how do you extract the oil of a pennyroyal (mentha pulegium) plant...?

Question

what are the processes the leaves need to undergo to get the oil....

Answer 1

Distillation is another, simpler method. Given the common uses (we used it to discourage ants and fleas), purity isn't that critical. Solvent extraction (especially alcohol) are used for some essences, but I don't know how commonly it is used for oils.

Answer 2

The following was taken from:
http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/oilseed.html

Oilseed Processing for Small-Scale Producers

Oil can be extracted mechanically with an oil press, an expeller, or even with a wooden mortar and pestle – a traditional method that originated in India. Presses range from small, hand-driven models that an individual can build to power-driven commercial presses. Expellers have a rotating screw inside a horizontal cylinder that is capped at one end. The screw forces the seeds or nuts through the cylinder, gradually increasing the pressure. The material is heated by friction and/or electric heaters. The oil escapes from the cylinder through small holes or slots, and the press cake emerges from the end of the cylinder, once the cap is removed. Both the pressure and temperature can be adjusted for different kinds of feedstock. The ram press uses a piston inside a cage to crush the seed and force out the oil.

Oil can be extracted mechanically with an oil press, an expeller, or even with a wooden mortar and pestle — a traditional method that originated in India.
Oils can also be extracted with solvents, but solvent extraction is a complex operation. The Intermediate Technology Development Group Technical Brief, Principles of Oil Extraction, describes several methods of extraction. It cautions that “solvent extraction is not suitable for small-scale processing because of high capital and operating costs, the risk of fire and explosions from solvents, and the complexity of the operation.” Waste management of solvents such as hexane is a problem as well.

Clarification

Clarification removes contaminants, such as fine pulp, water, and resins. You can clarify oil by allowing it to stand undisturbed for a few days and then removing the upper layer. If it needs further clarification, filter the oil through a fine filter cloth. Finally, you can heat the oil to drive off traces of water and destroy any bacteria. Having a very clean oil is very important in all uses, including biodiesel.

Packaging and Storage

Use clean, dry containers to package and store oils and help prevent rancidity. Sealed glass or plastic bottles are adequate. Colored containers in a dark box help to increase shelf life. The shelf life of oil is usually 6 to 12 months, if it is properly packaged and kept away from heat and sunlight. (Fellows and Hampton, 1992)

Answer 3

the easiest way for you to do it would be enfleurage since it requres the least with respect to materials etc

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enfleurage

Answer 4

your smart even to spell that right

Answer 5

grind it , squeeze it, then filter it.

Answer 6

smoke that *****