Buy a CSHS T-Shirt!
Menopause - A Chinese Medicine PerspectiveSaturday, June 2
Bioregional HerbalismJune 22 & 23
Medicine Show and Herbal BazaarJune 28
An Herbalist's Approach to Nervous System Disorders Friday, August 23
Just Added - Herbal Skin Formulation FundamentalsSunday, November 3
need to pay your class balance? please see instructions on the registration page.
2013 Long Term classes
Roots of Herbalism / Foundations of Health
(8 month intensive) March 19 - November 8, 2013
• We are accepting applications for Roots 2014 (March - Nov 2014) beginning April 15, 2013.
Body Systems & Herbal Wellness
(9 month weekend course) March 23- November 17, 2013
Handcrafted Herbalism
(9 month weekend course) March 16- November 10, 2013
Intermediate Herbal Therapeutics
(8 month - meets 2 Mondays a month) March 11 - November 4, 2013
2013 One Day and Shorterm Classes
Herbal Medicine MakingApril 6 & 7
Spring Herbal Essentials (Five Monday afternoons) April 29 - June 17
Spring Herbal Pharmacy Intensive(Eight Thursday Mornings) May 2 - June 20
Herbal Skin Formulation Fundamentals May 5
Qi and the Immune System May 9
Growing Medicinal Plants May 11
Herbal Skin Care for the 21st Century June 1
FULL - email CSHS@cshs.com to be placed on wait list
Menopause—
Moving Gracefully Through the Change
Using Chinese Medicine & Herbs June 2
Our Bioregional Medicine Chest -
Uses of the plants that grow and can be grown in Northern California June 22 and 23
Seaweed as Food and Medicine June 26 and 27
Medicine Show and Herbal Bazaar Friday, June 28
Pomo Canyon Herb Walk Saturday, June 29
An Herbalist's Approach to Nervous System Disorders Friday, August 23
Fall Herbal Pharmacy Intensive(Eight Thursday Mornings) Sept. 5- Oct. 24
Fall Herbal Essentials(Five Monday afternoons) Sept. 16- Nov. 11
Seasonal Nutrition Using Traditional Chinese Medicine
(Three Thursday evenings) Sept. 26, Oct. 3 & Oct 10
Delectable Wild Edibles Saturday, September 28
Functional Foods Sunday, September 29
Aromatic Medicine: Weekend Intensive on Essential Oils October 19 & 20
Technology of Independence: Essential Living Skills – Fire, Food, and Fiber
October 26 & 27
Herbal Skin Formulation Fundamentals Sunday, November 3
Wild Mushroom Walk Saturday, November 9
Medicinal Root Harvesting Saturday, November 16
Herbal Holiday Gift MakingSaturday, December 7
Roots of Herbalism / Foundations of Health 2013
• 8 month herbal intensive (500 hrs) $6495.00
• 2013 Roots of Herbalism began March 19, 2013 and is full.
• We are accepting applications for Roots 2014 (March - Nov 2014) beginning April 15, 2013.
• This class is approved for continuing education credits
under the Board of Registered Nursing, through EduCare, Provider No. 7359.
| • curriculum | • to apply for admission | ||
| • class schedule | • tuition information | ||
| • gardening apprenticeship | • housing |
core staff includes: Karen Aguiar, Trinity Ava, Bryan Bowen, Jen Bredesen, Leslie Gardner, David Hoffmann, Terri Jensen, Gail Julian, Larkin Morgan and Autumn Summers
guest teachers from recent years include: Cascade Anderson Geller, Sarah Bearden, Cynthia Belew, Tim Blakley, Rebecca Burgess, Candis Cantin, Diana DeLuca, Jim Hall, Kathleen Harrison, Pam Montgomery, Tamara Wilder, Merrilee Wisewoman, Matthew Wood, 7Song, and others
This eight-month intensive follows the seasons from early spring through late autumn. The curriculum is designed to immerse the beginning or intermediate student in the world of herbalism. The special strengths of this program are rooted in its thoroughness and breadth of scope. It covers every aspect of working with herbs themselves (plant identification, wildcrafting and cultivation, drying, and medicine making), while providing a foundation of knowledge for using them as medicines (human physiology, materia medica, therapeutics and first aid).
In addition to covering this core material, the course expands to include many diverse ways of working with plants (plant illustration, cosmetics, crafts, and plant-spirit communication) as well as other approaches to healing that can complement herbalism (nutrition, aromatherapy, and standard practice medicine). Our ultimate goal is to provide a well-rounded understanding of Western herbalism designed to bring herbs back into the home and community where they have traditionally been used.
Although much of our focus is academic, students will also learn the art of herbalism directly from the plants. This knowledge is imparted to us through the heart and senses, as well as through words and ideas. To help students experience this, the course includes two five-day field camping trips to wilderness areas as well as time in the medicinal plant garden at CSHS. Students are encouraged to cultivate a grounded perception of themselves and the plants through guided meditations. Students study hard, but just as importantly they have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the plant world in wild and cultivated natural spaces.
the curriculumThe two semesters span the yearly cycle of the garden from new growth through root harvesting and seed saving. We begin in March as spring wildflowers and the school gardens come to life. This is the perfect time for hands-on interaction with plants and much time is spent on plant identification, wildcrafting, growing plant medicine, medicine making and herbal crafts. In the classroom, students begin their studies with body systems and herbal therapeutics, along with human physiology and materia medica. The focus is on understanding the vitality of the human body, what creates health imbalances, and how to maintain wellness in each body system. The first semester ends with “The Medicine Show and Herbal Bazaar”; a day when students display and share their medicines with the staff, friends, and members of the local community.
The second semester starts in July with students continuing to refine their skills in the garden, natural plant communities and the herbal lab. More intense focus is spent on herbal therapeutics. We will move beyond the concept of “this herb for this disease” and teach students to support and treat each individual. We teach a model of herbalism that empowers students to employ plants creatively, in contrast to memorizing standardized procedures and formulas.
| Core Curriculum | Estimated Hours |
|
| Therapeutic Herbalism........................................... | 75 Hours |
|
| Materia Medica...................................................... | 90 Hours |
|
| Medicine making & lab........................................... | 45 Hours |
|
| Anatomy, physiology & body systems..................... | 25 Hours |
|
| Herbal Actions /Formulations................................. | 40 Hours |
|
| Western Herbs for Tonification & Acute Conditions... | 45 Hours |
|
| Plant Identification & Herb Walks........................... | 45 Hours |
|
| Growing Plant Medicine - Gardening, harvesting, etc. | 35 Hours |
|
| Nutrition............................................................... | 15 Hours |
|
| Aromatherapy....................................................... | 15 Hours |
|
| Ethnobotany......................................................... | 10 Hours |
|
| Natural cosmetics and crafts.................................. | 10 Hours |
|
| Western Constitutional Herbalism.......................... | 15 Hours |
|
| Green politics, history and mythology...................... | 5 Hours |
|
| Plant Chemistry...................................................... | 10 Hours |
|
| Misc....................................................................... | 15 Hours |
|
class schedule for Roots of Herbalism / Foundations of Health
Classes are taught in two college-style semesters with a 2 - 3 week break between semesters.
Classes meet Tuesday through Thursday from 9:30am to 3:30pm. Students spend additional time outside class studying, making medicines, wildcrafting, gardening, etc. this includes camping offsite.
gardening apprenticeship
Each year CSHS accepts a small number of students into the garden apprenticeship program. These students work closely with the staff to caretake the school gardens and buildings. Garden apprentices work from 4pm - 6pm on Wednesdays after school. And Friday mornings from 9:00am - 12:00pm. This program provides an excellent opportunity to emphasize the growing and community involved aspects of herbalism. Apprentices will be selected prior to the beginning of the school year and are entitled to a $500 tuition deduction. Total tuition $5995. An application will automatically be sent to all students accepted into our eight-month program.
to apply for admission
Applications for 2014 will be accepted between April 15, 2013 and August 31, 2013. Students will be notified by September 28, 2013 if they have been accepted into the program. We highly recommend that you apply to this program early. The Roots program generally fills up at least 6 months in advance and we take a waiting list after that.
To help us understand your goals, interests, and experience, please answer the following questions and send to CSHS at PO Box 39, Forestville, CA 95436. This may be printed or neatly handwritten. If you have questions, please write, call, or e-mail us, and be sure to include your address and phone number. We look forward to hearing from you!
Please answer the following questions as thoroughly as possible:
Required - A current photo. Your name, mailing address, home and work phone numbers, e-mail address, current occupation, date of birth, emergency contact and a permanent address and phone number for our records. Date and sign your name at the end of your application.
1.Please list all education, work experience, self-study, hobbies and passions relating to the healing arts and sciences, botany and herbalism. Include any degrees or licenses held.
2. How did you become interested in herbalism?
3. Is there a particular goal you are working towards that will be complemented by your herbal studies?
4. How did you hear of The California School of Herbal Studies?
Once you have sent in your application we highly recommend that you schedule a tour and interview at our campus.
To secure your place, please include a $250 deposit.
We cannot reserve you a place in the program if you do not send a deposit along with your application. The $250 deposit is nonrefundable upon your acceptance into the program, and will either be applied to your tuition or refunded to you if you are not accepted.
acceptance standards
Applicants are considered for acceptance based on life experience. We do not not have a educational background requirement. We are looking for committed, motivated, and hardworking students. Students must be at least 18 years old. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to set up an appointment to visit CSHS. Our program fills up 6 months in advance.
tuition information
Tuition is due by February 1, 2014. If cleared in advance with us, it is possible to make arrangements to finance up to 50% of your tuition. In this case, 50% is due one month before the first day of instruction and a time payment schedule is arranged for the balance. Students must complete financial agreements in order to receive certificates. We recommend that you budget an additional $750 for books and materials.
refund policy
1. The $250 deposit is non-refundable upon acceptance into the program.
2. A full refund of tuition (less the $250.00 deposit) will be paid to the student if she/he
withdraws (in writing) before the first day of class.
3. If a student cancels after the classes have begun, a calculation of all allowable charges shall
be made using the date that we received written notification of termination.
4. If a student withdraws from Roots of Herbalism & Foundations of Health, a refund calculation will be performed which will comply with the following: (based on 100 days of class)
< 10% of course completed = 75% refund
> 10 % < 25% of course completed = 50% refund
> 25% < 50% of course completed = 25% refund
> 50% of course completed = 0% refund
housing
CSHS does not provide nor secure housing for our students. However, we do send out a list of possible rentals in the area about 4-6 weeks before classes begin. It is strongly recommended that students check with other rental sources as well and allow themselves time to find a home. More information on housing will be sent along with acceptance packages.
graduation requirements
1. Satisfactory completion of all assignments, including materia medica reports, medicine
making, first aid kits, botany press book and more.
2. Maintain at least an 85% attendance record within each semester.
3. Attend and participate in both camping trips and medicine show.
4. Pay tuition in full.
placement
At CSHS we emphasize the skilled use of herbalism in the home and community, and this is the perspective from which we teach. We do not seek or guarantee placement of our graduates. However, throughout the year CSHS receives notices of apprenticeship and employment opportunities, which are posted at the school. Many of our students go on to find employment in the herbal world in a variety of areas including: herbal medicine making, education, and managing herbal businesses. Our students who are health care providers have successfully incorporated herbalism into their practices. Many of our graduates have gone on to form their own herbal businesses.
Intermediate Herbal Therapeutics 2013
• Meets 9:30am - 3:30pm - Two Mondays each month for 9 months
• March 11 & 25, April 8 & 22, May 6 & 20, June 10 & 24, July 15 & 29, August 12 & 26, September 9 & 23, October 7 & 21, & November 4.
•
Tuition : $1395 - $1195
• This class is approved for continuing education credits
under the Board of Registered Nursing, through EduCare, Provider No. 7359.
teachers: Gail Julian, Jen Bredesen, Shad Reinstein, Christa Sinadinos, Jim Hall and guest teachers - Candis Cantin Kiriajes, 7song and Cris Amarillas
This class is designed to build on a basic foundation of herbal knowledge. The goal of this course is to give each student a deeper understanding of the physiology of health, the pathophysiology of illness and constitutional evaluation skills. The course format will be to use case studies in which we will address such questions as: How do the body systems support or burden each other? What are common patterns of imbalance that reflect a client’s constitution and how do we address these patterns herbally?
How do we learn to interpret the complexity of a individual’s condition, assess their constitutionality, gather the information necessary for responsible care, and translate our findings into coherent protocols that incorporate herb, diet and lifestyle considerations? Case review topics will include prevalent modern conditions such as asthma, ulcers, eczema, hypertension and diabetes/metabolic syndrome. Although not a clinical training program we will, on occasion, have clients to interview as a class. We will delve more deeply into organoleptics, comprehensive formulation, medicine making, and herbal research skills.
This course is designed for CSHS Roots or Body Systems / Hand Crafted Herbalism graduates or others with similar herbal experience.
homework and attendance
Completion of homework assignments and 85% attendance required for certification.
students assignments
• Design and justify your pharmacy of 30 herbs
• Reading Assignments in advance of classes
• 6 Case Reviews - written treatment plan of cases assigned by instructors
• Up to 10 Materia Medicas - written reviews of sample herbs given in class
• Advanced independent study research paper and presentation at term end
Handcrafted Herbalism 2013
FULL - email CSHS@cshs.com to be placed on wait list
Identifying, growing, harvesting, and making herbal medicine from the medicinal plants growing in Sonoma County.
• 10am - 4pm, Saturday and Sunday, one weekend a month for 9 months
(90 hours)
• 2013 Dates - March 16-17, April 20-21, May 11-12, June 8-9, July 20-21, August 17-18
September 7-8, October 5-6 and November 9-10
•
Tuition : $1495-$1295
teachers: Karen Aguiar, Terri Jensen, Autumn Summers and guest teachers
This beginning course teaches the skills necessary to become confident in basic herbal practices. Our time together will be split between the classroom, garden, and lab learning how make and use a wide variety of herbs and herbal preparations. Learn how to identify and gather medicinal plants during garden walks and the off-site seaweed harvest and coast excursion. At the end of the course, students will have the beginnings of an herbal medicine chest as well as the knowledge to expand it on their own. The curriculum will focus on the following areas:
medicine-making
Correct methods for drying and storing herbs as well as 'hands on' classes in preparing tinctures, oils, glycerites, infusions, salves, and more.
materia-medica
A study of the medicinal uses of plants we have seen in the wild and in the garden. We will discuss the ways specific herbs affect the body and the role of herbs in preventing and treating illness. Each month students will be given herbs to take home and experience directly.
plant identification & medicinal plant growing
Learn the basic skills of how to use the local plant identification books and develop sensory awareness in order to identify plants independently. Basic cultivation skills for medicinal plants will be discussed and demonstrated. Emphasis will be placed on herbs that are easily grown in the greater Bay Area.
Paypal option below is only for preregistered Handcrafted students
Body Systems & Herbal Wellness
An introductory course on the function of the human body including the actions of herbs specific to each body system, preventive care, and basic herbal therapeutics.
• 10am - 4pm, Saturday and Sunday, one weekend a month for 9 months
(90 hours)
• 2013 Dates - March 23-24, April 27-28, May 18-19, June 15-16, July 27-28
August 24-25, September 14-15, October 12-13 and November 16-17
•
Tuition : $1495-$1295
• This class is approved for continuing education credits
under the Board of Registered Nursing, through EduCare, Provider No. 7359.
teachers: Jen Bredesen, Denise Cooluris ND, Gail Julian, Shad Reinstein and guest teachers - Trinity Ava, 7song, and Cynthia Belew CNM
An introductory course on herbal support for the human body. This class will cover how to nourish each body system with preventative care, and medicinal plants. Each month we will study a different organ system, followed by a discussion of primary herbs and relevant therapeutic approaches for that system. At the end of nine months you will have a basic understanding of the possibilities offered by herbal medicine for maintaining health of the various body systems. The curriculum consists of two main fields of study:
materia-medica
A beginning study of the properties and actions of specific herbs and how they are used to maintain and restore health. Each month students will be given samples of herbs to take home to experience directly.
therapeutics
We will cover basic treatment approaches for specific conditions. After learning how the body works and how individual herbs affect the body, we will bring the knowledge together to view how herbs can be used to re-establish balance in conditions such as colds and flu, indigestion and chronic stress. Approaches to preventing disease by maintaining health will be discussed.
FULL - email CSHS@CSHS.COM to be placed on wait list
Paypal option below is only for preregistered Body System students
2013 One Day and Shorterm Classes
Herbal Medicine Making
FULL - email CSHS@cshs.com to be placed on wait list
with Karen Aguiar and Terri Jensen
Saturday & Sunday, April 6 & 7, 10am - 4 pm
2 day course, $160-$130 sliding scale
Why buy herbal products when it’s so simple and empowering to make your own? This hands-on class includes instruction on harvesting, drying, preserving and preparing medicinal plants. Learn how to make medicinal teas, infused oils, salves, tinctures, vinegars, glycerites and more. We’ll also discuss the principles of ethical harvesting. Includes samples of tinctures and medicines made in class.
Spring Herbal Essentials
FULL - email CSHS@cshs.com to be placed on wait list
with Trinity Ava and Bryan Bowen and guest teachers
five Monday afternoons from 1 - 5pm. April 29, May 13 & 20, June 3 & 17, 2013
tuition: $325 - $275 sliding scale
Come join us in the vibrant springtime garden at CSHS! What is growing in the garden will guide each class as we focus on the medicinal plants that are ready to harvest and utilize this season. Our exploration will span from the medicinal to the magical, and the cultural to the culinary. Each session is a blend of lecture and hands-on time in the garden and lab. We will also discuss growing medicinal plants by cuttings and seed. This class is designed for the beginning student, though all levels are welcome.
• Empower yourself with the knowledge to make herbal teas, flower essences, tinctures and medicinal oils.
• Learn to identify, harvest and use spring medicinal plants
• Hands on demonstration and introduction to basic medicine making.
• Recipes, samples and lots of tastings!
Herbal Pharmacy Intensive Spring Session
FULL - email CSHS@cshs.com to be placed on wait list
Space available in the Fall pharmacy session
with Gail Julian and guest teachers
eight Thursday mornings from 9:30am – 12:30pm. May 2 - June 20, 2013
tuition: $475 - $425 sliding scale Includes $50 materials fee
This course takes place in two parts: Spring and Fall. Each session will utilize different herbs from the garden to bring into the pharmacy. We encourage students to take both sessions
This Intermediate/Advanced level course has been created for those who have basic herbal medicine making skills and wish to go deeper in the management of a home pharmacy and the creation of potent herbal medicines. Using the abundant CSHS Garden this course will have a great deal of hands-on experience in harvesting and making of all medicines. Fundamental to all medicine making is an in-depth understanding of the individuality of each herb. This includes a plant’s energy, phytochemistry, harvesting season, appropriate menstruum and indications.
This course will be intimate, highly educational, hands-on, and a wonderful opportunity to learn from teachers in a small size class setting of 12 students. We are looking for students who are passionate and committed to the goal of understanding the how’s and why’s of maintaining an effective herbal pharmacy.
The course will cover:
back to top >
Herbal Skin Food Formulation Fundamentals:
Advancing Our Herbal Skin Care Technology
FULL - email CSHS@cshs.com to be placed on wait list
with Trinity Ava
Sunday, May 5, 10am - 4 pm
$80-$65 sliding scale
Join us to learn how to feed your skin and body with some of the most acclaimed herbs, fatty oils,
hydrosols and essential oils used in skin care today. We will demystify current skin care trends, learn
about beneficial skin antioxidants, and address occasional acne & other common skin challenges. Learn
how to formulate recipes incorporating “super foods” into facial serums, masks, and toners to nourish
and protect your skin. This class is geared towards all levels of students, including those moving
towards the clinical setting, or already in practice. This class is the foundation for Herbal Skin Care
for the 21st Century, when we will create many amazing skin care products. We encourage students
to take both classes.
Qi and the Immune System
with Shad Reinstein
Thursday, May 9, 6 - 9pm,
$45 - $35 sliding scale
This class is approved for continuing education credits
under the Board of Registered Nursing, through EduCare, Provider No. 7359.
back to top >
Growing Medicinal Herbs - Beginners
FULL - email CSHS@cshs.com to be placed on wait list
with Autumn Summers and Bryan Bowen
Saturday, May 11, 10am-3pm
$80 - $65 sliding scale
Come learn how to grow medicinal plants from seed, cuttings, and divisions. This class is designed for the beginning gardener. We will talk about how to be successful propagating medicinal herbs in the Bay Area. We will use the 350 plus plants in the CSHS garden as our teachers, seeing where they thrive and what we can do to grow them successfully. You will go home with cuttings and seeds to grow in your own garden.
Herbal Skin Care for the 21st Century
FULL - email CSHS@cshs.com to be placed on wait list
with Trinity Ava
Saturday, June 1, 10am-4pm
$85 - $70 sliding scale Includes materials fee
Luxuriate and nourish your skin and body in Emerald Valley! Join us for a day of creating your own custom designed skin care products. We will create a home spa experience making luxurious and nourishing skin care products for the whole family. Learn advanced formulation strategies for natural preservation systems for creams, lotions, toners, masks and more to treat common skin issues from eczema, psoriasis, acne, scars and helping to slow the signs of aging. This class is geared towards all levels of students, including those moving towards the clinical setting, or already in practice. All participants will leave with abundant samples and formulation strategies for creating incredible skin care products at home for clients, friends and family.
Menopause—Moving Gracefully Through Using Chinese Medicine & Herbs
with Shad Reinstein
Sunday, June 2, 10am-4pm
$80 - $65 sliding scale
This class is approved for continuing education credits
under the Board of Registered Nursing, through EduCare, Provider No. 7359.
Our Bioregional Medicine Chest -
Uses of the plants that grow and can be grown in Northern California
with guest teacher Christa Sinadinos
Saturday & Sunday, June 22 & 23, 10am - 4 pm
2 day course, $160-$130 sliding scale
Spend the weekend in the stunningly beautiful and botanically diverse gardens of CSHS learning the medicinal uses of numerous herbs. This class provides an in depth exploration of each plant discussed including the medicinal uses of the plant based on clinical observation, optimum extraction methods and doses, Latin and common names, and contraindications.
Weather permitting, most of the class will be held outside. We will cover the uses of medicinal herbs that are native to California including Angelica, Bayberry, California Poppy, Goldenrod, Gumweed, Oregon grape, Yerba mansa, Uva ursi and more. As well as the adaptogen herbs from other parts of world that can be grown in Northern California - Ashwaganda, Asparagus, Astragalus, Eleuthero, Licorice, Schisandra and Tulsi basil. Any additional time will be spent covering nervine herbs such as Bugleweed, Motherwort, and others.
Seaweed as Food and Medicine
with Autumn Summers
Wednesday, June 26, 6:30-9pm (class) & Thursday, June 27, 8:00-10:00am (field trip)
$80 - $65 sliding scale
From ancient times to the present, seaweeds have been used by coastal people all over the world to nourish themselves and their gardens, as well as to treat disease. The Sonoma coast is incredibly rich in seaweeds that can be used as foods and medicines. Learn how to identify, use and collect, in an ethical way, this abundant resource. Evening class will be at CSHS. Maps will be given out for Thursday morning field trip location during the Wednesday evening class. Field trip location is 40 minutes from CSHS campus.
Medicine Show and Herbal Bazaar
Brought to you by the students of CSHS
Friday, June 28, 4pm -7pm
tuition: FREE!
This gala event presents the culmination of a semesters worth of medicine making and herbal endeavors by our full-time students. Come and taste herbal teas, tinctures, elixirs and foods. Meet the staff and students and learn about what we do here. Parking is limited. Please register early!
To Register email CSHS@cshs.com
back to top >
Plants Of Pomo Canyon ~ Herb walk
with Autumn Summers
Saturday, June 29, 10:00am - 3:00pm
$30 - $25 sliding scale
Discover the edible and medicinal plants on one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Sonoma County. On our walk we will journey through redwood, Douglas fir and bay forests to coastal grasslands and creeks and learn about mugwort, huckleberry, trillium, yerba buena, turkey tails and much more. Meet at 9:45 at Shell Beach for the car caravan to Pomo Canyon. Map will be sent along with confirmation.
An Herbalist's Approach to Nervous System Disorders
with 7Song
Friday, August 23, 6:00pm - 9:00pm
$45 - $35 sliding scale
This workshop will focus on a basic overview of nervous system physiology with discussions of intake strategies, herbal formulation, differential diagnosis, constitutional approaches and treatment of problems such as excess stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
2013 Herbal Pharmacy Intensive Fall Session
with Gail Julian and guest teachers
eight Thursday mornings from 9:30am – 12:30pm. Sept. 5 - Oct. 24, 2013
tuition: $475 - $425 sliding scale Includes $50 materials fee
Prerequisite - Completion of CSHS Roots of Herbalism or Handcrfted Class or an eqivalent class and experience making herbal medicine for at least 6 months.
This course takes place in two parts: Spring and Fall. Each session will utilize different herbs from the garden to bring into the pharmacy. We encourage students to take both sessions
This Intermediate/Advanced level course has been created for those who have basic herbal medicine making skills and wish to go deeper in the management of a home pharmacy and the creation of potent herbal medicines. Using the abundant CSHS Garden this course will have a great deal of hands-on experience in harvesting and making of all medicines. Fundamental to all medicine making is an in-depth understanding of the individuality of each herb. This includes a plant’s energy, phytochemistry, harvesting season, appropriate menstruum and indications.
This course will be intimate, highly educational, hands-on, and a wonderful opportunity to learn from teachers in a small size class setting of 12 students. We are looking for students who are passionate and committed to the goal of understanding the how’s and why’s of maintaining an effective herbal pharmacy.
The course will cover:
- Tincture making, percolation, effective saturation, usefulness of additional solvents
- Salve making: including the incorporation of tinctures, glycerites, and powders
- Medicinal salve survey: various salve recipes for a wide variety of conditions
- Medicinal Honey: created for specific conditions
- Pharmacy maintenance: record keeping, understanding GMPs, containers, labeling
- Discussion of important medicines for any pharmacy using the CSHS pharmacy as an example
- Science in the lab: organoleptics and microscopic ID
- Formulation: we will explore herbal combinations, and discuss herbs as activators and carriers in formulas
- Compliance issues: solving the taste dilemma. Herbal preparations in different forms
- Development of recipe book for the CSHS pharmacy. This section involves exploring existing recipes and development of new recipes for specific aliments, making sample batches.
back to top >
2013 Fall Herbal Essentials
with Trinity Ava and Bryan Bowen and guest teachers
five Monday afternoons from 1 - 5pm. September 16 & 30, October 14 & 28, November 11
, 2013
tuition: $325 - $275 sliding scale
This class, a continuation of Spring Essentials, will take a deeper look into the herbalism from an approach of Fall and Winter seasons. From the perspective of the Western constitutional model of health-care and aromatic medicine, we will discuss the physiological function, and patterns of imbalance, of the respiratory and immune systems. We will dig fall herbs, make seasonal appropriate medicines and study basic herbal actions, therapeutic strategies and what must be included in your essential herbal medicine chest for fall and winter. This course is appropriate for those who have already taken the Spring Essentials courses, and for those new to herbalism.
• Empower yourself with the knowledge seasonal western herbalism.
• Herbal teas and tinctures for cold and flu season and delicious nourishing tonics for prevention and protection.
• Learn to identify, harvest and make medicine with fall medicinal plants.
• Hands on demonstration and introduction to basic medicine making and cooking with medicinal herbs that boost immunity.
• Recipes, samples and lots of tastings!
Seasonal Nutrition Using Traditional Chinese Medicine
with Shad Reinstein
three Thursday evenings from 6-9pm. September 26, October 3 & 10, 2013
$135 - $120 sliding scale
This class is approved for continuing education credits
under the Board of Registered Nursing, through EduCare, Provider No. 7359.
Delectable Wild Edibles
Autumn Summers
Saturday, September 28, 10am - 4pm
$80 - $65 sliding scale
Come learn about the abundant foods of the forest through lecture, slides and walks in the CSHS garden and along our medicine trail. In the afternoon we will venture into the kitchen to make and taste the local bounty. Learn how to process acorns into tasty food - including a savory dip and pancakes, roast bay nuts, bake with cattail pollen and rhizomes, make yummy greens from milk thistle leaves and more.
back to top >
Functional Foods - Medicinal Plants in Your Kitchen
with Trinity Ava
Sunday, September 29, 10am - 4pm
$80 - $65 sliding scale
“Let your food be your medicine and your medicine be your food”. Learn how to infuse your cooking with delicious and nourishing herbs for health, wellness and preventative care for the whole family. Learn how to make herbal Kimichi, fermented beverages, herbal tonic soups, herbal treats for kids & adults, seaweed snacks, mushroom delights, and how to cook with intoxicatingly decadent essential oils.
back to top >
Aromatic Medicine: Weekend Intensive on Essential Oils
with Trinity Ava, Monika Haas and Kurt Schnaubelt
Saturday & Sunday, October 19 & 20, 10am - 4 pm
2 day course, $190-$160 sliding scale
The world of essential oils and “aromatherapy” are often a misunderstood aspect of herbalism. In this two day intensive the herbalist and essential oil enthusiast will be guided to better understand and utilize the world of aromatic medicine. Together we will create a dynamic relationship that clearly integrates the uses of essential oils within Traditional Herbal Medicine. Essential oils have acquired their physiological activity through millions of years of natural selection. They are active against pathogenic microorganisms, they counteract tumors and prevent degenerative and are effective in treating auto-immune diseases. They also have anti-inflammatory activity, are skin regenerating and wound healing and provide lymph support and liver detoxification
Learn how to turn these scientific breakthroughs into practical applications. Highlights of the seminar include:
• Defining an expanded use of essential oils for the practicing herbalist to draw upon that is synergistically scientific & intuitive
• How to utilize the essential oils based on their functional groups (chemistry): Aldehydes, Esters, Ketones, Monoterpene Alcohols, Phenols etc.
• Clinical applications of essential oils
• Materia Medica of 11 primary essential oils
Technology of Independence: Essential Living Skills – Fire, Food, and Fiber
with Tamara Wilder
Saturday and Sunday - October 26 & 27 - Sat 10-5:30, Sun. 10-4
$245 - $225 sliding scale includes a $30 materials fee.
This course is appropriate for older children as well as adults.
Join us as we explore universal hunter gatherer skills used by humans all around the world and spend some time learning basic and essential living skills through hands-on activities.
• Make fire with handdrill and bowdrill fire kits. Make your own handdrill fire kit to take home.
• Process dogbane fiber and make string using logrolling methods
• Learn how to make a netting shuttle and a knotted net
• Practice with hunting tools, including throwing rabbitsticks & spearthrowers, shooting bow & arrow, and playing hoop & pole game
• Learn basic stone and woodworking techniques through beadmaking, shaping and polishing stone, and grinding nuts
• Experiment with some basic wild food identification and food processing techniques using stone -- mano & metate and mortar & pestle.
In this longer weekend format we will also have a chance to discuss a wide variety of other primitive technologies as well as some of the uses of local plants as medicine and as pigments.
This will be an incredible opportunity to move a step closer to self-sufficiency and to an understanding of how humans have thrived for tens of thousands of years with primitive technologies (the first technologies) as their tools.
Herbal Skin Food Formulation Fundamentals:
Advancing Our Herbal Skin Care Technology
with Trinity Ava
Sunday, November 3, 10am - 4 pm
$80-$65 sliding scale
Join us to learn how to feed your skin and body with some of the most acclaimed herbs, fatty oils,
hydrosols and essential oils used in skin care today. We will demystify current skin care trends, learn
about beneficial skin antioxidants, and address occasional acne & other common skin challenges. Learn
how to formulate recipes incorporating “super foods” into facial serums, masks, and toners to nourish
and protect your skin. This class is geared towards all levels of students, including those moving
towards the clinical setting, or already in practice. This class is the foundation for Herbal Skin Care
for the 21st Century, when we will create many amazing skin care products. We encourage students
to take both classes.
Wild Mushroom Walk
with Autumn Summers
Saturday, November 9, 10am - 3pm
$45 - $30 sliding scale
Come forage and learn how to accurately identify the delicious edible and medicinal mushrooms that flourish on the Sonoma Coast and the greater Bay Area. Depending on weather conditions these may include Chanterelles, Boletes, Turkey Tails and more... Walk will meet at Salt Point State Park north of Fort Ross. Map will be sent along with confirmation.
Harvesting Medicinal Roots
with Leslie Gardner
Saturday, November 16, 10am - 2pm
$65 - $40 sliding scale
Fall is one of the best times to harvest the roots of medicinal plants. Come to the CSHS Garden and learn from Leslie Gardner how to properly harvest and process herbal roots for the optimal medicinal properties. Class includes hands harvesting of Echinacea, Comfrey, Elecampane, Burdock and more. After harvesting we will use the fresh roots to make herbal products to take home.
Herbal Holiday Gift Making
with Trinity Ava & Autumn Summers
Saturday, December 7, 10am - 3pm
$80 - $65 sliding scale
Handmade holiday gifts are a valued treasure! Create holiday magic with unique and inspiring hand crafted herbally inspired gifts. Learn how to create decadent and cost effective gifts for the entire family that will have them begging you to make more year after year! You will learn how to make: luscious lip balm, healing salve, skin nourishing cream, anti-oxidant packed facial serum, bath salts, herbal honey's and more. Recipes, samples and packaging examples will be provided to each student.
back to top >