Plant To Perfume Workahop

From Plant to Perfumery: The Natural Perfume Journey

From Plant to Perfumery: The Natural Perfume Journey

1.

Plant Selection & Harvesting

Choose aromatic plants like lavender, rose, geranium, citrus peel, rosemary, or native botanicals such as mānuka, kawakawa, or rāurekau.

✅ Pick in the morning for maximum essential oil yield.

✅ Use fresh, organic, or wildcrafted botanicals when possible.

2.

Drying or Preparing Fresh

Some plants (like roots or bark) need to be dried before use; others (like flowers or citrus zest) can be used fresh.

✅ Dry in a dark, well-ventilated space to preserve aroma.

✅ Chop or bruise fresh leaves slightly to release oils.

3.

Distillation / Infusion / Enfleurage

Choose your method depending on the plant type:

• Steam Distillation: Best for essential oils (lavender, rosemary, etc.)

• Oil Infusion: Place botanicals in a carrier oil (e.g., jojoba, olive, almond), and warm gently over days or weeks.

• Enfleurage: A traditional method using fat to absorb delicate floral scents (e.g., jasmine or gardenia).

4.

Strain & Bottle the Extract

Once your oil or extract has taken on the plant’s scent:

✅ Strain out all solids using muslin or cheesecloth.

✅ Store in dark glass bottles to preserve freshness.

5.

Blend Your Perfume

Natural perfumes are made using:

• Top notes (citrus, mint)

• Heart notes (flowers, herbs)

• Base notes (woods, resins, spices)

Mix essential oils or infused oils into a carrier (like jojoba or alcohol) in desired ratios.

✅ Let your blend rest for at least 2–4 weeks to “mature”.

6.

Bottle & Label

Decant your finished perfume into a roll-on or spray bottle. Add a name, date, and ingredients.

1.

Plant Selection & Harvesting

Choose aromatic plants like lavender, rose, geranium, citrus peel, rosemary, or native botanicals such as mānuka, kawakawa, or rāurekau.

✅ Pick in the morning for maximum essential oil yield.

✅ Use fresh, organic, or wildcrafted botanicals when possible.

2.

Drying or Preparing Fresh

Some plants (like roots or bark) need to be dried before use; others (like flowers or citrus zest) can be used fresh.

✅ Dry in a dark, well-ventilated space to preserve aroma.

✅ Chop or bruise fresh leaves slightly to release oils.

3.

Distillation / Infusion / Enfleurage

Choose your method depending on the plant type:

• Steam Distillation: Best for essential oils (lavender, rosemary, etc.)

• Oil Infusion: Place botanicals in a carrier oil (e.g., jojoba, olive, almond), and warm gently over days or weeks.

• Enfleurage: A traditional method using fat to absorb delicate floral scents (e.g., jasmine or gardenia).

4.

Strain & Bottle the Extract

Once your oil or extract has taken on the plant’s scent:

✅ Strain out all solids using muslin or cheesecloth.

✅ Store in dark glass bottles to preserve freshness.

5.

Blend Your Perfume

Natural perfumes are made using:

• Top notes (citrus, mint)

• Heart notes (flowers, herbs)

• Base notes (woods, resins, spices)

Mix essential oils or infused oils into a carrier (like jojoba or alcohol) in desired ratios.

✅ Let your blend rest for at least 2–4 weeks to “mature”.

6.

Bottle & Label

Decant your finished perfume into a roll-on or spray bottle. Add a name, date, and ingredients.