Each weekend focuses on developing an in depth understanding of a wide variety of Western, Chinese and Ayurvedic herbs in order to build a personal materia medica. Participants learn lore, historical uses, spiritual/emotional transformations, biochemistry, and physiology through lecture, techniques of intuitive perception and direct contact with herbs in their natural and commercially prepared states. Hands on experience assessing the properties and qualities of herbs include tastings, field walks, and sampling and comparing numerous herbal remedies. Approximately 35 herbs are addressed each weekend with more being covered cursorily if time permits. Each weekend is supported by a syllabus and suggested readings

Course material will cover both state of the art scientific knowledge about the uses and efficacy of herbal medicine as well as traditional lore and wisdom about each herb’s unique characteristics and magical properties. Material is taught through the perspective of plants as allies in the healing process, highlighting our relationship with the natural world. Participants will be given a chance to utilize material from the course in their own clinical practice and share case studies within the context of the course study.