This class will introduce you to the wonderful world of botanical distilling, the process from which we create hydrosols and essential oils. Whether you’re wanting to understand this process and the medicine, looking for an accessible way to begin distilling or simply dive deeper into your herbal journey, this class will provide a great foundation. Together we will set up a traditional copper alembic still filled with plants from Kestrel Herb Farm. As the still works its magic revealing the plant’s essence and aroma we’ll touch on the history, uses and the alchemical process, both physical and on the psyche, of this ancient craft. Distillation can be a bit confusing and intimidating on paper, so this class will be visual, tactile and fun!
Besides experiencing the copper alembic still from set-up to finished product, we will also review stovetop distillation that can be easily replicated in any home, as well as a variety of other options for distilling. There will be an emphasis on distilling for hydrosols, a product that’s rapidly gaining popularity. We’ll discuss its gentle, versatile and sustainable medicine, how to craft and decipher a potent hydrosol and why it should have a place in every apothecary.
We will cover how aromatic medicine works on the psyche, brings us in relationship with the plants and ecosystem, and how this craft support a sustainable home practice instead of a big business mono-crop nightmare.
We’ll also cover questions to consider when beginning your journey into botanical distilling. You'll with a leave new way to experience plants and your own 1oz hydrosol.
Saturday June 26, 11-5
Held at Krestrel Herb Farm / Lady Luck Flower Farm, Just 35/45 Minutes from Asheville. Directions mailed prior to event, and can be found on google maps. Check out https://kestrelherbfarm.com supplying quality herbs for herbalist!
Please bring snacks/ lunch (we will have a short break, a notebook and whatever else you need to feel comfortable during our time together.
Limited spots available so please reserve yours in advance!
If you are really wanting to join but cannot afford the price I have a limited amount of sliding scale spots for those who honestly need them, and a BIPOC scholarship available. Email Ash at info@ritualbotanica.com with how this class would contribute to your plant and self awareness journey.
About the instructor:
Ash Sierra is driven by a desire to bridge gaps between the human and plant worlds. She is the heart and soul behind Ritual Botanica, a small-batch Appalachian apothecary specializing in herbal hydrosols and spirit medicine. Her background as a clinical herbalist, farmer, distiller, and astrologer are wrapped up in a practice focused on mental wellness and empowerment through an eclectic range of modalities including medical astrology, hermeticism, eco-psyschology and vitalism. She’s dedicated years of her herbal journey to the craft of distillation and loves sharing it with other like-minded plant allies, the type who enjoys a bit of magic and a bit of science. You can find her tending land in the Blue Ridge Mountains of NC or community organizing with the Hawthorn Community Herb Collective. For medicine and magic visit: www.ritualbotanica.com
