Research on the utilization of lavender and oregano essential oil and flower water

In order to further promote the cultivation of aromatic and medicinal plants that has already flourished in the region of Kozani, in recent years, the deputy governor of Kozani, Grigoris Tsioumaris is proposing to the 47th Economic Committee the inclusion in the National Agricultural Program 2012-2016 of the project “Research on the use of essential oil and lavender and oregano, as ingredients for the preparation of hand antiseptic and other innovative applications “, budget 31,000 euros.

Flower water (lavender water and oregano water) is the residue of distillation that remains after the extraction of lavender and oregano essential oil and accumulates below the oil since it is heavier.

The aim of this research is the search and scientific documentation of selected products such as essential oil and flower water for use in other products as a raw material.

The vertical utilization of the distillation products of lavender and oregano will give greater value to the raw material but also increased possibilities of marketing the final product in the domestic and international market.

The proposed research will be carried out at the premises of the Laboratory of Environmental Technology of the Department of Chemical Engineering of the University of Western Macedonia by the scientific staff of the laboratory, will concern the utilization of lavender and oregano essential oil and flower water and will include the following eight phases:

Phases and object of study

PHASE 1: Bibliographic review of the preparation of alcoholic  hand antiseptics with the use of lavender and oregano essential oil and flower water.

PHASE 2: Laboratory tests for the preparation of hand antiseptic on a micro scale based on the guidelines of the World Health Organization for the preparation of alcoholic hand antiseptics, with the addition of essential oil and lavender and oregano flower water, as appropriate.

PHASE 3: Microbiological and physicochemical analyses of the final product.

PHASE 4: Economic evaluation of the use of the essential oil and flower water of lavender and oregano, as an ingredient of antiseptic hands for its industrial production with future commercial use.

PHASE 5: Delivery of study / conclusions.

PHASE 6: Investigation of certification of essential oil and flower water, lavender and oregano as products of protected Geographical Indication

PHASE 7: Use of essential oil and flower water, lavender and oregano, as ingredients for the preparation of natural antiseptic hands and other natural cosmetic products

PHASE 8: Use of essential oil and flower water, lavender and oregano, as ingredients for the preparation of natural insecticides and insecticides, etc. of biocides for “applications” and uses in organic agriculture and animal husbandry (the procedure of phases 1-4 is followed)