costly.

These percentages represent the weight of essential oil extracted compared to the starting weight of the plant material (e.g., 1% yield means 1 gram of oil from 100 grams of herb). For precise yields, laboratory testing or specific cultivar data would be needed, as these are general estimates.