Which method is used for extracting essential oils from flowers and leaves?

The method used for extracting essential oils from flowers and leaves is primarily steam distillation. This technique involves passing steam through plant material, which facilitates the release of essential oils. As the steam rises, it carries the volatile compounds with it and then condenses back into liquid form, allowing the oil to be separated from water.

In the context of essential oil extraction, cold pressing is more commonly associated with citrus fruits, where the oil is extracted from the peels without applying heat. Solvent extraction, while it can be used for various plant materials, is often more suitable for delicate flowers that might be damaged by heat or steam in other extraction methods. Heat extraction, while potentially effective, is less common due to the risk of altering the chemical structure of the essential oil.

Thus, steam distillation is the preferred and widely accepted method for extracting essential oils specifically from flowers and leaves, making it the most suitable choice for this question.