Essential Oil Distillation Class

Day 1: The Art of Distillation: An Alchemical Experience

Have you ever dreamt of making your own hydrosols and essential oils?

Have you ever wanted to understand how to use the natural gifts of your garden and your environment to create unique, potent and high-quality cosmetic and healing ingredients?

This full-day workshop is your gateway to realizing that dream! Immerse yourself in the intricate science and art of distillation, and emerge equipped with the skills to transform your garden's natural gifts into unique cosmetic and healing treasures.

During this day one you will discover the very special and unique experience of distillation in a professional, traditional copper still, as well as create an affordable stove top cooking device. Alice will share her passion and knowledge about the science and alchemy of the distillation process.

Workshop Highlights

Distillation Techniques:
Learn the art of distillation using both traditional copper and modern stainless steel apparatus.
Understand the nuances of hydro-distillation and steam distillation, uncovering the differences and advantages of each method.
Create an affordable stove-top cooking device for distillation.

Production Practices:
Embrace good manufacturing processes and sterilization techniques for optimal hygiene and product quality.
Explore methods to separate essential oils, maximizing both yield and quality.
Preserve hydrosols effectively for extended shelf life

Biodynamic Principles:
Dive into the world of biodynamic principles for plant harvesting, optimizing plant health and the quality of your distillates.
Explore the relationship between the distiller and the natural environment.

Plant Selection and Distillation:
Gain insights into sustainable harvesting techniques and learn which parts of the plant are ideal for distillation.
Understand essential oil and hydrosol properties for healing, cosmetics, and emotional health.

Safety and Guidelines:
Delve into essential oil safety measures and safety of plant selection and guidelines to ensure responsible usage.

Aromatherapy Customization:
Craft aromatherapy pulse points and roll-ons tailored to optimize health, immunity.
Understand the power of aromatherapy for emotional balance.

Students will learn the difference between hydro-distillation and steam distillation as well as the ways to improve yields and quality of essential oil extractions with simple kitchen apparatus and lab gear. Students will be taught the difference between essential oil extraction and hydrosol extraction; and although they may be part of the same process, they present distinct techniques for enhanced results.

Alice will introduce the class to the basic principles of alchemy. She will also put light on biodynamic principles of plant harvesting: optimizing the health of our plants and the quality of what you produce as well as the relationship of the distiller to its natural environment. Standard manufacturing processes and good manufacturing processes will be covered in order to optimize shelf life and preserve the quality of your precious waters and oils.

During the second part of the day, students will be introduced to a few unique hydrosols as well as a number of powerful locally harvested and distilled essential oils, uncovering the incredible aromatic gifts that nature holds for us in our own environment. You will learn how to maximize essential oil production, separate the essential oil from the hydrosol and preserve them properly for excellent shelf life.

Students will take back home a thorough hand out, a 4 oz bottle of freshly made hydrosol and a 0.35 oz aromatherapy pulse point roller & custom aromatherapy inhaler.

Day 2: Hydrosols and Psycho-Aromatherapy

Students will dive deep into the incredible power of hydrosols for cosmetic, culinary and health purposes. Over 30 different distillates will be passed around with an emphasis on Alice's top 10. You will realize what incredible tools they are for the massage therapist, natural healer, esthetician and formulator.

A special emphasis will be placed on creating a hydrosol-based toner during the hands-on session. Participants will explore blending ideas, suggestions for adding cosmeceuticals, natural ingredients, and preservatives, gaining practical insights for optimal skincare routines.

In the last half of the day, students will be introduced to the world of olfactotherapy also called psycho-aromatherapy.

As we all know, the sense of smell creates in each one of us powerful physiological responses, emotions, memories, and inspirations. In this hands-on class, will share the fascinating world of psycho-aromatherapy. Because scent biologically influences the same brain receptors that process emotions, students will explore, through a series of games and mediations their own emotional and physiological responses to blindfolded aromas.

Alice will invite students to delve deep into a sense of “feeling” more than “thinking” as they discover and rediscover the aromas of enchanting & healing essential oils. Playful approaches to this new way of experiencing scents will invite them to open to the pathway that connects smell, emotions, memories, and body connections. Opening our senses to the pure essence of the plant seems to allow us to travel deep into ourselves, in our emotional patterns, past traumas, and physiological blockages that words cannot always heal.

Participants will be introduced to a number of common and rare essential oils and mood altering hydrosols. They will rediscover their unique profile and properties for usage in psycho-aromatherapy.

Each student will have the time and opportunity to realize a self-portrait of their own healing aroma-blend, reflecting as much as possible their essence, healing, vision, and desires, finding the essence(s) that brings them to light and their full innate potential.

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Additional Information
For each day, there is a per person materials fee at door, payable in cash only: $35
Note: If you take both days, materials fees are only $60 total.

The class will start promptly at 9:30 am. Please arrive at the latest at 9:15 in order to finish registration, settle in and make yourself a cup of tea.

Class will be held in the Petaluma area, Sonoma county, California. The final location details will be provided after you sign up.

The class will mostly be held outside, so bring sun protection and wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking in the garden. Our outdoor seating is basic, so if you prefer special seating please bring your own chair.

As the class location is far from any restaurants, remember to bring your own packed lunch. Several local stores in Petaluma and Sebastopol offer takeaway lunches that you can plan on getting the day of or the day before class.

Water, hot tea and small snacks will be provided throughout the weekend.

Other items to bring: A note pad, pen, a water bottle and a sunhat. Optional: gloves & clippers.

The class format is designed as a small intimate group. Spaces are limited, so be sure to enroll early!

Biophilia products, hydrosols and skin care will be available for purchase throughout the event. See you soon!

Beginner friendly.
  Day 1: Students will take back home a thorough hand out, a 4 oz bottle of freshly made hydrosol and a 0.35 oz aromatherapy pulse point roller & custom aromatherapy inhaler.
Day 2: A self-portrait of your own healing aroma-blend, reflecting as much as possible their essence, healing, vision, and desires, finding the essence(s) that brings them to light and their full innate potential. A packed lunch, note pad, pen, a water bottle and a sunhat. Optional: gloves & clippers.