Classes

An Introduction to Herbology: When you think of herbs, do you picture the half dozen jars of dried bits on your spice rack? Is your idea of gardening yanking out all of those annoying weeds that ruin your manicured lawn? Perhaps it is time to get a new view of our plant friends. Discover a way to bring a few new herbs to your dinner table, as well as some of your old favorites and some of those weeds into your medicine chest! This introductory course assumes no previous knowledge of herbology.

An Introduction to Aromatherapy: Step into the intoxicating world of aromatherapy. Learn for yourself how to incorporate pure and natural scents into your everyday life. In this class we will explore 10 common essential oils by testing and blending our oils to create a relaxing and therapeutic environment. We will discuss general uses of each oil as well as proper storage and safety issues. This introductory course assumes no previous knowledge of aromatherapy.

Teas, Tinctures, and Beyond: Herbs not only provide us with delicious and exotic tastes, they also are an incredible source of natural medicine. All you need to concoct your own teas and tinctures is a jar, some liquid, and of course, the herbs. Learn to make simple medicinal teas, tinctures, glycerites and syrups to keep your family healthy and happy all year round.

Oils, Salves, and Balms: The nutritive properties of oils have been known for thousands of years. Discover for yourself the excitement of using natural, handmade oils and salves. Herbal infused oils for culinary and medicinal uses, healing salves and skin-soothing balms all are easily made at home. By learning a few basic techniques, you too can create a multitude of wonderful oil-based products such as energizing foot salves, gentle hand crème and a simple lotion recipe.

Herbal First Aid: Ever get caught without an aspirin or a Band-Aid? Learn about a safe and natural way to keep your family happy and healthy when life’s little boo-boos get you down. Together, we will discuss how to put together a simple herbal first aid kit that will aid your family in dealing with some of the most common little boo-boos. There will be a demonstration of some common and simple healing herbal products. Samples will be taken home as well as recipes to make more healing products in the future.

Herbal Bath: It is easy to become so overwhelmed with our day to day lives that we forget that our bodies need rest and pampering above and beyond just a good night sleep. By allowing ourselves the right to a little quiet time in the bath, we give our bodies and our minds a much-deserved relaxing vacation. In order to maximize this experience, making your own bath products will allow you to ensure only the highest quality ingredients go into your bath and onto your skin. Not only are they fun to use, they make excellent gifts!

Herbal Beauty: In order to have healthy and radiant skin, we need to provide our skin with healthy and radiant nutrients inside and out. A healthy diet, exercise, and pure, clean water all add to the beauty of our skin. We can also enhance our skin from the outside by providing our face and body with pure and natural cleansers, toners, and moisturizers. Come enjoy a mini spa day and learn to create some common facial products from wholesome and natural ingredients.

Old Fashioned Soapmaking: Making your own handmade soap can be both fun and rewarding. Virtually all of the necessary ingredients can be found at your local grocery store or even in your garden. By creating your own batch of soap, you can select the characteristics and types of ingredients that will most benefit your skin. Once you try your first batch, you are sure to want to create new and exiting combinations for yourself or as gifts.

Herbal Culinary Gifts and Crafts: At one time or another, we have all used herbs and spices in our cooking, but how about creating some new and exiting edible herbal additions to spice up dinner or give as gifts? In this class, we will discuss recipes and mix up some simple, yet exciting edible herb mixtures. You don’t have to be a cook to create herb mixes, spice rubs, flavored honey and oils. You just have to have to love delicious food!

Herbal Holiday Crafts: Each season, nature provides us with a fresh bounty of plants to enjoy. The scent of pine and cinnamon always remind me of Christmas, roses of Valentine’s Day, and the sight of lilies and buttercups tells me that spring has arrived. This season, fill your house with the beauty and aroma of handmade holiday crafts made with your own hands.