Abstract: In this paper, the research and application of sub-critical water extraction(SWE) to extraction of essential oils are summarized in recent years, mainly including the research on the principle, devices and the effects of experimental parameters. Compared with the conventional methods used in extraction of essential oils, the SWE method is better than any other methods in terms of efficiency, rapidity, the yield, cleanliness and easiness in separating the composition of the extraction. As a new extraction technology, the SWE is important to the modernization of traditional chinese medicine.

Key words: SWE, essential oils, application