Workshop: Plant destilation Hydrosol & Essential Oil
Description
🌿 DROP BY DROP: A DISTILLATION DAY
A small-group day of distillation & plant alchemy in Fremantle · Only 10 places
There’s something magical about watching a plant slowly turn into steam, and then into a few precious drops of essence. For me, distillation is one of the most beautiful ways to connect with a plant.
This time, I’m joined by my friend Ben from Runo, and together we’ll fire up two stills at the same time: one copper, one stainless steel. Side by side, we’ll follow the same journey of the plant, from preparation to the hydrosol and essential oil, and see, smell and taste how each still shapes the final essence.
We’ll also share our own paths: how each of us came to herbalism, distillation and plant alchemy, what we’ve learned along the way, and the different ways we approach this practice.
On 21 November, we’ll meet at our favourite apothecary in Fremantle to explore the practical process of distillation, along with some of the deeper ways plants have traditionally been understood: plant signatures, elements, planetary correspondences and Vegetal Spagyria.
🌿 DURING THE WORKSHOP YOU WILL
Watch two stills working side by side, copper and stainless steel
Discover how the material of the still affects the process, aroma and final product
Learn the essential principles of botanical distillation
Prepare plant material according to its characteristics
Explore how water, temperature, plant material and time influence the distillation
Learn about hydrosols and essential oils, including their qualities, uses and preservation
Develop your sensory observation by comparing both distillates
Hear two distillers share their personal journeys in herbalism and alchemy
Explore plant signatures, elements and traditional planetary correspondences
Get an introduction to Vegetal Spagyria and plant alchemy
This is not simply about learning how to operate a still.
It’s an invitation to slow down, observe what happens drop by drop, compare two ways of working, and experience the transformation from plant to essence.
You’ll also take home a small portion of the distillates created during the day.
☕ ON THE DAY
Herbal drinks will be provided throughout the workshop.
Shared lunch: please bring something to share, and we’ll enjoy a relaxed communal lunch together.
21 NOVEMBER · FREMANTLE
10 to 2 pm
🌿 This is an intimate workshop with only 10 places, so everyone can get close to the stills and the process. Come spend a day with two stills, fire, steam and water, and a small group of curious plant lovers.
Gallery
About Us
Muji Freier
I'm a herbalist and therapist with over seven years of practice, and plants have been at the heart of my work all along. Over the years, I have developed a particularly special relationship with plant distillation. I've explored the process using different types and sizes of stills, and have become deeply passionate about this fascinating transformation. For me, distillation is much more than a method of extraction: it's a beautiful way of working with a plant and concentrating its most powerful aromatic constituents into hydrosols and essential oils. My curiosity has also led me to explore plant extracts, herbal preparations and the traditional knowledge surrounding their therapeutic use. I'm especially drawn to the spagyric and alchemical perspective of plants: their signatures, planetary correspondences and the relationship between a plant, its essence and its healing qualities.
Ben · RŪNO Apothecary
Some of my earliest memories are of lying on my belly on the warm soil, studying in wonder the intricate details of plants in our family garden. I've always been in awe of how purely they bridge the energies of the stars with the rooted nourishment of the Earth. As a herbalist, my role is to understand the healing relationship between people and plants. My practice, RŪNO, is centred around Spagyria, an ancient alchemical method of capturing and purifying the qualities of nature's forms into remedies. Distillation is an essential part of this work, and in its own right a wonderful way to capture the very soul of a plant. Ben is an ANTA registered Naturopath, Herbalist & Remedial Therapist, and owner of RŪNO Apothecary in Fremantle.
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