The GCBR MAB Youth had the exciting opportunity to attend a workshop at Yamù Botanicals, where they explored the process of steam distillation for creating essential oils. This hands-on experience introduced them to South Africa’s rich diversity of aromatic plants and their potential in the growing wellness market.
During the workshop, the youth learned how steam distillation extracts essential oils from plants like wild rosemary and Helichrysum. They observed the steam passing through the plant material, releasing oils and hydrosols, and had the chance to smell the freshly distilled oils compared to the raw plants.
South Africa is home to a wide range of aromatic plants, such as Buchu and Eucalyptus, which are highly valued in the global essential oil market. The workshop highlighted the opportunities in this industry, from sustainable farming and distillation to research and product innovation.
The visit to Yamù Botanicals provided the GCBR MAB Youth with valuable knowledge on how they can contribute to South Africa’s growing essential oils industry. Joining the GCBR MAB Youth opens doors to hands-on learning experiences like this workshop, offering youth exposure to sustainable practices, valuable skills, and opportunities that can shape their future in the environmental and wellness sectors. A special thanks to Yvette Anderson and the Yamù Botanicals team for hosting such an educational workshop and for sharing their expertise with the youth!
