About the Aromatic Distillation Workshop:
Join Erika Galentin of Sovereignty Herbs for a 5 hour hands-on deep-dive into the ancient alchemical art of aromatic distillation. Participants will learn the nuts and bolts of distillation using a traditional copper alembic still as well as how aromatic distillation can be used as a medium for building respectful and meaningful relationships with both aromatic plants and the landscapes that nurture them.
The workshop will include harvesting of the plant material and a discussion on sourcing and sustainable harvesting. As we load the still together, the group will learn about the ‘anatomy & physiology’ of aromatic distillation including putting the still together, sealing the seams, what type of burner to use, options for hooking up the condenser pump, and the different types of vessels you can use to capture your hydrosol and essential oil. As the distillation is taking place, Erika will take participants through a journey of ‘embodied’ aroma as we explore how aromatic plants can be healing to body and psyche through our sense of smell and how the process of aromatic distillation can be used as a ceremonial journey of self-reflection and development. Participants will be able to take a sample of the distillation home.
Please note that pre-registration is required to attend this event. Registrations are non-refundable. Workshop Fee: $125.00 USD.
What to Bring:
Participants are asked to bring:
A packed lunch (no food will be provided)
You own chair or sitting pillows (we will be both sitting and standing for long periods of time so please bring what you need for comfort)
Footwear that can be worn on dirty, uneven surfaces (although there is no hiking involved, we will be on foot on the farm harvesting)
Sun protection
A journal for workshop exercises and self-reflection during the distillation and something to write with
An object of significance that represents something or someone you would like to honor during the distillation (this will be placed on the distillation alter and returned to you after the workshop)
Kindness and an open mind
What is Provided:
Tea and water
Glass bottles for hydrosol
Handouts about aromatic distillation
An incredible interactive experience
About Erika:
Erika is a Clinical Herbalist, aromatherapist, distiller, grower, and medicine-maker, consulting from Sovereignty Herbs in Athens & Columbus, OH. She holds a degree in Herbal Medicine from the University of Wales, Cardiff, UK and Scottish School of Herbal Medicine, Glasgow, UK. She is a professional member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (UK) and the American Herbalists Guild (USA). Over a decade of clinical practice has provided a platform for witnessing the efficacy of medicinal plants and aromatics within a clinical environment. It is through this clinical practice that Erika seeks to encourage positive, learned relationships between plants and people and people and their bodies. She is a firm believer in celebrating the role that emotions and the psyche play in the ecology of our physical terrain. In addition to clinical practice, Erika is both a student and teacher of horticulture, native medicinal plant conservation and ecology, and the phenomenological and Goethean study of plants and their medicinal virtues. Erika participates as a member of the Education Committee of the American Herbalists Guild as well as the Stewardship Committee of Appalachia Ohio Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of land and water in Southeast Ohio. Follow @themedicinegardener, @sovereigntyherbs
Contact Information:
Erika Galentin, Sovereignty Herbs, office@sovereigntyherbs.com
Deborah Zerkle, Homestead Aromatics, homesteadaromatics@outlook.com