Step into the craft of distilling plants through glass, a transparent, hands-on approach to creating high-quality aromatic medicine in small batches, right in your kitchen! This class focuses on the practical, technical, and sensory aspects of small-scale botanical distillation, with an emphasis on aromatic medicine, safety, sustainability, and the artistry of working with the still.

We’ll explore how essential oils and hydrosols are formed, what makes glass distillation unique, and how to work with plants in ways that preserve their vitality, essence and potency. Together, we’ll cover each stage of the process, from set-up to collection, and how to understand, store, and apply your aromatic medicine in daily life and herbal practice.

Aromatic medicine has long been used for both physical and emotional support, engaging the senses, calming the nervous system, and restoring connection to the natural world. This class offers the foundation for working with these distillates in your own apothecary or personal wellness practice.

What We’ll Cover

• Why Glass? – Pros & cons for small-batch distillation
  
  

• Full Set-Up – Assembling, sealing, and running your still safely
  
  

• Selecting & Preparing Plants – Harvesting, processing, and packing for optimal yield and quality
  
  

• Distillation Process – Temperature, timing, and water management
  
  

• Collecting & Reading the Medicine – Understanding hydrosol character, scent profiles, and quality
  
  

• Distillate Medicine Applications – Practical, ancient, energetic & esoteric 
  
  

• Sustainable & Ethical Practices – Working with plants respectfully and seasonally
  
  

• Troubleshooting – Common challenges and how to adjust mid-distillation
  
  

• Live Demonstration – Complete glass distillation from start to finish

• How aromatic medicine is used in first aid

• How aromatic medicine is incredible physical medicine, but also medicine for the whole being, especially emotional and psychological. We'll explore how aromatic can be used in healing to create safe containers, safe bodies, safe deep work that allows us to access parts of the unconscious. & MORE, let's get deep!

• 1 oz hydrosol included, plus Q&A
  
  

Details

Date: January 11, 2026
Time: 11 a.m.–4 p.m. ET (please allow for some wiggle room)
Where: A Liminal Space / Ritual Botanica, 10 Old Leicester Hwy, Asheville, NC 28804
More info: Welcome letter sent one week prior to class

Whether you’re an herbalist, maker, or curious beginner, this class will give you a clear foundation for working with aromatic medicine in a mindful, sustainable way. Every drop distilled becomes a reflection of your skill, your care, and the living intelligence of the plants themselves.

Deposits to hold your space are non-refundable. Class must be paid in full by day of class.