Pg. 46-51 4 minute read
Let me start with a simple yet profound question about distilling aromatic medicinal plants: Why are you doing what you are doing?
To put it simply, I distil because, for me, distillation is one of the most beautiful things in the world.
What was the first plant you have ever distilled in your life and how did that come your way?
I have to admit that when I started approaching aromatic plants and essential oils, I did not know exactly what I was doing. Aromatherapy is not considered much in Italy. There is a small production of essential oils (mainly cold-expressed Citrus sp. oils), and their use is considered "alternative", and it is challenging to find specific and trustworthy education about them. So, I dived into distillation, knowing that you can extract essential oils from aromatic plants. For the love of my region, I focus on local aromatics. There is an abundance of them where I live, and one, in particular, caught my attention because, for the people who come to Sardinia, it is identified as the aroma of the whole region: Helichrysum.
Did you attend any distillations prior to beginning distillations of aromatics yourself? How did you train yourself to become a distiller? We know it is a road less travelled, so tell us a few words about your journey to distillations please!
Yes, of course, I did attend distillations. My first practice was with a man in my village who cultivated lavender and distilled it using a very artisanal unit made with two modified beer kegs! In 2014, I attended a course organized by the Regional Governance Agriculture Agency to learn about the cultivation and transformation of aromatic plants. I watched a distillation in one of the few places here in Sardinia with two professionally used stills. After the course, I travelled to France to visit some distillers and farmers who cultivated aromatic plants. I fell in love with it – it was un coup de founder! Distillation and essential oils became my first interests. That began a series of tests and experiences that continue today in aromatic plants and the distillation of essential oils. In 2017, I took a two-day course on distillation in Italy with Marco Valussi, which was an excellent opportunity to improve my knowledge. He is the only one in Italy with complete training to teach and share knowledge about distillation and aromatherapy.
What does distilling plants mean to you? How does it play out in various aspects of your personal and professional life?
Well, at this point, I can say that my job is my life. Distilling is not my only professional activity, but it gives me pleasure and energy, which is spread throughout every aspect of life. There is always something new to discover, to learn, and to share with other distillers and aromatherapists. I want to say that it is something that unites, puts together rather than divides, in a society that tends to separate and break up what life is. How can you do a job you don't like for a lifetime? Then there are holidays and, sooner or later, retirement! As I said before, distilling was my first real encounter with essential oils. And when you distil you take, you absorb the essential oil. Of course! Over the years, I have seen the effects, bringing physical and mental benefits. Recently, on the Blog of the School for Aromatic Studies, Jade Shutes explained the concept of adaptogens and how essential oils can be considered. My experience leads me to agree with this concept totally.
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