The Evolution and Significance of Essential Oil Making in Scotland: From Historical Recipes to Modern Practices
Daffy’s Elixir, a renowned medicine, features prominently in the collection of Christian Barclay, daughter of a notable Aberdonian Quaker, with her collection dating back to 1697. Within a recipe book penned by Catherine Brisbane, wife of William Fairlie of that Ilk, a remedy for rickets includes an ingredient known as ‘foxtree’, believed to be foxglove leaves (Digitalis purpurea L.). This concoction, when applied to the child, likely mitigated any potential lethal effects of the foxglove. Another rickets remedy by Catherine features two Scots terms for plants: ‘Feather fulzie’, potentially referring to feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium L. Sch.Bip.), and ‘saveing tree’, the Scots term for savin (Juniperus sabina L.). Notably, neither of these plants were listed as native to Scotland in James Sutherland’s Hortus Medicus Edinburgensis (1683), suggesting that the names were either adapted to Scots or the Scottish dialect.
Elaine Leong highlights in her work on recipe books that they served as a social ledger, marking the exchange of recipes among individuals. The presence of Scots words in these manuscripts suggests that the upper classes persisted in using the language even after significant political unions. While the influence of English grew, Scots vocabulary endured, demonstrating language's role in distinguishing Scottish and English sources.
Scotland and England, although closely intertwined post-Union of the Crowns and Parliaments, retained distinct cultural elements, including plant names for medicinal purposes. The surge in demand for essential oils has led to occasional shortages, with some oils becoming challenging or impossible to acquire in their pure forms. Modern production methods blur the line between original and synthetic oils, necessitating precise analysis to differentiate them accurately. Making one's essential oils ensures purity and naturalness, a straightforward process dating back centuries.
In the 16th century, figures like the doctor Paracelsus (1493–1541) explored the relationship between essential oils and plants. Dr. Hieronymus Brunschwig and English doctor and astrologer Nicholas Culpepper (1616–1654) expanded popular awareness of essential oil uses in healing. Scientific investigation into essential oils' effects on the human body began in the early 20th century, notably by French chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé. Gattefossé's experiments with perfumes led to discoveries about plants' healing abilities, documented in his book on aromatherapy, a term still commonly used.
Essential oils, derived from various plant parts, contain numerous chemical compounds that contribute to their fragrance and therapeutic properties. While synthetic fragrances can mimic natural scents, they lack the holistic benefits of essential oils due to their complex composition. Essential oils, unlike fatty oils, do not leave grease stains and do not mix with water, making steam distillation an effective extraction method.
Hydrosols, often considered byproducts of distillation, have gained importance for their uses in flavourings, medicine, cosmetics, and more. The altitude at which plants grow affects essential oil composition, underscoring the importance of using the plant's scientific Latin name for precise identification. Extraction methods vary, including steam distillation and solvent extraction, with the former yielding purer oils suitable for medicinal and aromatherapeutic applications.
Solvent extraction, while offering higher yields, leaves residual solvents unsuitable for medicinal use. Synthetic fragrances lack the complexity of natural essential oils, affecting their therapeutic efficacy. Gas chromatography allows for the analysis of essential oil enantiomer ratios, crucial for distinguishing natural oils from synthetic counterparts. Although the term "essential oil" lacks legal protection, consumers can ensure purity and authenticity through careful analysis and sourcing. Alternatively, individuals can take control of their essential oil supply by making and growing their own. This not only ensures purity and authenticity but also connects people directly to the age-old tradition of botanical extraction, fostering a deeper appreciation for nature.