My first distillation
First Distillation – March 14, 2014
Distillation is a fascinating field of study for the aromatherapist and herbalist alike and although I am just beginning this journey and have much to learn, I shall share my experience to date.
Hydrosol derives from the Latin “hydro” meaning “water”and “sol” for “solution”. In the world of aromatherapy, hydrosols are also known as hydrolates, hydrolats, floral waters, and plant waters. Hydrolate uses “hydro” for “water” and “late”, from the French “lait”, for “milk”.
I have had an interest in the distillation of essential oils and hydrosols since witnessing a distillation of peppermint essential oil while at Purdue University years ago. I found it fascinating how they would go out and harvest the peppermint, drive the trucks under a canopy, close up the trailer, hook up the tubes up and distill right inside the trailer. And I shall always remember the aroma of mint that wafted heavily throughout the air as the steam condensed back into water to be sent over to large industrial containers to collect the essential oil and siphon off the hydrosol.
During this same visit we were also shown a distillation of peppermint in a stainless-steel unit, which was equally as interesting. My memory of this is how the peppermint looked after the distillation had occurred and they had opened up the still. Inside the peppermint was dry, brittle and without any color or life (prana) remaining. Indeed, the prana had been carried over into the essential oil.
So a few months ago, I decided to invest in a copper distillation unit. I searched and searched and ended up ordering a 20L copper distillation unit. You need at least 20L still as this size has the removable column that allows you to place plant material above the water rather than in the water.
Our new 20L Copper Alembic Distillation Unit for Hydrosols
Once the unit had arrived I collected the following additional items one needs:
- tubing to run water from the input/output pipes (still working on how to cycle water in the condenser – stay tuned!)
- a gas burner (you can use a camping stove or electric heating element as well)
- rye flour (to close up any gaps in the unit to prevent steam from flowing out)
- a few glass containers (I used sterilized canning jars) to collect the hydrosol: these need to be sterilized prior to use
- a pack of coffee filters to filter hydrosol
- a pH meter – to measure pH of water to be used in the distillation still (*the water needs to be slightly acidic – if it is too alkaline you can add in a small amount of citric acid to adjust the pH)
- Other item one could use: Separatory Funnel
Preparing the Distillation Unit
The first step in utilizing the copper still was to run a mixture of rye flour and water through the unit. This was done a couple of days before our first distillation per instructions that accompanied the distillation unit.
First Distillation – March 14, 2014
Our first distillation took place during our advanced aromatherapy certification program. Eager to try and the new distillation unit, we gathered up what was available (it was late winter): pine needles and eucalyptus leaves from around our property. Students cut the pine needles and eucalyptus leaves and then placed in the vat.
An awesome group of students prepare plant material for distillation.
We then enclosed the vat and began the process by lighting the flame under the distillation unit (where the water is). We used water from the local coop as our water comes from a well and is very hard but is softened with salt, so not really a good option. The water had a pH of: 5.6
Transformation
What began to transpire throughout the distillation process was nothing short of alchemical transformation both for the plant as well as for all of us who were present to witness the distillation. As the first few drops began to come forth, the excitement and awe of the experience began to take hold. And as the drops turned into a light flow of hydrosol mixed with a very small amount of essential oil and the aroma began to waft around us, the energy of the whole group became more elevated, more inspirational, and more beautiful.
Drops of Hydrosol begin pouring out.
I find it hard to describe with the richness of this experience because something happened for which I cannot lay my finger upon but inside myself I felt elated, almost transported to a more etheric realm of consciousness.
We stopped the distillation after about 1 hour (did not really time it, so just guessing here). Time seemed to waft along with the aroma. We had collected two jars of water (approx. 4 cups each). The essential oil droplets were visible in the jar, sitting on the surface of the water. And the aroma: stimulating, uplifting, alive, vibrant, and energizing. Everyone in the class seemed to have undergone some kind of transformation as well. The energy was rich and we were all incredibly thankful to have had the experience.
Eucalyptus/Pine Essential Oils on top of Hydrosol
I have since utilized the hydrosol in room spritzers as well as for cleaning. It is incredibly potent! We keep it stored in the fridge and currently have about 2 cups left. I love just smelling it as it transports me back to that incredible sensation I experienced while distilling.
Distilling Yarrow
“In gratitude.”
The Process
Preparing to distill is a process for which I find I need at least two full days to devote entirely to the process. From cleaning the still, watching the weather, creating a schedule (of sorts), to clearing my mind and opening my heart and self to the process, to distillation day. A day of harvesting, a day of deepening my relationship with the plant, “listening” as I harvest, “listening” as I prepare the plant, place it in the still, cover it with water, and enclose the prepared plant material within the copper still. Slowly the water heats, the aroma wafts through the air, the first drops of hydrosol emerge... each distillation a mini transformation, yes. A deeper connection with the plant harvested, yes. The roots of a common language - molecules of communication.
