Essential Oil Distillation Handbook: Evolution, Theory, Practice, Chemistry and Applications is a practical guide to distilling, covering plants and their volatile compounds, the essential oil industry, the aromatic plant distillation theory and application, aromatic materials and conservation issues, post-distillation practices, and marketing opportunities. The first section covers the metabolism and role of volatile compounds found in aromatic plants, their chemistry, their interactions with the human olfactory system and their effects, as well as the history of the human use of aromatic plants and the history of distillation. The second part covers distillation, from the theory of its various declinations and varieties, to the machinery and components needed, to the practice of distillation, with many examples from the authors' direct experience. The book also explores innovative techniques in distillation and solvent extraction, the post-distillation practices, the main aromatic plants, and brings a chapter on the pharmacological applications of essential oils. This complete guide provides practical numerical tables on vapor pressure and boiling points, that are of practical value for the operative distiller.
Table of Contents
1. Plants and Volatiles2. Mankind and Aromatic Plants
3. Aromatic Plants Distillation
4. Sustainability of the Natural Aroma Industry
5. Post Distillation Practices
6. Monographs on Plants, Concentrating on the Technical Part (How to Distill the Plant)
7. Market Opportunities, Standards and Prices for EOs
8. Appendices
Authors
Marco Valussi Magnifica Essenza srl, Italy.Marco Valussi embarked on his academic journey with studies in Forestry Sciences in Padua, Italy. Seeking to expand his knowledge, he ventured to London, UK, where he earned a diploma in Aromatherapy from ITHMA in 1995 and a BSc. (Hons.) in Phytotherapy from Middlesex University in 1998.
Since 1996, his passion for herbal medicine and essential oils led him to delve into writing on these subjects. Over the years, he has authored more than 100 professional articles and 15 peer-reviewed papers. He began teaching and consulting for international NGOs focused on traditional medicines and distillation. His expertise took him to diverse regions such as Africa, Nepal, Colombia, and Palestine. He has also been teaching distillation workshops, both in person and online, in the US and Europe.
In 2016, he founded his own distillation company, Magnifica Essenza srl, where he serves as the production manager and R&D specialist. He is actively involved in teaching at various Master's Degree programs in Italy. Benoit Roger UQAC (Universit� du Qu�bec � Chicoutimi), Canada. Benoit is a plant enthusiast working between research, analysis and production/transformation of essential oil and plant extracts for more than fifteen years. He got his Ph. D. in natural products chemistry in France between the University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis, historically close to the Grasses industry, and a renown company in the south of France. He started a sister company of Laboratoire phytochemia called Alchemia Solutions, where he designs and manufactures essential oil stainless steel stills, besides also offering consulting services. He also teaches distillation, extraction, plant chemistry, EO chemistry, analysis and quality at UQAC (Universit� du Qu�bec � Chicoutimi). Ann Harman Morning Myst Botanics, USA. Ann Harman is an organic farmer, herbalist and distiller. Founder of Morning Myst Botanics, a wholesale producer of distilled, organic hydrolates (hydrosols) owned and managed from 2005-2017. In 2013 she sold Morning Myst Botanics so that she could focus more on her research of the hydrosols. She continues to be involved in this research focusing on chemistry, microbiology, adulteration, heavy metals and comparison experiments. She has been teaching hands on distillation workshops and online courses since 2010. She is often invited to speak on her research at herbal and aromatherapy conferences in the United States and internationally.
