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Artisan Distilled Hydrosols and Natural Perfume About Distilling
Distilling
is the art and craft of applying heat, pressure and water (steam)
to plant material in order to release the fragrance molecules locked
inside the cells. These molecules are then evaporated with the steam
and condensed back down into a liquid 'hydrosol', or 'water'. Distilling
is an intuitive art that reaches back to the times of ancient Egypt.
It grew out of the practice of alchemy, and its secrets are still
mostly handed down verbally rather than written.
In many parts of the world, stills are used that look like they have been in operation for hundreds of years. And in many cases they have. Others have taken this art to 'boutique' status. What has not changed is the basic starting points of heat and water. Currently I use two sizes of stainless steel pots plus glass flasks, including the original one, and condensing tube, from my father. "Vetivert
roots are either treated in the traditional copper stills with bamboo
pipes, or modern techniques are used - but most vetivert connoisseurs
agree that the older method is better because it treats smaller quantities
and the result is a much more refined oil."
For those adventuresome
folks who want to try distilling hydrosols at home, I've written a
basic 'how-to' to get you going... Table of Contents 8) Authors Note 9) Getting Started 10) You will need 11) Still Building 17) Plants 18) Harvesting 21) Capturing Molecules 25) What’s Next 26) Playtime 28) Glossary 29) Resources
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