Essentials of Herbalism
Program
Overview
This in-person practical class will give you a strong introduction to the culturally rich world of traditional, folk and “kitchen” herbal medicine, combined with modern insights and data, directly engaging you with the medicine.
Each weekend includes engaging lectures, hands-on medicine making and food preparation, as well as plant walks in herb gardens and richly diverse local forests.
Upon graduation, you will know how to identify and harvest wild plants, cook with them, make a wide variety of herbal preparations, and address many common ailments. This course is perfect for the kitchen or family and lays the essential groundwork for further study in the herbal field and as an herbalist.
“I wanted to thank you for teaching the knowledge you have learned and discovered. I cannot express how much I appreciate everything I learned in the class and am so glad I took it. I have found a very deep gratitude for the earth and plants around me that has been growing. Every day I am so thankful for the trees and plants who live by my home…my new friends.”
– Bethany Berres, 2018 Graduate
What You’ll Learn
- How to take care of yourself and your family for common health concerns
- Illness prevention and tonic remedies
- Using food and kitchen remedies as every day medicine
- Working with common issues such as stomachaches, colds, pain, insomnia and so on
- How to choose the best herb for any situation
- Using a field guide to identify wild plants
- Sustainable and ethical plant harvesting, including tool use and hands-on experience
- Making herbal preparations including teas, tinctures, oils, salves, alcohol-free extracts, elixirs, poultices, vinegars, syrups and more (By the end of class, you’ll have your own small apothecary!)
- How to determine herb actions through flavor
- Herbs for First Aid
- Aromatherapy and use of essential oils
- Common pharmaceuticals and their effects
Apply for Essentials of Herbalism
Our program and waitlist is full! Applications for the 2024 program year will open in July!
Details
Timeline
Hours = 115
Date
April 15 – November 12, 2023
Schedule
Typically, the third weekend of each month, ending the second weekend of November. We’ll meet outdoors, rain or shine. Lectures and medicine making will be in a safe, outdoors and covered classroom space.
Saturday 10 AM – 5 PM
Sunday 10 AM – 5 PM
(Please block out the weekend of November 19 & 20, 2023 as our back up weekend if we need to cancel one weekend due to bad weather)
Tuition
Application Deadline: March 15
$100 application fee (Non-refundable & does not go towards total tuition)
+
$350 deposit (Non-refundable and goes towards total tuition)
+
$1,950 (Due March 1, 2023)
Early bird discount: $1800 due if paid BY January 1, 2023 ($150 savings)
Payment plans available with additional $200
SPECIAL NOTE: We are currently offering 10% off tuition to all of our BIPOC students. Please email JJ.BRSHM@gmail.com to inquire about this!
CLASS SIZE LIMITED TO 22
Refund Policy
Any student who chooses to withdraw…
- Two weeks before the first day of class and has already paid their full tuition, will receive a refund of their full tuition minus their deposit.
- Within two weeks of the program through the first day of class, you will receive a 50% refund of their tuition.
- After the first weekend of class, you will not be provided a refund.
- Please keep in mind that we will not offer refunds due to COVID-19. We have created a safe, covered, outdoor learning environment. If you are concerned about meeting in person, this may not be the best program for you.
Blue Ridge School is a
member of:
American Herbalists Guild
NC Herb Association
United Plant Savers
Botanical Gardens of Asheville
Rainforest Action Network