Herbalism 101:
Demystifying the art and science of using herbs for healing
Let’s face it, herbalism is IN right now. You might already be on the bandwagon, inspired because you read a little here, see a pretty label there, and learn as much as you can glean from books, podcasts, or occasional classes. But what if you have already taken what you can from the top, and are looking to go a little deeper? Or what if you are taking your first foray into herbalism, but want a structured, straightforward foundation to build from?
It can be easy to feel mystified by the body, by medicine, by nutrition, especially at a time when herbs and plant medicine are emerging into popular culture, but good, safe, accessible information is hard to come by. Learning about herbs (alongside the anatomy and physiology they impact and serve) from a reputable source is as important as it is timely. It’s also empowering, confidence-building, and grounding to be able to serve yourself, your family, and friends with herbal medicine.
If you are a home herbalist or a complete novice who is looking to dig a little deeper into herbs, anatomy and physiology, we’ve created Herbalism 101 especially for you. This class is divided into six-week segments, each focusing on a specific body system (digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, immune), their respective physical and functional structures, and the herbs you can use to support them.
Session 2: The Nervous System
January 29th - March 5th 2024
In-Person or Virtual, Wednesdays at 6:30pm - 8:00pm, Class is Recorded
New year, new nerves? If only that were true! Words like stress, anxiety, exhaustion, burnout, brain fog are familiar refrains that seem to run through, well, everything these days.
It’s true, there’s not a singular process in the body that is not in direct relationship with the elegant, complicated nervous system.
And while it’s also true that we can’t start 2025 with a fresh set of nerves, we can do the next best thing: learn how to lower anxiety, build resilience after burnout, and manage stress through a deeper understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as herbs and practices to tend, nourish, and calm them.
Join us for Session II as Sydney and Meg guide you through the brain and nerves, their relationships with other systems, how to care for them with energetic herbalism and practices.
$300
Class Info + Schedule:
2024 - 2025 Class Schedule
Fall 2024: Digestive System - Recordings Available
Winter 2025: Nervous System
Spring 2025: Immune + Lymphatic Systems
Summer 2025: Cardiovascular
Fall 2025: Musculoskeletal
Class structure:
Week 1: Intro, basic anatomy and physiology
Week 2: More A&P
Week 3: Herbs and their actions, through a Western Energetic lens.
Week 4: Herbs, continued
Week 5: More herbs, diet and lifestyle info
Week 6: Q&A, bringing it all together, wrapping up.
Logistics
Classes are held on Wednesdays at the listed dates and times.
Each class runs for 6 weeks.
You may attend class live in-person (10 spots available) or virtually. You will receive access to the replay 48 hours after the live class.
In person classes will be held at The Elderberry
Each 6-week class is $300, $250 early bird.
Session 1: The Digestive System
Class Recording Available
In energetic herbalism, we view digestion as foundational to overall health. If you truly are what you eat, then assimilating food, understanding your body its needs, and taking herbs to help heal, nourish, and tend your digestion helps your body make it so!
In this inaugural class we will take a dive into basic anatomy and physiology of the digestive system, alongside herbs and foods that are specific to supporting that system, all through the lens of energetic herbalism.
$300
Your Journey to Healthy Digestion:
Learn the lay of the land
Without a basic understanding of how the body works, aka the anatomy (form) and physiology (function) of the system, you won’t have the bigger picture in which to understand things like constipation, gas, bloating, IBS, food intolerance, dysbiosis, etc. We’ll reacquaint you with the map of your internal landscape so you know where you are and where you’re going as you decide which herbs/practices are right for you.
Make an informed decision
Energetic herbalism, in basic terms, seeks to match the energetics of a particular herb to the energy of a particular person to promote balance within the body. Instead of googling “herbs for constipation,” trying every one on the computer generated list, and hoping for the best…we’ll teach you the energetics nuances of different herbs and why some are better suited for certain people/conditions than others.
Take a holistic approach
Herbs can have a profound effect on your health, but they work best when you take a holistic, well-rounded approach that incorporates diet, lifestyle, mind, body, and spirit. You’ll learn not just how herbs can support you, but how your diet, habits, and energy inform and support your healing.
Meet Your Instructors:
Meg Madden
Clinical & Community Herbalist
Sydney Batson
Clinical Herbalist + Craniosacral Therapist