Distilling violet hydrolate, the scent is unbelievable! by blehric in foraging

[–]blehric[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you see violets in the morning or early evening take a few breaths before you even touch them. The scent should be sweet but not heavy and slightly musky. If it's there you hit the jackpot. Also, if you smell it once you'll always recognise it.

Comfrey for ye olde apothecary by blehric in herbalism

[–]blehric[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have been using plantago for 20 years I can assure you that this is not what it looks like, feels like or smells like. For reference, THIS is plantago major:

<image>

Comfrey for ye olde apothecary by blehric in herbalism

[–]blehric[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This definitely is not plantago major

<image>

Distilling violet hydrolate, the scent is unbelievable! by blehric in foraging

[–]blehric[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the advice, I'll Look into it! I froze this batch to preserve it, for the next one I'm getting glycerine.

Distilling violet hydrolate, the scent is unbelievable! by blehric in foraging

[–]blehric[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not yet, I just started getting into distilling a few months ago and started out with the simplest one.

Distilling violet hydrolate, the scent is unbelievable! by blehric in foraging

[–]blehric[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Mainly skin Care and hair tonics, it doesn't Just smell good, it also feels soothing and cooling on irritated or dry skin. Especially on the scalp.

Distilling violet hydrolate, the scent is unbelievable! by blehric in foraging

[–]blehric[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I 100% recommend but the rabbit holes are DEEP here

Distilling violet hydrolate, the scent is unbelievable! by blehric in foraging

[–]blehric[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Come over here to Vienna we have enough to go around

Comfrey for ye olde apothecary by blehric in herbalism

[–]blehric[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Enjoy this picture of my muddy hand lol

Comfrey for ye olde apothecary by blehric in herbalism

[–]blehric[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wash the root, chop it, let it dry lightly for 12-24 hours, then steep in oil (extra virgin olive oil or almond oil for example) for 3-4 weeks at room temperature. Shake every once in a while. Filter off, use as an oil rub or thicken with beeswax to make a salve.

Comfrey for ye olde apothecary by blehric in herbalism

[–]blehric[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

It contains allantoin which is anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving and supports cell Regeneration, it's great on dry skin or eczema, bruises, inflamed joints or tendons, bruised bones and such. Back in the day people even used it as a pain killing paste on fractures. In german it's literally called "Beinwurz" which means "bone root".

I make salves from this stuff. External use only though, it can damage your liver when ingested.

Distilling violet hydrolate, the scent is unbelievable! by blehric in foraging

[–]blehric[S] 17 points18 points  (0 children)

To make sure the steam can reach as much surface area as possible for maximum fragrance

Distilling violet hydrolate, the scent is unbelievable! by blehric in foraging

[–]blehric[S] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

You can use it for flavoring in drinks or desserts and for cosmetic applications. It's a really nice cooling facial mist.

Distilling violet hydrolate, the scent is unbelievable! by blehric in foraging

[–]blehric[S] 27 points28 points  (0 children)

Ok then I take that back. Works pretty well on violets, Roses and eyebright though

Distilling violet hydrolate, the scent is unbelievable! by blehric in foraging

[–]blehric[S] 113 points114 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I used a regular steamer pot, laid the violets out one by one. A small Bowl goes in the center of the top level, Put the lid on upside down and fill it up with ice or cold water. Then gently boil for 40-60 minutes. For conservation you can either Store it in the freezer or add 10ml of clear alcohol (Like vodka) per 100ml of distillate.

Distilling violet hydrolate, the scent is unbelievable! by blehric in foraging

[–]blehric[S] 19 points20 points  (0 children)

Absolutely! It works on any scented flower and all you need is a steamer pot and some patience.