2019 Great Lakes Herb Faire classes
Adult Classes
Click here for tentative schedule
Click here for tentative schedule
Basic Faire Schedule
|
Friday
Intensives 9:30am-1:30pm General Faire Registration 1:00pm-3:50pm Marketplace opens 3:00pm Opening Ceremony 4:00pm-5:15pm Keynote 5:15pm-6:00pm Dinner 6:30pm-7:45pm Friday night classes 8:00pm-9:30pm |
Saturday
Sunrise class 7:30am- 8:15am Breakfast 7:30am-8:45am Keynote 9:15am-10:15am Marketplace/ Silent auction/Mingling Session 1 classes 11:00am-12:30pm Lunch 12:45-2:15pm Session 2 classes 2:45pm-4:15pm Session 3 classes 4:45pm-6:15pm Dinner 6:30pm-8:00pm Performance 8:30pm-10:00pm |
Sunday
Sunrise classes 7:30am- 8:15am Breakfast 7:30am-8:45am Session 4 classes 9:00am-10:30am Session 5 classes 11:00am-12:30pm Lunch 12:45pm-2:00pm Session 6 classes 2:15pm- 3:45 pm Closing Ceremony 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm |
2019 Great Lakes Herb Faire Classes
Friday Morning Intensives
9:30am -1:30pm
We are super excited for the second year to offer a the optional Friday Intensives! This is an opportunity to spend 4 hours in an intensive allowing students to delve deeper into topics than a 1.5 hour class allows. Please check back for the titles and descriptions soon. These intensive will be open to all, whether or not your register for the whole Great Lakes Herb Faire or just the intensive. Intensives, as a separate event, carry a separate fee: $55.00 or $65.00 depending on which intensive it is. If you are planning to come to the intensive as well as the Faire and have a meal plan, please plan to bring a lunch or plan to go out and grab some food in between the Intensive and the beginning of the Faire. (You will have 3 hours) as the Kitchen will not be providing the first meal plan meal until Dinner on Friday. Thank you!
Intensives will be taught at the Faire grounds.
Intensive Option 1- Traditional Indigenous Ceremony with Sacred Plants
With Panoka Walker, Schantell Puameole Taylor, Diana Quinn Inlak’ech, and
Adela ‘Noble Snow’ Nieves Martinez
Join us in sharing Indigenous practices with traditional sacred herbs in ceremonial space. We will be in deep reverence and relationship with plant spirit allies and each other, restoring our sense of interconnection and belonging.
In this four-hour experiential workshop, we will be sharing from several Indigenous traditions, how to be in practice with herbs that are used for healing ceremonies, as spiritual medicine, and therapy for the soul.
We will discuss the function of ceremony in healing practice, the properties/medicine of select herbal allies, and the relationship with Indigenous healing techniques. We will also create our own small ceremony and be in direct practice with the herbs.
9:30am -1:30pm
We are super excited for the second year to offer a the optional Friday Intensives! This is an opportunity to spend 4 hours in an intensive allowing students to delve deeper into topics than a 1.5 hour class allows. Please check back for the titles and descriptions soon. These intensive will be open to all, whether or not your register for the whole Great Lakes Herb Faire or just the intensive. Intensives, as a separate event, carry a separate fee: $55.00 or $65.00 depending on which intensive it is. If you are planning to come to the intensive as well as the Faire and have a meal plan, please plan to bring a lunch or plan to go out and grab some food in between the Intensive and the beginning of the Faire. (You will have 3 hours) as the Kitchen will not be providing the first meal plan meal until Dinner on Friday. Thank you!
Intensives will be taught at the Faire grounds.
Intensive Option 1- Traditional Indigenous Ceremony with Sacred Plants
With Panoka Walker, Schantell Puameole Taylor, Diana Quinn Inlak’ech, and
Adela ‘Noble Snow’ Nieves Martinez
Join us in sharing Indigenous practices with traditional sacred herbs in ceremonial space. We will be in deep reverence and relationship with plant spirit allies and each other, restoring our sense of interconnection and belonging.
In this four-hour experiential workshop, we will be sharing from several Indigenous traditions, how to be in practice with herbs that are used for healing ceremonies, as spiritual medicine, and therapy for the soul.
We will discuss the function of ceremony in healing practice, the properties/medicine of select herbal allies, and the relationship with Indigenous healing techniques. We will also create our own small ceremony and be in direct practice with the herbs.
Intensive Option 2- Adaptogens: Climbing the Endless Cord
with jim mcdonald
There is no way around it: adaptogens are pretty freakin' cool. I mean, you've read about some of them... don't you get to the end of a write up and think, "wow... I should get me some of that..."? But, haven't you also noticed that those same entries rarely say when they shouldn't be used, or who shouldn't use which one? Let's talk about that. Let's consider contraindications and energetics and how you might choose which adaptogen is best for you, or how to assess whether using herbs to tolerate what's going on around you is really the best course of action at all.
with jim mcdonald
There is no way around it: adaptogens are pretty freakin' cool. I mean, you've read about some of them... don't you get to the end of a write up and think, "wow... I should get me some of that..."? But, haven't you also noticed that those same entries rarely say when they shouldn't be used, or who shouldn't use which one? Let's talk about that. Let's consider contraindications and energetics and how you might choose which adaptogen is best for you, or how to assess whether using herbs to tolerate what's going on around you is really the best course of action at all.
Main Faire Adult Classes
Friday Evening Through Sunday
For kids classes please go to the Kid's Tent page.
Friday Evening Through Sunday
For kids classes please go to the Kid's Tent page.
Keynote Speakers
Friday Evening Keynote
Althea Northage-Orr
The Many Faces of Herbalists in Today’s World
Althea will talk about the vital role that we all can play in bringing knowledge of plants back into the mainstream. From the basic home skills that our grandmothers and grandfathers possessed, to the clinical practitioner, we all have pieces to bring to the table. As cooks, gardeners, medicine makers, educators and healers, our spiritual connections to the plants can enrich the lives of everyone around us; and as health care becomes more expensive and less founded in the day to day skills that enhance and create wellness, Herbalism can reconnect and empower us. She will talk about the many ways we can all become "herbal messengers,” bringing back health care to the home, office and institutions that make up our world.
Saturday Morning Keynote
Margi Flint
Words from an Elder Earth Momma
Stories of over forty years in herbal practice! A few words on carrying on the legacy of your teachers, of healthy behavior online and in person, and hopefully some deep belly laughter.
Althea Northage-Orr
The Many Faces of Herbalists in Today’s World
Althea will talk about the vital role that we all can play in bringing knowledge of plants back into the mainstream. From the basic home skills that our grandmothers and grandfathers possessed, to the clinical practitioner, we all have pieces to bring to the table. As cooks, gardeners, medicine makers, educators and healers, our spiritual connections to the plants can enrich the lives of everyone around us; and as health care becomes more expensive and less founded in the day to day skills that enhance and create wellness, Herbalism can reconnect and empower us. She will talk about the many ways we can all become "herbal messengers,” bringing back health care to the home, office and institutions that make up our world.
Saturday Morning Keynote
Margi Flint
Words from an Elder Earth Momma
Stories of over forty years in herbal practice! A few words on carrying on the legacy of your teachers, of healthy behavior online and in person, and hopefully some deep belly laughter.
Main Conference Classes
(Listed Alphabetically by Teachers First Name and some by time)
Plant Walk Classes Are Listed At The Bottom Of This Page
Classes are still evolving so please check back!
(Listed Alphabetically by Teachers First Name and some by time)
Plant Walk Classes Are Listed At The Bottom Of This Page
Classes are still evolving so please check back!
Friday Evening Classes
Friday evenings we have historically held a session of classes that have some fun and flare to them and people have really enjoyed them. We plan to continue this tradition in 2019. Below you will find some classes that are a bit witchy, or spiritual or fun. We hope you enjoy them!
Ember and Smoke: Incense as Plant Devotion
Inger Brown
This experiential and interactive class returns for a second year for a deeper look at the possibilities and application of smoke with local plants—those that make their home around us and those we invite into our gardens. We begin with a simple and light-hearted meditative practice of creating an incense trail with four fragrant Michigan and Virginia treasures. Bring an intention or prayer to send along the smoke as we consider plants from distinct scent categories and experience how they can create sacred and intentional space conducive to work or play and how they imbue a devotional practice with a deepening sense of place. A demonstration using charcoal and modulating heat with ash will be featured.
Herbs for the Thinning Veil
Leah Wolfe
From midsummer to midwinter, many cultures and spiritual traditions celebrate and honor their ancestors. Some believe that the veil between the human world and the spirit world weakens as the darkness of winter descends. Plants and herbs are often used to increase the thinning of the veil, provide a connection to the spirit world, inspire visions and lucid dreaming. Many of these same plants provide resilience in the darkness, whether it’s the darkness of winter or the darkness of a vision. Join Leah Wolfe to make a visioning medicine together!
Healing Herbs for Pirates and Ancient Mariners
Leslie Alexander
Centuries ago, ships were attacked, ports set aflame and bounties plundered to capture a ship’s medicine chest. Both captains and surgeons built their reputations on the health of their crews. For century upon century, sailors relied on the contents of a ship's medicine chest to support the health and wellness of a crew. Join me for a light-hearted tour of ancient medicine chests. Let’s share a bit of grog, explore recipes used then and now and practice talking like a pirate!
Participants will come away with a general understanding of:
~ the importance of maritime medicine
~ conditions affecting mariners
~ the contents of a ship’s medicine chest
~ recipes and more
Herbing Around With Tarot-
Delving into Divination, Consecration, Personal Growth and Spiritual Development
Lottie Spady
Now in its third year! We will gather for a fun and magical show and tell of the botanical best in plant based oracle and tarot decks! Bring yours to share! We will compare artwork, energetics, and personal experiences of the decks and do a few pulls.
We will discuss herbs that create a more open and receptive environment for personal inquiry, development and/or divination using tarot. Herbs of intuition, spiritual connection, protection, courage, power, and expansion. We will also discuss how to close out a tarot reading with herbs and formulations to enhance the querent’s reading.
Friday evenings we have historically held a session of classes that have some fun and flare to them and people have really enjoyed them. We plan to continue this tradition in 2019. Below you will find some classes that are a bit witchy, or spiritual or fun. We hope you enjoy them!
Ember and Smoke: Incense as Plant Devotion
Inger Brown
This experiential and interactive class returns for a second year for a deeper look at the possibilities and application of smoke with local plants—those that make their home around us and those we invite into our gardens. We begin with a simple and light-hearted meditative practice of creating an incense trail with four fragrant Michigan and Virginia treasures. Bring an intention or prayer to send along the smoke as we consider plants from distinct scent categories and experience how they can create sacred and intentional space conducive to work or play and how they imbue a devotional practice with a deepening sense of place. A demonstration using charcoal and modulating heat with ash will be featured.
Herbs for the Thinning Veil
Leah Wolfe
From midsummer to midwinter, many cultures and spiritual traditions celebrate and honor their ancestors. Some believe that the veil between the human world and the spirit world weakens as the darkness of winter descends. Plants and herbs are often used to increase the thinning of the veil, provide a connection to the spirit world, inspire visions and lucid dreaming. Many of these same plants provide resilience in the darkness, whether it’s the darkness of winter or the darkness of a vision. Join Leah Wolfe to make a visioning medicine together!
Healing Herbs for Pirates and Ancient Mariners
Leslie Alexander
Centuries ago, ships were attacked, ports set aflame and bounties plundered to capture a ship’s medicine chest. Both captains and surgeons built their reputations on the health of their crews. For century upon century, sailors relied on the contents of a ship's medicine chest to support the health and wellness of a crew. Join me for a light-hearted tour of ancient medicine chests. Let’s share a bit of grog, explore recipes used then and now and practice talking like a pirate!
Participants will come away with a general understanding of:
~ the importance of maritime medicine
~ conditions affecting mariners
~ the contents of a ship’s medicine chest
~ recipes and more
Herbing Around With Tarot-
Delving into Divination, Consecration, Personal Growth and Spiritual Development
Lottie Spady
Now in its third year! We will gather for a fun and magical show and tell of the botanical best in plant based oracle and tarot decks! Bring yours to share! We will compare artwork, energetics, and personal experiences of the decks and do a few pulls.
We will discuss herbs that create a more open and receptive environment for personal inquiry, development and/or divination using tarot. Herbs of intuition, spiritual connection, protection, courage, power, and expansion. We will also discuss how to close out a tarot reading with herbs and formulations to enhance the querent’s reading.
Saturday and Sunday Classes
Bacterias, Biofilms and their Treatment
Althea Northage-Orr
In this 3 hour intensive we will talk about bacteria and the problem of Biofilms, the entrenched colonies of bacteria that often arise from antibiotic treatments and then elude most mainstream treatments. Designed for beginners as well as clinicians, we will look at types of bacteria and how they reproduce and cooperate with each other. We will also consider which herbs are most useful in combating them, and other natural strategies to contain and conquer them. In a world where “Superbugs” are becoming the norm, we can all benefit from learning about the many benefits that our plants offer us that antibiotics cannot.
All levels
Botany in a Nutshell
Cal Janae
Botany, the scientific study of plants, can be an intimidating and challeging topic full of technical jargon. Here we will cover key botanical principals that are of practical use to understanding the plant kingdom as people who utilize plants for food and medicine. Emphasis will be placed on identification skills, major groupings of plants & unpacking some of the fundamentals behind technical language and naming in order to make it more accessible.
Writing Your Plant Story
Carmen Malis King
Whether we're beginning our herbalism path or have a lifetime of practice, we all have ancestral and lived experience interacting with plants and stories to tell about these meaningful plants. In telling our stories, we affirm our relationships with plants as intertwined with our sense of identity, history, and place. This multimedia workshop combines writing and storytelling, plant meditation and multi-sensory plant exploration in bringing greater awareness on how we relate to plants.
Medicinal Mushrooms
Chris Wright
Although long recognized and respected as important to human health in Eastern medicine,
where they have a long history of therapeutic use, medicinal mushrooms are relatively new to
the world of Western medicine. Up until recently, Western medicine has neither recognized the
value of medicinal mushrooms nor integrated them into relevant courses of therapy. However,
as a new medical paradigm emerges, the introduction of these mushrooms will continue to
prove how extremely beneficial they are for treating a variety of health conditions including
cancer, diabetes, dementia, Alzheimer’s and many more. Chris will review the active
compounds responsible for the medicinal properties of these amazing mushrooms, as well as
review of some of the key species of mushrooms found to have medicinal properties.
Acorn Medicine: Tannins and Beyond
Greg Monzel
Everywhere the oak (Quercus spp) grows, it seems traditional cultures have gathered and eaten their acorns. High in tannins, starches, and polyphenols, the prolific fruits are easy to gather and contain value far beyond their nutritional and medicinal virtues. Join us to learn the quirks about Quercus and what it takes to honor, gather and make use of this Middle Earth giant’s gifts, all over a cup of freshly brewed acorn coffee.
Herbs for Cognition, Focus, and Brain Health
Guido Masé
Going well beyond ginkgo, we'll explore how herbs can impact our ability to think clearly, remember well, and stay focused. Emerging allies, from Chinese club moss to the bulbs of snowdrops and daffodils, can be used alongside traditional neurotonics to give protocols fast-acting, specific life-enhancing effects. We will discuss the appropriate use of entheogens, both in microdoses and at therapeutic levels, to help catalyze positive change in mind/spirit function and engagement. We will cover the clinical research around these herbs, and organize them into protocols that honor the cyclical nature of creativity and inspiration. These strategies are applicable for those caring for elders, but can play a role to support cognitive function for clients of any age.
Intermediate/Advanced
Using Organolepsis as an Assessment Method for the Identity and Strength of Herbs and Herbal Products: A Science-Based Approach.
Guido Masé
Using our senses to evaluate herbal raw materials, infusions, and extracts is a time-honored technique that has also gained modern repute. In the current regulatory environment, organoleptic analysis is an accepted technique - but only if conducted in an objective and well-documented way. We will discuss the background and rationale for sensory analysis and cover some of the techniques we can use to make a sensory assessment more objective and sound - from blind taste-testing, to analyst "calibration", to established organoleptic testing methods. These are tools every herbal product maker can use.
Intermediate
Fertility Struggles: Aids to Conception
Heather Gioia
This class will be a forum on a couple’s inability to conceive. We will explore herbs and orthomolecular
nutrition along with energetic components for both men and women. Participants will come away with
various options to help boost varying areas that may be hindering optimal fertility and causing early
miscarriage.
All levels
Permaculture: Designing and Maintaining an Edible and Medicinal Ecosystem
Jared Bogdanov-Hanna
Permaculture is a design methodology and philosophy that emphasizes the interconnections and positive relationships between parts of the system. These parts can be plants in your yard and garden, your social relationships, and even your business relationships. This presentation will cover how the permaculture design philosophy can be applied by anyone to their home and garden, community garden and beyond, elaborating on how to implement designing for positive relationships between multifunctional edible and medicinal plants in your landscape and you!
Political Theory for Herbalists: From Healing with Plants to Healing Our World
Jason Hirsch
Herbalists know that all beings need a healthy environment in order to be truly well, but sometimes it seems that this isn’t as obvious to others. What is it about herbalism that helps us to make these connections? Might these aspects of our practice equip us to contribute to movements for social and environmental change in unique and potent ways? How do we find our place as herbalists in the great movements toward a healthier and more just society? In this class, we will take a deep dive into three aspects of herbalism that orient us (and our clients and students) to the world in ways that matter for these political times. We will trace their roots back several hundred years in Western history, seeing how each of these herbal approaches to the body was also an approach toward new social ideas that would come to define our modern times. In this way, we will see what a profound challenge these herbal ideas represent to the social systems that are dominant today. The class will end with questions and conversation about how we can access this deeper potency of our herbal medical tools, wielding them toward the creation of not only healthier bodies, but healthier societies and environments too.
Aromatic Allies... Whole Plant Aromatherapy
jim mcdonald
Aromatic plants, those possessed of volatile oils, are among the most well known and revered of herbs. Lavender, sage, basil, thyme, and more overtly medicinal plants such as goldenrod, hyssop and yarrow aren't just useful herbs that happen to smell nice: their aromatic oils, to a large degree, define their usage. While essential oils have become very popular, many people don't realize that teas, tinctures, infused oils and steam inhalations are every bit as effective and much more widely available to us. Join herbalist jim mcdonald in a scentillating exploration the impact of aroma on digestion, respiratory and emotional wellness.
Althea and jim Get Down with Nervines
Althea Northage-Orr and jim mcdonald
Everyone gets stressed out at times, and they may find themselves reacting with anxiety, irritability, overwhelm, overdrive or any of innumerable responses. Rather than thinking of trying "weaker" or "stronger" herbs "for stress", its best to find the right herb for you and your response to it. jim mcdonald and Althea Northage-Orr will discuss the energetics and indications of their favorite nervines from western and Chinese perspectives.
I am the Slime: Demulcents as the Herbalist's Super Power
jim mcdonald
Slimy herbs *are* our super power. Conventional medicine doesn’t have them. There are no demulcent flower essences, no demulcent essential oils, no demulcent little white homeopathic balls. Slime is ours, and allows us to do things no other modality can approximate. You see, the greatest actions of herb are the most foundational ones; unfortunately, people often confuse “foundational” with “beginner”, and fail to value these qualities to the degree they merit. We’ll explore the numerous indications for demulcents, and the myriad assortment of plants that so graciously offer their slime to us.
Oral care: Why it matters and how to work with clients
Leslie Alexander
Bring your oral care gear! In this workshop we’ll be discussing oral health, its importance and why it matters beyond simply digestion. We’ll be talking about different approaches to care for the mouth and how to enquire about oral health amongst your herbal clients, including family and friends. This workshop is open to all herbalists … yes indeed pulse and tongue are important … but we must train in looking beyond the tongue!
The Trauma-Informed Herbalist
Lea Pfeifer
Nearly 2/3 (64%) of adults have at least one adverse childhood experience--if you are sharing your herbal knowledge then odds are you are supporting somebody who has experienced developmental trauma. We'll explore trauma, its impact on clients and how herbalists can use their understanding of trauma to help clients address a range of illness and obstacles. Topics will include a brief history of related research, ACE science (the study of adverse childhood experiences and how they affect the mind and body), resilience, pursuing a multi-disciplinary approach, self-care, working with the client, addressing common challenges, and resources for further research.
Intermediate/Advanced
In the Kitchen and Apothecary: Fungi for Optimal Health and Healing
Linda Conroy
Preparing mushrooms for food and medicine is fun, delicious and effective. Join herbalist Linda Conroy and learn some of her favorite ways to prepare mushrooms with a focus on potentiating health, increasing immune function and addressing serious health issues including cancer and lyme disease. Visual images will be shared, along with samples of mushroom beverages and snacks. Everyone will leave with a handout which will include recipes. .
Beginner to Intermediate
Herbs and Fermentation for Digestive Health
Linda Conroy
Using her 5 point system herbalist and ferementation afficinado Linda Conroy will share information on how to promote and maintain a healthy microbione. Participants will learn how to make and ferment herbal infusions and tonics, along with how to infuse herbs into fermented beverages and foods. Samples of herbal ferments and digestive herbs will be shared. You will delight in the flavors and your body will thank you!
Tea Tasting: An organoleptic evaluation
Lindsey Feldpausch
In this class we will go on an organoleptic exploration of an herbal infusion. Meandering our way through smells, tastes and bodily effects to gain an understand what the plant is communicating to us through our senses. And what the practice of tea tasting can offer us on our path to understand and appreciate plants as medicine.
All levels
Percolates and Soxhlets: Medicine Making Beyond Maceration
Lindsey Feldpausch
In this hands-on medicine making class we will explore the art of percolation and Soxhlet extraction, two advanced techniques for extracting herbs with alcohol. Percolations are becoming more common in the herbal world and this class will show you why. Soxhlet extraction, a more uncommon but intriguing approach to tincture making, will be sure to captivate beginning and seasoned medicine makers alike. While exploring set-up of both methods, we will discuss why and when these extraction techniques supersede the foundational method of macerations, and also when they don’t.
All levels
Sidewalk Evaluations
The basics to Reading the Body
Margi Flint
In this 3 hour class you will learn the generalities of face, tongue and nail evaluation. Each color, line and marking on the face, tongue and nails holds meaning of your internal health. Margi will be explaining and demonstrating diagnostic techniques taught to her by the late William Le Sassier.
Herbal & Natural Support for Thyroid Health
Maria Noel Groves
Thyroid conditions, particularly Hashimoto’s hypothyroid disease, are on the rise. A holistic and herbal approach can help support us to prevent and manage common thyroid conditions better alongside conventional care by looking at a the whole picture. Learn the basics of hypothyroid, hyperthyroid, Hashimoto’s, and Graves’ diseases including dietary, supplement, lifestyle, and herbal approaches.
Intermediate/Advanced
Soothing Herbs & Gut Repair
Maria Noel Groves
Heartburn, leaky gut, ulcers, gastritis, SIBO, dysbiosis, IBD, and IBS are diverse digestive disorders that plague many Americans. In spite of their range, they share a common approach in herbs and dietary to soothe and bring the body back into balance. We'll explore underlying themes of these conditions as well as the potential benefits of licorice/DGL, marshmallow root, rose petals, cinnamon, ginger, digestive bitters, fermented foods, and probiotics. Learn how to create your own digestive wellness tea based on your individual needs
Beginner/Intermediate
Becoming a Practicing Herbalist
Micah McLaughlin
It can feel frightening and overwhelming to move from being an at-home herbalist to starting your practice. In this class, we'll explore possibilities in forming a business that meets your own unique needs and how to avoid the pitfalls of many startup practices. Understanding your goals as a person is the first step in launching your herbal practice. This class will be useful for those asking questions like “What kind of business do I want to create?” and “Is this business I created really serving my community and the life I want?”
Intermediate/Advanced
Avoiding Polypharmacy in Herbal Medicine
Pamela Ruane
During this presentation, Dr. Pamela Lee Ruane, a practicing herbalist, naturopath, physician assistant, and full time professor of clinical medicine will discuss the evidence based physiologic support for the application and dosing of 14 herbs that are most commonly used by consumers. The lecture will include common side effects, adverse reactions, and potential pharmaceutical drug interactions (we will discuss the pharmaceuticals by brand and generic names, where applicable). Herbs to be covered will include: Matricaria chamomilla, Panax ginseng, Echinacea purpurea, Hydrastis canadensis, Silybum marianum , Piper methysticum , Valeriana officinalis, Mentha piperita vulgaris, Allium sativum, Ginkgo biloba, Serenoa repens, Pausinystalia johimbe, Hypericum perforatum, and Actaea racemosa. Information regarding endangered medicinal plant species and also commonly ascribed “safety classifications” will also be discussed. This presentation will provide a great review for the experienced practicing herbalist, allopathic medical provider, beginning herbalist, and for those who simply want to learn about polypharmacy in herbal medicine
All levels
Building an Apothecary
Sarah Williams
An important step toward working herbal medicine into your daily life is to have it readily available. In this class, we'll discuss a handful of widely useful plants: their properties and applications for common health issues. We'll cover proper tending, harvesting, drying, and storage of garden-grown and wild herbs, as well as where you can purchase them if need be. We'll discuss various preparations, such as tinctures vs. teas, and which are most appropriate for certain herbs and situations. We'll also talk about how best to store and use your medicines once you have them.
beginner/intermediate
Eastern White Pine-More Than a "Stately" Tree
Sierra Bigham
White pines are Michigan's state tree, but they are also our grandmothers, our teachers, our sisters, ancestors with history and deep healing powers. This will be a class of story telling from an herbalists perspective.
Do your feet hurt?
Stacy and Joseph Quade
Take the time to come and learn why your feet take such a beating and how you can apply these simple techniques to make them feel better.
In this class you will learn:
1. The basic structure of the foot and how it supports you.
2. The common problems affecting the feet; plantar fasciitis, bunions, corns, and more.
3. The common injuries; sprains, toe jambs, fractures.
4. What you can do to repair, rebuild, and give them some love! including herbal allies that can help relieve conditions of inflammation, support and heal tissues in the musculoskeletal system.
Bitter Herbs and Chronic Digestive Disorders
Talal Al-Hamad
Exploring the reasons as to how we arrived at this stage today in terms of chronic broken down digestive disorders and hw they are opening gateways to new disease auto immune, stagnant lymphatic system, will be discussed and how bitter herbs will play a role in helping us with this crisis.
Beginner/Intermediate
Islamic/Arabic Herbal Medicine and its Modern Day Application
Talal Al-Hamad
We will discuss the history and role Arab/Islamic herbalists played and how the system of healing has been shaped over time. We will focus on modern clinical findings in the Palestine territories, the use of honey as medicine as well as Arabic uses of herbs and more.
Beginner/Intermediate
Balancing the Menstrual Cycle
Talitha Johnson
Join herbalist and reiki practitioner, Talitha Johnson in exploring the connection between blood, hormonal balance, inflammation, food and herbal support regimens. In addition to learning about herbs that support women’s reproductive health, we will also explore the relationship between the womb, energetics and the menstrual flow. What do these things have in common? How can we learn to listen to our body’s intuitive wisdom? How can help the reproductive system maintain or return to its natural functions?
All levels
Bacterias, Biofilms and their Treatment
Althea Northage-Orr
In this 3 hour intensive we will talk about bacteria and the problem of Biofilms, the entrenched colonies of bacteria that often arise from antibiotic treatments and then elude most mainstream treatments. Designed for beginners as well as clinicians, we will look at types of bacteria and how they reproduce and cooperate with each other. We will also consider which herbs are most useful in combating them, and other natural strategies to contain and conquer them. In a world where “Superbugs” are becoming the norm, we can all benefit from learning about the many benefits that our plants offer us that antibiotics cannot.
All levels
Botany in a Nutshell
Cal Janae
Botany, the scientific study of plants, can be an intimidating and challeging topic full of technical jargon. Here we will cover key botanical principals that are of practical use to understanding the plant kingdom as people who utilize plants for food and medicine. Emphasis will be placed on identification skills, major groupings of plants & unpacking some of the fundamentals behind technical language and naming in order to make it more accessible.
Writing Your Plant Story
Carmen Malis King
Whether we're beginning our herbalism path or have a lifetime of practice, we all have ancestral and lived experience interacting with plants and stories to tell about these meaningful plants. In telling our stories, we affirm our relationships with plants as intertwined with our sense of identity, history, and place. This multimedia workshop combines writing and storytelling, plant meditation and multi-sensory plant exploration in bringing greater awareness on how we relate to plants.
Medicinal Mushrooms
Chris Wright
Although long recognized and respected as important to human health in Eastern medicine,
where they have a long history of therapeutic use, medicinal mushrooms are relatively new to
the world of Western medicine. Up until recently, Western medicine has neither recognized the
value of medicinal mushrooms nor integrated them into relevant courses of therapy. However,
as a new medical paradigm emerges, the introduction of these mushrooms will continue to
prove how extremely beneficial they are for treating a variety of health conditions including
cancer, diabetes, dementia, Alzheimer’s and many more. Chris will review the active
compounds responsible for the medicinal properties of these amazing mushrooms, as well as
review of some of the key species of mushrooms found to have medicinal properties.
Acorn Medicine: Tannins and Beyond
Greg Monzel
Everywhere the oak (Quercus spp) grows, it seems traditional cultures have gathered and eaten their acorns. High in tannins, starches, and polyphenols, the prolific fruits are easy to gather and contain value far beyond their nutritional and medicinal virtues. Join us to learn the quirks about Quercus and what it takes to honor, gather and make use of this Middle Earth giant’s gifts, all over a cup of freshly brewed acorn coffee.
Herbs for Cognition, Focus, and Brain Health
Guido Masé
Going well beyond ginkgo, we'll explore how herbs can impact our ability to think clearly, remember well, and stay focused. Emerging allies, from Chinese club moss to the bulbs of snowdrops and daffodils, can be used alongside traditional neurotonics to give protocols fast-acting, specific life-enhancing effects. We will discuss the appropriate use of entheogens, both in microdoses and at therapeutic levels, to help catalyze positive change in mind/spirit function and engagement. We will cover the clinical research around these herbs, and organize them into protocols that honor the cyclical nature of creativity and inspiration. These strategies are applicable for those caring for elders, but can play a role to support cognitive function for clients of any age.
Intermediate/Advanced
Using Organolepsis as an Assessment Method for the Identity and Strength of Herbs and Herbal Products: A Science-Based Approach.
Guido Masé
Using our senses to evaluate herbal raw materials, infusions, and extracts is a time-honored technique that has also gained modern repute. In the current regulatory environment, organoleptic analysis is an accepted technique - but only if conducted in an objective and well-documented way. We will discuss the background and rationale for sensory analysis and cover some of the techniques we can use to make a sensory assessment more objective and sound - from blind taste-testing, to analyst "calibration", to established organoleptic testing methods. These are tools every herbal product maker can use.
Intermediate
Fertility Struggles: Aids to Conception
Heather Gioia
This class will be a forum on a couple’s inability to conceive. We will explore herbs and orthomolecular
nutrition along with energetic components for both men and women. Participants will come away with
various options to help boost varying areas that may be hindering optimal fertility and causing early
miscarriage.
All levels
Permaculture: Designing and Maintaining an Edible and Medicinal Ecosystem
Jared Bogdanov-Hanna
Permaculture is a design methodology and philosophy that emphasizes the interconnections and positive relationships between parts of the system. These parts can be plants in your yard and garden, your social relationships, and even your business relationships. This presentation will cover how the permaculture design philosophy can be applied by anyone to their home and garden, community garden and beyond, elaborating on how to implement designing for positive relationships between multifunctional edible and medicinal plants in your landscape and you!
Political Theory for Herbalists: From Healing with Plants to Healing Our World
Jason Hirsch
Herbalists know that all beings need a healthy environment in order to be truly well, but sometimes it seems that this isn’t as obvious to others. What is it about herbalism that helps us to make these connections? Might these aspects of our practice equip us to contribute to movements for social and environmental change in unique and potent ways? How do we find our place as herbalists in the great movements toward a healthier and more just society? In this class, we will take a deep dive into three aspects of herbalism that orient us (and our clients and students) to the world in ways that matter for these political times. We will trace their roots back several hundred years in Western history, seeing how each of these herbal approaches to the body was also an approach toward new social ideas that would come to define our modern times. In this way, we will see what a profound challenge these herbal ideas represent to the social systems that are dominant today. The class will end with questions and conversation about how we can access this deeper potency of our herbal medical tools, wielding them toward the creation of not only healthier bodies, but healthier societies and environments too.
Aromatic Allies... Whole Plant Aromatherapy
jim mcdonald
Aromatic plants, those possessed of volatile oils, are among the most well known and revered of herbs. Lavender, sage, basil, thyme, and more overtly medicinal plants such as goldenrod, hyssop and yarrow aren't just useful herbs that happen to smell nice: their aromatic oils, to a large degree, define their usage. While essential oils have become very popular, many people don't realize that teas, tinctures, infused oils and steam inhalations are every bit as effective and much more widely available to us. Join herbalist jim mcdonald in a scentillating exploration the impact of aroma on digestion, respiratory and emotional wellness.
Althea and jim Get Down with Nervines
Althea Northage-Orr and jim mcdonald
Everyone gets stressed out at times, and they may find themselves reacting with anxiety, irritability, overwhelm, overdrive or any of innumerable responses. Rather than thinking of trying "weaker" or "stronger" herbs "for stress", its best to find the right herb for you and your response to it. jim mcdonald and Althea Northage-Orr will discuss the energetics and indications of their favorite nervines from western and Chinese perspectives.
I am the Slime: Demulcents as the Herbalist's Super Power
jim mcdonald
Slimy herbs *are* our super power. Conventional medicine doesn’t have them. There are no demulcent flower essences, no demulcent essential oils, no demulcent little white homeopathic balls. Slime is ours, and allows us to do things no other modality can approximate. You see, the greatest actions of herb are the most foundational ones; unfortunately, people often confuse “foundational” with “beginner”, and fail to value these qualities to the degree they merit. We’ll explore the numerous indications for demulcents, and the myriad assortment of plants that so graciously offer their slime to us.
Oral care: Why it matters and how to work with clients
Leslie Alexander
Bring your oral care gear! In this workshop we’ll be discussing oral health, its importance and why it matters beyond simply digestion. We’ll be talking about different approaches to care for the mouth and how to enquire about oral health amongst your herbal clients, including family and friends. This workshop is open to all herbalists … yes indeed pulse and tongue are important … but we must train in looking beyond the tongue!
The Trauma-Informed Herbalist
Lea Pfeifer
Nearly 2/3 (64%) of adults have at least one adverse childhood experience--if you are sharing your herbal knowledge then odds are you are supporting somebody who has experienced developmental trauma. We'll explore trauma, its impact on clients and how herbalists can use their understanding of trauma to help clients address a range of illness and obstacles. Topics will include a brief history of related research, ACE science (the study of adverse childhood experiences and how they affect the mind and body), resilience, pursuing a multi-disciplinary approach, self-care, working with the client, addressing common challenges, and resources for further research.
Intermediate/Advanced
In the Kitchen and Apothecary: Fungi for Optimal Health and Healing
Linda Conroy
Preparing mushrooms for food and medicine is fun, delicious and effective. Join herbalist Linda Conroy and learn some of her favorite ways to prepare mushrooms with a focus on potentiating health, increasing immune function and addressing serious health issues including cancer and lyme disease. Visual images will be shared, along with samples of mushroom beverages and snacks. Everyone will leave with a handout which will include recipes. .
Beginner to Intermediate
Herbs and Fermentation for Digestive Health
Linda Conroy
Using her 5 point system herbalist and ferementation afficinado Linda Conroy will share information on how to promote and maintain a healthy microbione. Participants will learn how to make and ferment herbal infusions and tonics, along with how to infuse herbs into fermented beverages and foods. Samples of herbal ferments and digestive herbs will be shared. You will delight in the flavors and your body will thank you!
Tea Tasting: An organoleptic evaluation
Lindsey Feldpausch
In this class we will go on an organoleptic exploration of an herbal infusion. Meandering our way through smells, tastes and bodily effects to gain an understand what the plant is communicating to us through our senses. And what the practice of tea tasting can offer us on our path to understand and appreciate plants as medicine.
All levels
Percolates and Soxhlets: Medicine Making Beyond Maceration
Lindsey Feldpausch
In this hands-on medicine making class we will explore the art of percolation and Soxhlet extraction, two advanced techniques for extracting herbs with alcohol. Percolations are becoming more common in the herbal world and this class will show you why. Soxhlet extraction, a more uncommon but intriguing approach to tincture making, will be sure to captivate beginning and seasoned medicine makers alike. While exploring set-up of both methods, we will discuss why and when these extraction techniques supersede the foundational method of macerations, and also when they don’t.
All levels
Sidewalk Evaluations
The basics to Reading the Body
Margi Flint
In this 3 hour class you will learn the generalities of face, tongue and nail evaluation. Each color, line and marking on the face, tongue and nails holds meaning of your internal health. Margi will be explaining and demonstrating diagnostic techniques taught to her by the late William Le Sassier.
Herbal & Natural Support for Thyroid Health
Maria Noel Groves
Thyroid conditions, particularly Hashimoto’s hypothyroid disease, are on the rise. A holistic and herbal approach can help support us to prevent and manage common thyroid conditions better alongside conventional care by looking at a the whole picture. Learn the basics of hypothyroid, hyperthyroid, Hashimoto’s, and Graves’ diseases including dietary, supplement, lifestyle, and herbal approaches.
Intermediate/Advanced
Soothing Herbs & Gut Repair
Maria Noel Groves
Heartburn, leaky gut, ulcers, gastritis, SIBO, dysbiosis, IBD, and IBS are diverse digestive disorders that plague many Americans. In spite of their range, they share a common approach in herbs and dietary to soothe and bring the body back into balance. We'll explore underlying themes of these conditions as well as the potential benefits of licorice/DGL, marshmallow root, rose petals, cinnamon, ginger, digestive bitters, fermented foods, and probiotics. Learn how to create your own digestive wellness tea based on your individual needs
Beginner/Intermediate
Becoming a Practicing Herbalist
Micah McLaughlin
It can feel frightening and overwhelming to move from being an at-home herbalist to starting your practice. In this class, we'll explore possibilities in forming a business that meets your own unique needs and how to avoid the pitfalls of many startup practices. Understanding your goals as a person is the first step in launching your herbal practice. This class will be useful for those asking questions like “What kind of business do I want to create?” and “Is this business I created really serving my community and the life I want?”
Intermediate/Advanced
Avoiding Polypharmacy in Herbal Medicine
Pamela Ruane
During this presentation, Dr. Pamela Lee Ruane, a practicing herbalist, naturopath, physician assistant, and full time professor of clinical medicine will discuss the evidence based physiologic support for the application and dosing of 14 herbs that are most commonly used by consumers. The lecture will include common side effects, adverse reactions, and potential pharmaceutical drug interactions (we will discuss the pharmaceuticals by brand and generic names, where applicable). Herbs to be covered will include: Matricaria chamomilla, Panax ginseng, Echinacea purpurea, Hydrastis canadensis, Silybum marianum , Piper methysticum , Valeriana officinalis, Mentha piperita vulgaris, Allium sativum, Ginkgo biloba, Serenoa repens, Pausinystalia johimbe, Hypericum perforatum, and Actaea racemosa. Information regarding endangered medicinal plant species and also commonly ascribed “safety classifications” will also be discussed. This presentation will provide a great review for the experienced practicing herbalist, allopathic medical provider, beginning herbalist, and for those who simply want to learn about polypharmacy in herbal medicine
All levels
Building an Apothecary
Sarah Williams
An important step toward working herbal medicine into your daily life is to have it readily available. In this class, we'll discuss a handful of widely useful plants: their properties and applications for common health issues. We'll cover proper tending, harvesting, drying, and storage of garden-grown and wild herbs, as well as where you can purchase them if need be. We'll discuss various preparations, such as tinctures vs. teas, and which are most appropriate for certain herbs and situations. We'll also talk about how best to store and use your medicines once you have them.
beginner/intermediate
Eastern White Pine-More Than a "Stately" Tree
Sierra Bigham
White pines are Michigan's state tree, but they are also our grandmothers, our teachers, our sisters, ancestors with history and deep healing powers. This will be a class of story telling from an herbalists perspective.
Do your feet hurt?
Stacy and Joseph Quade
Take the time to come and learn why your feet take such a beating and how you can apply these simple techniques to make them feel better.
In this class you will learn:
1. The basic structure of the foot and how it supports you.
2. The common problems affecting the feet; plantar fasciitis, bunions, corns, and more.
3. The common injuries; sprains, toe jambs, fractures.
4. What you can do to repair, rebuild, and give them some love! including herbal allies that can help relieve conditions of inflammation, support and heal tissues in the musculoskeletal system.
Bitter Herbs and Chronic Digestive Disorders
Talal Al-Hamad
Exploring the reasons as to how we arrived at this stage today in terms of chronic broken down digestive disorders and hw they are opening gateways to new disease auto immune, stagnant lymphatic system, will be discussed and how bitter herbs will play a role in helping us with this crisis.
Beginner/Intermediate
Islamic/Arabic Herbal Medicine and its Modern Day Application
Talal Al-Hamad
We will discuss the history and role Arab/Islamic herbalists played and how the system of healing has been shaped over time. We will focus on modern clinical findings in the Palestine territories, the use of honey as medicine as well as Arabic uses of herbs and more.
Beginner/Intermediate
Balancing the Menstrual Cycle
Talitha Johnson
Join herbalist and reiki practitioner, Talitha Johnson in exploring the connection between blood, hormonal balance, inflammation, food and herbal support regimens. In addition to learning about herbs that support women’s reproductive health, we will also explore the relationship between the womb, energetics and the menstrual flow. What do these things have in common? How can we learn to listen to our body’s intuitive wisdom? How can help the reproductive system maintain or return to its natural functions?
All levels
Plant Walks
Foraging Fall Tonic Herbs
Abby Artemisia
Fall is not just a perfect time for harvesting cultivated crops, it’s a great time for harvesting wild food and herbs. The wild greens that bolt and turn bitter or disappear completely come back as the weather cools. It’s also a great time to harvest roots, as the vitality returns to the storage center of the plants. Gather a wild cornucopia of free and vibrant herbs to stock your apothecary for the winter. Go on a walk with Abby to learn how to safely, ethically, and effectively identify, harvest, and preserve these herbs.
How to be a Wildcrafter
Abby ArtemisiaGetting started harvesting your own wild herbs to fill your apothecary for free, can be daunting. Abby, a botanist, herbalist, and forager, will make it more accessible, teaching the basics of plant identification and how to get started or continue along this journey. We'll look at and discuss some helpful resources and tools for learning how to identify and work with the plants. On our plant walk, we'll use our senses to identify, smell, touch, taste, and learn more about these plants. We'll also talk about safe and ethical harvesting, effective drying, and medicine making. Bring your questions, field guides, notebooks, and cameras.
Plant Family Identification for Herbalists: A Plant Walk
Cal Janae
Family-level botanical identification of a plant helps us as herbalists understand a lot about a given plant, without even knowing its specific identity. This plant walk will focus on the characteristics that of plants that help us identify them to the level of the family. Discussion will include potential uses for each plant based on general characteristics of all plants within the family.
Pearls of the Peat Bog Walk
Greg Monzel
Following a short hike to get there, meet the unique plants preferring the acidic, anaerobic conditions of the bog. Learn about the many uses of sphagnum moss, larch tree, pitcher plant and more, while avoiding the rash-inducing poison sumac. Emerging from the mire, stories from the sphagnum hold lessons from our ancient ancestors, which persist even as we pull ourselves up from the muck to hike back to camp.
Bark, Bud & Branch: Medicinal Trees and Shrubbery
jim mcdonald
Join herbalist jim mcdonald in an exploration of the medicines found in the trees and shrubs found at Cedar Lake Outdoor Center. We'll discuss identification, sustainable harvest, uses, energetics and preparations through a blend of story, tradition and lore.
Field and Forest Herb Walk
Sarah Williams
There's medicine to be found in every corner of the landscape. On this walk, we'll explore the varied terrain of the Faire grounds and the herbs that grow there, from shy shade-dwellers and towering trees to meadow wildflowers and common "weeds." Learn which types of plants to look for in which conditions. We'll cover identification, proper harvest, properties and uses, and folklore.
all levels
Foraging Fall Tonic Herbs
Abby Artemisia
Fall is not just a perfect time for harvesting cultivated crops, it’s a great time for harvesting wild food and herbs. The wild greens that bolt and turn bitter or disappear completely come back as the weather cools. It’s also a great time to harvest roots, as the vitality returns to the storage center of the plants. Gather a wild cornucopia of free and vibrant herbs to stock your apothecary for the winter. Go on a walk with Abby to learn how to safely, ethically, and effectively identify, harvest, and preserve these herbs.
How to be a Wildcrafter
Abby ArtemisiaGetting started harvesting your own wild herbs to fill your apothecary for free, can be daunting. Abby, a botanist, herbalist, and forager, will make it more accessible, teaching the basics of plant identification and how to get started or continue along this journey. We'll look at and discuss some helpful resources and tools for learning how to identify and work with the plants. On our plant walk, we'll use our senses to identify, smell, touch, taste, and learn more about these plants. We'll also talk about safe and ethical harvesting, effective drying, and medicine making. Bring your questions, field guides, notebooks, and cameras.
Plant Family Identification for Herbalists: A Plant Walk
Cal Janae
Family-level botanical identification of a plant helps us as herbalists understand a lot about a given plant, without even knowing its specific identity. This plant walk will focus on the characteristics that of plants that help us identify them to the level of the family. Discussion will include potential uses for each plant based on general characteristics of all plants within the family.
Pearls of the Peat Bog Walk
Greg Monzel
Following a short hike to get there, meet the unique plants preferring the acidic, anaerobic conditions of the bog. Learn about the many uses of sphagnum moss, larch tree, pitcher plant and more, while avoiding the rash-inducing poison sumac. Emerging from the mire, stories from the sphagnum hold lessons from our ancient ancestors, which persist even as we pull ourselves up from the muck to hike back to camp.
Bark, Bud & Branch: Medicinal Trees and Shrubbery
jim mcdonald
Join herbalist jim mcdonald in an exploration of the medicines found in the trees and shrubs found at Cedar Lake Outdoor Center. We'll discuss identification, sustainable harvest, uses, energetics and preparations through a blend of story, tradition and lore.
Field and Forest Herb Walk
Sarah Williams
There's medicine to be found in every corner of the landscape. On this walk, we'll explore the varied terrain of the Faire grounds and the herbs that grow there, from shy shade-dwellers and towering trees to meadow wildflowers and common "weeds." Learn which types of plants to look for in which conditions. We'll cover identification, proper harvest, properties and uses, and folklore.
all levels
Sunrise Classes
Talking to Plants for the Skeptic
Connie Perkins
Have you ever rolled your eyes when an herbalist talks about "listening" to the plants? Then this class is for you. Taught by a lifetime eye-roller who wants to believe, we will be exploring the intersection of the "magic" with the real. Please bring a mug, a journal and a pen, and something comfy to sit on, yoga mat, blanket, towel, as we will be spending some time participating in a group meditation.
Sunrise Dance
Kara McNabb
We’ll start the morning off with a playful movement practice that will help you get into your body and connect to all the energy that surrounds us. Through guided prompts, you’ll be invited to connect with the plant energy and more through dance. Somatic dance is a way to interact without words, to release stuck patterns and to gain understanding, insight and clarity. All people, ages and abilities are welcome.
Connie Perkins
Have you ever rolled your eyes when an herbalist talks about "listening" to the plants? Then this class is for you. Taught by a lifetime eye-roller who wants to believe, we will be exploring the intersection of the "magic" with the real. Please bring a mug, a journal and a pen, and something comfy to sit on, yoga mat, blanket, towel, as we will be spending some time participating in a group meditation.
Sunrise Dance
Kara McNabb
We’ll start the morning off with a playful movement practice that will help you get into your body and connect to all the energy that surrounds us. Through guided prompts, you’ll be invited to connect with the plant energy and more through dance. Somatic dance is a way to interact without words, to release stuck patterns and to gain understanding, insight and clarity. All people, ages and abilities are welcome.