The secret of the beauty and captivating aroma of equatorial flowers lies in their precious essences. The distillation of these essences is an ancestral art which requires specific techniques to preserve all their properties.
Preparing and harvesting flowers
The first essential step in the distillation of rare essences of equatorial flowers is the preparation and harvesting of the latter. It is crucial to choose quality flowers, in full bloom, to obtain concentrated essences rich in active ingredients. The picking must be carried out carefully, by hand, avoiding any contact with chemicals which could alter the quality of the flowers.
The steam distillation method
The most commonly used technique to extract rare essences from equatorial flowers is steam distillation. This gentle and nature-friendly method allows you to obtain pure and concentrated essential oils. It consists of heating the flowers in a still, then recovering the steam that is released to condense it and obtain the essence.
Master the different parameters
The distillation of rare essences of equatorial flowers requires perfect control of different parameters. Distillation temperature, pressure, heating time, steam flow, all these elements are crucial to obtaining quality essence. It is therefore essential to carefully follow the recommendations of the manufacturer of the still used and to carry out preliminary tests to adjust the parameters according to the specific nature of the distilled flowers.
Cold maceration for sensitive species
Some more delicate equatorial flowers require a different distillation technique to preserve all their olfactory nuances. Cold maceration is then preferred. This involves placing the flowers in a neutral solvent, such as vegetable oil or alcohol, for a specific period of time. The active ingredients of the flowers diffuse slowly in the liquid, making it possible to obtain rare essences with sublime scents.
The choice of solvent and the extraction process
In the distillation of rare essences from equatorial flowers, the choice of solvent is crucial. Some essences can be extracted in water, others in oil or alcohol. It is therefore important to know the specific properties of distilled flowers to choose the appropriate solvent. The extraction process itself must also be adapted to each flower, depending on its chemical composition and the desired concentration.
Drying and storage of rare species
Once the rare essences have been extracted from equatorial flowers, it is essential to dry them correctly to preserve their properties. Drying must be carried out away from light, in optimal temperature and humidity conditions. Then, the essences must be stored in airtight bottles, away from air and heat, to avoid any alteration.
The therapeutic benefits of equatorial floral essences
Equatorial flowers, beyond their beauty and captivating scent, contain therapeutic properties that are often overlooked. Through the distillation of their essences we obtain essential oils that can be used to improve our physical and mental well-being.
Soothing and relaxing role
Many equatorial floral essences are renowned for their soothing effects on the nervous system. They can help reduce stress, anxiety and even contribute to more restful sleep. In aromatherapy, these essential oils are often used in massages or diffused into the air to create a relaxing atmosphere.
Anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties
Certain essential oils from equatorial flowers have anti-inflammatory properties, useful for relieving muscle or joint pain. They can also have antiseptic effects, making these oils valuable for treating skin infections or purifying the air.
Emotional and spiritual balance
Historically, indigenous peoples of Ecuador have often used floral essences in their spiritual rituals, believing in their power for emotional harmonization. Today, these essences are integrated into modern practices to promote emotional balance, strengthen self-confidence and stimulate creativity.
Skin rebalancing
Due to their antiseptic and soothing properties, certain equatorial flower essential oils are perfect for skin care. They can help reduce acne, reduce the signs of aging, or even soothe skin irritations.
Integration into daily life
Integrating equatorial flower essential oils into our daily routine can provide enrichment for the body and mind. Whether it’s a massage after a stressful day, a gentle diffusion to help with concentration, or a skin application to improve the skin’s radiance, these precious essences have the power to transform our daily.
The ecological impact of the distillation of equatorial flowers
As the world becomes aware of the environmental impacts of our actions, it is essential to consider the ecological impact of equatorial flower distillation. Can traditional methods, although powerful for extracting precious essences, be sustainable and environmentally friendly?
Agricultural practices in flower cultivation
Growing equatorial flowers requires specific climatic conditions and special attention to ensure their optimal quality. The organic growing method, which does not use pesticides or chemical fertilizers, is an environmentally friendly alternative. Additionally, sustainable agricultural practices, such as crop rotation and water conservation, can reduce the carbon footprint while preserving local biodiversity.
The carbon footprint of distillation
The distillation process, especially by steam distillation, requires a source of energy. The use of renewable energies such as solar or wind to power the stills could significantly reduce the carbon footprint. Additionally, designing more efficient stills, with better insulation and optimized heating, could reduce energy consumption and associated emissions.
Waste management after distillation
Once the distillation is complete, the equatorial flowers leave residue behind. These residues, rich in organic matter, can be composted to create a natural fertilizer, thus avoiding waste and completing the agricultural cycle by providing nutrients to the soil for future plantings.
Transportation and distribution of gasoline
Transporting essential oils from equatorial flowers to international markets also has an ecological cost. Opting for eco-responsible packaging and sustainable modes of transport, such as maritime shipping, can mitigate this impact. Additionally, encouraging local consumption and educating consumers about the origin of products can promote shorter and more sustainable supply chains.
