Re: native, and not so native, california plant distillation

[Guest guest]

--- I

>

> On the non-native, evil invader side, has anyone tried distilling

scotch broom? I just got a

> sample of genet, a broom from france, and thought perhaps the

scotch broom could be put

> to equally good use. It has a lovely scent when it is blooming.

>

> Thanks,

>

>

Dear ,

I did quite a bit of research on distilling or infusing scotch

broom. What I found was that scotch broom has a high content of skin

irritating saponins (I think my memory is serving me well here, I'll

check this) as well as other toxic constituents. I did this research

a while back, but I came tot he conclusion that it wasn't worth using

on the skin.

As far as California Bay, I do have some firsthand information about

distillation which came from Siedel, founder of the Essential

Oil company. He has been distilling for some 25 years and said it

gave him the most hellaceous headache he has ever had. I am still

planning on trying to distill bay. I'll let ya'll know if it hurts

me. I am curious about Oregon Myrtle. I know that in the 30's and

40's myrtle was distilled on the Oregon Coast. I have several really

cool old wooden bottles with a flask of myrtle oil enclosed - these

were given as high school graduation gifts to local coastal gals - my

mom and I pick them up occasionally at sales - they still smell

myrtley!! I imagine the oil was distilled from wood chips that were

biproducts of the myrtle wood industry. Myrtle lamps, bowls, and

tables were really popular in the 30's and 40's (natural resources

hay days.)

Anyway, I think it's awesome to hear from another super curious

fragrance-chaser. Take care and let me know if you find any more

info.

Jess Ring

[Guest guest]

--- I

>

> On the non-native, evil invader side, has anyone tried distilling

scotch broom? I just got a

> sample of genet, a broom from france, and thought perhaps the

scotch broom could be put

> to equally good use. It has a lovely scent when it is blooming.

>

> Thanks,

>

>

Dear ,

I did quite a bit of research on distilling or infusing scotch

broom. What I found was that scotch broom has a high content of skin

irritating saponins (I think my memory is serving me well here, I'll

check this) as well as other toxic constituents. I did this research

a while back, but I came tot he conclusion that it wasn't worth using

on the skin.

As far as California Bay, I do have some firsthand information about

distillation which came from Siedel, founder of the Essential

Oil company. He has been distilling for some 25 years and said it

gave him the most hellaceous headache he has ever had. I am still

planning on trying to distill bay. I'll let ya'll know if it hurts

me. I am curious about Oregon Myrtle. I know that in the 30's and

40's myrtle was distilled on the Oregon Coast. I have several really

cool old wooden bottles with a flask of myrtle oil enclosed - these

were given as high school graduation gifts to local coastal gals - my

mom and I pick them up occasionally at sales - they still smell

myrtley!! I imagine the oil was distilled from wood chips that were

biproducts of the myrtle wood industry. Myrtle lamps, bowls, and

tables were really popular in the 30's and 40's (natural resources

hay days.)

Anyway, I think it's awesome to hear from another super curious

fragrance-chaser. Take care and let me know if you find any more

info.

Jess Ring

[Guest guest]

As far as California Bay, I do have some firsthand information about

distillation which came from Siedel, founder of the Essential

Oil company. He has been distilling for some 25 years and said it

gave him the most hellaceous headache he has ever had. I am still

Jess Ring

Funny that you should mention Bay as I was reading about it yesterday and the

California one is a no no but the nobilis variety is ok.... this is from memory

so do double check......

Janita

---------------------------------

Support the World Aids Awareness campaign this month with for Good

[Guest guest]

As far as California Bay, I do have some firsthand information about

distillation which came from Siedel, founder of the Essential

Oil company. He has been distilling for some 25 years and said it

gave him the most hellaceous headache he has ever had. I am still

Jess Ring

Funny that you should mention Bay as I was reading about it yesterday and the

California one is a no no but the nobilis variety is ok.... this is from memory

so do double check......

Janita

---------------------------------

Support the World Aids Awareness campaign this month with for Good

[Guest guest]

> Funny that you should mention Bay as I was reading about it

yesterday and the California one is a no no but the nobilis variety

is ok.... this is from memory so do double check......

>

> Janita

Hello Janita,

I think you are right on this one. I know that there is definitely

one mountain myrtle that is a no no. I'll check my info banks and

repost when I get a clear answer. I think I will try to compile a

list of NO-NO Distillation plants in CA, OR, and WA. I know it would

help me.

Jess

[Guest guest]

I have distilled Laurus nobilis, European Bay, with wonderful results,

especially the hydrosol.

The California Bay gave me a headache just sniffing the leaves while hiking.

So the oil must be dangerous!

Sandy Messori

Rivendell Aromatics

Ojai, California USA

_www.rivendellaromatics.com_ (http://www.rivendellaromatics.com/)

805 649-2476

**************Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape.

http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp00300000002489

[Guest guest]

I have distilled Laurus nobilis, European Bay, with wonderful results,

especially the hydrosol.

The California Bay gave me a headache just sniffing the leaves while hiking.

So the oil must be dangerous!

Sandy Messori

Rivendell Aromatics

Ojai, California USA

_www.rivendellaromatics.com_ (http://www.rivendellaromatics.com/)

805 649-2476

**************Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape.

http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp00300000002489