Rosemary distillation at ACHS a great success

ACHS President Dorene Petersen led a rosemary distillation on the American College campus Wednesday, June 17. From the ACHS Botanical Teaching Garden, Dorene and ACHS student participants harvested about 10 lbs. of fresh rosemary.

The distillation was a terrific success and led to a great yield. From the 10 lbs. of rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis, which was stripped from its woody stems to ensure the highest quantity of anti-inflammatory ester borneol acetate, nearly 45 mls of essential oil was extracted, and nearly 1,000 mls of hydrosol.

As a thank you to the attendees who volunteered their time to help with the harvest and distillation, everyone took home a vial of rosemary essential oil and some hydrosol.

Hydrosols, also known as flower water, are steam distilled from plant material. Hydrosol is similar to essential oil, but less concentrated. They are often used externally in skin care, and work well as a simple mist.

For more information about harvesting rosemary for distillation, check out ACHS on YouTube. A video of President Dorene Petersen explaining the process of harvesting and distillation of essential oil will be available for download on ACHStv soon.

To participate in a future ACHS distillation, check out the College community wellness classes calendar. On July 17 ACHS is hosting a U-Pick Lavender Open House on the ACHS campus. Then, on July 18, ACHS Senior Vice President Erika Yigzaw will lead a lavender distillation at Sherwood Lavender Farms.

Rosemary Distillation at ACHS on June 17

You’re invited!

Ever wondered where essential oil comes from? Here’s your opportunity to learn more about the distillation process first-hand. Starting at 10 am on Wednesday, June 17, ACHS President Dorene Petersen will harvest rosemary fresh from the ACHS Botanical Teaching Garden, and will then lead a public distillation.

Come to participate or just come to watch… But be sure to bring a friend. This distillation workshop is open to the community. 10 am-1 pm. American College of Healthcare Sciences, 5940 SW Hood Ave., John’s Landing, Portland. For information, call ACHS at (503) 244-0726.

Did you know…

Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis is a needle-like evergreen native to the Mediterranean. It is well known for its camphor-like scent and fresh, somewhat bitter taste. As a culinary ingredient, rosemary imparts flavor and aroma, and helps to facilitate digestion. When used topically, though, rosemary has antibacterial, antiseptic, nervine (sedative), and stimulant properties, among others.

To RSVP for upcoming ACHS community wellness events, including a U-Pick Lavender at ACHS on July 17 and a lavender distillation at Sherwood Lavender Farms on July 18, go to www.achs.edu and click on Community Wellness Classes.