How to Distil Your Own Essential Oils

Have you ever wanted to learn how to produce your own essential oils, hydrosols and aromatic extracts?

The production of essential oils and distillate waters (aromatic waters, hydrosols etc) is an ancient practice that started with the use of simple ‘retort’ stills. Nowadays, plant essences are most often produced by large–scale industrial stills, which can output hundred of litres of essential oils and hydrosols per day! However, modern-day advances in distillation technology have made it possible for individuals to produce appreciable amounts of their own high quality essential oils and distillate waters at home — through the use of small-scale, easy-to-use equipment.

The practice of producing your own essential oils etc is a fascinating process in its own right, and one that is always thoroughly rewarding.

The aim of the course is to provide an easy, step-by-step guide to making your own essential oils and distillate waters from raw herb material for both personal and therapeutic application, so that you can effectively and safely employ these procedures at home.

COURSE STRUCTURE

The course is comprised of two sections held over two days: The first day provides students with the historical background and practical knowledge of the techniques used to produce essential oils, distillate waters and various herbal extracts, including a demonstration of the distillation techniques covered. The second day gives the students the opportunity to put into practice the theory learnt on the first day. Students will be split into groups and assigned a work station containing all the necessary equipment and raw materials needed to make their own essential oils and distillate waters.

COURSE COMPONENTS

• Introduction to the history and theory of aromatic extracts and essential oil/ distillate water production.
• Introduction to the processes of steam and water distillation; their relevant application to the small-scale production of essential oils and distillate waters.
• Basic laboratory health and safety.
• Practical experience of making these products (students are given the opportunity to take home what they produce in class).
• Advanced extraction techniques.
• Product storage, shelf life considerations and legal implications.
• Overview of a selection of distillate water and infused oil monographs.

A detailed course book (make your own essential oils and skin-care products by Daniel Coaten) is provided as part of the course, ensuring that all procedures can be applied safely.

Entry onto this course does NOT require prior aromatherapy or herbal medicine qualifications; however some knowledge of either of these subjects would be helpful.

A Certificate is issued on completion, with 12 hours’ worth of CPD credits available to members of NIMH, IFPA and other bodies.

How to Make Your Own Base Creams

With so many companies now supplying ready-made base products, why would anyone go to the bother of making their own?

There are several very good reasons. To start with, many commercial producers of these products use harsh chemical additives and preservatives, some of which can cause severe allergic reactions and even illness in some individuals. The raw materials used are often derived from sources that are ethically and ecologically unsound — usually to meet the demands for standardisation set by the cosmetics industry.

By producing your own base products, you can be sure of exactly what they are made of, including the quality of the raw ingredients used. You will know precisely how they have been produced, how fresh they are, and that they are totally free from adulteration. The practitioner is empowered to become self-sufficient in a similar way to the medical herbalist who grows their own herbs and/or produces their own medicines.

Lastly, the practice of producing your own creams etc is a fascinating process in its own right, and one that is always thoroughly rewarding.

The aim of the course is to provide an easy, step-by-step guide to making your own skin care products from raw materials — for both personal and therapeutic application.

COURSE STRUCTURE

The course is comprised of two parts spread over two days: The first day covers all the necessary equipment, raw materials and understanding required to make your own macerated oils, tinctures and skin care products — as well as how to adapt them to individual preferences. The second day gives students the opportunity to put into practice the theory they have learned from the first day. Students will be split into groups and assigned a work station containing all the necessary equipment and raw materials needed to make each of the products from scratch.

COURSE COMPONENTS

• Basic Laboratory Health and Safety.
• The equipment, raw materials, theory and techniques required to produce your own macerated oils, tinctures, base ointments, balms, gels and lotions.
• Practical experience of making these products (students are given the opportunity to take home what they produce in class).
• Product storage, shelf life considerations and legal considerations.
• The incorporation of distillate waters, macerated oils and tinctures into the above base formulas for both therapeutic and aesthetic benefits.

A Detailed course book (make your own essential oils and skin-care products by Daniel Coaten) is provided as part of the course, ensuring that all procedures can be applied safely.

Entry onto this course does NOT require prior aromatherapy or herbal medicine qualifications; however some knowledge of either of these subjects would be helpful.

A Certificate is issued on completion, with 12 hours’ worth of CPD credits available to members of NIMH, IFPA and other bodies.