Herbal Time-Travelling With Timeless Fez- Discovering the Ancient Art of Herbal Distillation
- victoria ward
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
My first experience of distillation with herbal materials was twenty years ago whilst studying for my degree in Clinical Herbalism. I and a couple of fellow students attended the National Institute of Medical Herbalist's (NIMH) yearly conference which included a distillation demonstration that left a deep impression on me.
The equipment used by the two young men was more 'science laboratory' than 'Harry Potter' style, not a glint of copper to be seen. It was a complicated, unromantic set-up with glass flasks and clamps, but I felt very much in the prescence of alchemy. The Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) hydrosol they passed around to sample was incredible, the taste so vibrant and sharp, the essence so perfectly captured.
Now, many years on, I am in possession of my very my own copper still, a thing of wonder and beauty which I should use more often.
Distillation is an art and ritual practice of great spiritual signifcance. I have many beautiful roses and jasmine flowers growing in the garden that I cherish in the warmer months, but there is something so special about taking these fresh blossoms, rich with aroma and capturing that peak divinity, making the fleeting more permanent. A deeply spiritual practice indeed.
What Is Herbal Distillation?
Herbal distillation is the process of extracting aromatic components from plant material using steam distillation. The steam captures aromatic molecules which are then cooled and condensed.
Essential oils separate from the aromatic water or hydrosol during the cooling process.
Brief History Of Herbal Distillation
This is an ancient practice evidently practised by the Babylonians and Egyptians who used the products for perfumery, medicine, cosmetic and ritual use. Apparatus dating from 3500 BC has been found in Mesopotamia (now Iraq).
The Greeks and Romans adopted distillation techniques and developed them further but it was Avicenna who first decribed the chemical processes involved. Avicenna or Ibn Sina was a great philosopher and physician of the Islamic world who invented the 'cooling coil' which was a breakthrough in aromatherapy (as it is now known). Perfumery was revolutionised by these advancements, Avicenna experimented with rose petals and created rosewater, this created much finer perfumes than were previously available, until this time rudimentary perfumes consisted of rawer, unprocessed plant material.
What Are The Products of Herbal Distillation?
One of my herbal passions is for natural, herbal cosmetics and I am currently nearing the end of a Organic Skincare Diploma with Formula Botanica. Aromatic waters and essential oils are ingredients that enhance cosmetic formualtions in many ways, increasing skin benefits and adding beautiful fragrance.
The two products of the steam distillation of plant material are-
Hydrosols or hydrolates - aromatic, distilled water
Essential Oils- highly concentrated, fragrant plant extracts
These products can be used with knowledge and care (caution advised with essential oils which are very potent and should not be used undiluted) as medicine, cosmetically and to make perfume. Details of courses and books that offer guidance on using these can be found here
Spiritual Alchemy
Why Distillaton Is A Spiritual Practice
Distillation represents a purification or process of refinement, it is transformative and alchemical.
Distillation transcends the impermanence of life and the fleeting nature of beauty by capturing the very essence or spirit of that which gives us so much joy.
Let's Time Travel Together on my next Herbal Journey....
My next journey is soon upon me, a trip to the imperial city of Fez in Morocco to explore the rich herbal heritage which forms part of the cultural tapestry there. I imagine such heritage not to be hidden away in Fez as it is a living, cultural entity, where ancient voices echo in every winding alleyway, a herbal time-travellers dream.
During my research, I was lucky enough to stumble upon Timeless Fez, who are (in their own words)
"A cultural agency based in fez, crafted for travelers who seek to explore responsibly and immerse themselves in authentic experiences."
I have booked a workshop with them and I am so much looking forward to this, follow me for my immersion into this ancient practice with an elder woman in Fez.
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Resources and Products
Courses
The Herbal Academy have short courses including botanical skincare and perfumery.
Books
The Herbal Medicine-Maker's Handbook, Green, James. Herbal Medicine-Maker’s Handbook: A Home Manual. Crossing Press, 2011.
The Fragrant Pharmacy, Worwood, Valerie Ann. The Fragrant Pharmacy: A Home and Health Care Guide to Aromatherapy and Essential Oils. Bantam, 1991.
The Essential Oil Maker's Handbook Malle, Bettina, et al. The Essential Oil Maker’s Handbook: Extracting, Distilling & Enjoying Plant Essences. Translated by Paul Lehmann, English-Language edition., Spikehorn Press, 2015.
The Art of Distillation, J French
Products
Affiliate Links
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