Distilling the Scents of Cyprus

Cyprus has been known for its aromatic plants for thousands of years. The island's climate creates ideal conditions for aromatic plants. Rosemary, bay laurel, lavender, myrtle and citrus are characteristic scents of Cyprus and they can be found in many gardens. The oldest known perfume workshop was discovered here in Cyprus. 

At Liven, distillation is our way of capturing a small part of this landscape. Freshly harvested plant material is carefully prepared and distilled in small batches, preserving the unique character of each harvest. Rainfall, temperature, soil conditions and harvest timing all play a role in shaping the final aroma.

Steam distillation is the oldest and most widely used method for extracting essential oils from plants. The process is elegantly simple. Steam passes through plant material, gently releasing the volatile aromatic compounds contained within leaves, flowers, bark, seeds and stems. The steam carries these compounds into a condenser, where they cool and return to liquid form.

The condensed liquid naturally separates into two products: essential oil and aromatic water, known as a hydrosol / hydrolat.

Cyprus is one of the most botanically rich islands in the Mediterranean. Its unique combination of mountains, valleys, forests and coastal regions creates a remarkable diversity of growing conditions. Many aromatic plants have adapted to hot summers, limited rainfall and mineral rich soils, developing the distinctive scents for which Mediterranean botanicals are known. Due to the climate, even subtropical plants can be cultivated  in some parts of the island.

At Liven, we distill a wide range of locally grown and wild harvested plants, each reflecting the season and place from which it was gathered. Some of our raw materials are sourced during pruning.

Alongside the essential oil, steam distillation also produces hydrosols: water-based aromatics that contain many of the plant's water soluble compounds and subtle fragrance. Our Aromatic Water Sprays are bottled directly from these pure hydrosols.

We also use hydrosols in soap making, replacing plain water during production. The leftover nutritious plant material returns to the land as compost and mulch, ensuring that as much of the harvest as possible continues its journey.

In a market flooded with synthetic fragrances and adulterated oils, the source of an essential oil matters more than ever. When you open a bottle of Liven Cyprus essential oil, you are holding something that began as a living plant on this island, harvested by hand, distilled and bottled without compromise.