LIVE CLASS The Art of Distillation: An Alchemical Experience- Spring session- May 13th & and 14th 2023- 10 am to 5.30 pm
In this full day workshop (Day one of full workshop) you will learn:
~ Distill in copper and stainless steel
~ Good manufacturing process & sterilization
~ Separate essential oils
~ Maximise EO yield and quality
~ Preserve hydrosols
~ Use Biodynamic principles in caring for aromatics & plants
~ Use sustainable harvesting techniques
~What parts of the plant to distill
~Essential oil and hydrosol properties for healing, cosmetics and emotional health
~Essential oil safety and guidelines
~ Make & blend custom hydrosol-based toners for cleansing and toning the skin
~ Custom make aromatherapy pulse points for optimising health and immunity
~ Learn about the power of aromatherapy for emotional and spiritual balance
Have you always 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?
During 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.
Students will learn the difference between hydro-distillation and steam distillation as well as the ways to improve yields 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: optimising 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 day one, 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 realise what incredible tools they are for the massage therapist, natural healer, esthetician and formulator.
A hands-on workshop will be offered in the afternoon on how to create a hydrosol based toner, introducing blending ideas and suggestions, as well as how to add cosmeceuticals, natural ingredients and preservatives for optimal skin care routines.
Students will take back home a thorough hand out, a 8 oz bottle of freshly made hydrosls and a 3.4 oz custom made Spa grade toner.
During day 2 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. 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.
In the afternoon of day 2, students will be introduced to 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.
The final location of the class will be provided the week of class. Class is taking place in Petaluma Area, in Sonoma county. Material fees at door per day: $30,or $50 for entire weekend work shop.
The class will start promptly at 10 am. Please show up at the latest at 9.45, in order to settle down, find your marks and make yourself a cup of tea...The class will mostly be held outside, in a small group, so spaces are limited! Biophilia products, hydrosols and skin care will be available for purchase throughout the event!