Drawn From The Plant
A Home Distiller’s Guide to Hydrosols and Essential Oils
Discover the art of botanical distillation through the lens of a grower, herbal enthusiast and small-scale distiller.
In Drawn From The Plant, Naomi Ingleton shares the knowledge, lessons and observations gained from years of working with herbs, growing medicinal plants and learning what happens when steam, copper and fresh botanicals come together.
Written for complete beginners, this beautifully illustrated guide takes you step-by-step through the process of creating your own hydrosols and essential oils at home. From understanding your still and selecting the right botanicals to harvesting, distilling and troubleshooting common problems, you’ll gain the confidence to begin your own distillation journey.
Inside you’ll learn:
• The difference between alembic and column stills
• How distillation works and why it matters
• How to choose and harvest botanicals for the best results
• How to create high-quality hydrosols at home
• What to realistically expect from essential oil production
• How to use a Florentine separator
• Common distillation mistakes and how to avoid them
• Distillation profiles for eight beginner-friendly plants including lavender, rosemary, lemon balm, elderflower and rose
More than a technical manual, this guide explores the relationship between plants, seasons and place. It is a practical introduction to a traditional craft and a celebration of the remarkable things that can emerge from a handful of herbs and a little curiosity.
Whether you’re a gardener, herbalist, small-scale grower or simply fascinated by plant alchemy, this guide will help you take the first step.
53 pages | Digital Download (PDF)
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