Folk Herbalist’s Apothecary: Class Details

This comprehensive herbal medicine-making series offers hands-on experience in creating effective, time-honored remedies. Each session focuses on a different category of herbal preparations—equipping participants with the skills and confidence to craft their own plant-based medicine at home. By the end of the series, you’ll have a strong foundation in traditional herbalism, blending science with ancestral wisdom and practical self-care.

Fermented Herbal Tonics: Fire Cider, Fermented Sodas & Ginger Bug

September 6 | 9:00 AM–11:00 PM

This session introduces participants to the world of fermented herbal remedies, focusing on digestion, immunity, and overall vitality. You’ll craft your own probiotic-rich fire cider and observe demonstrations on how to make herbal sodas and ginger bug. We’ll explore the role of fermentation in supporting gut health and immunity.

Please bring: a cutting board, quart-size jar with lid, and a sharp knife.
All other materials are provided. Each participant will take home their fire cider and a comprehensive workbook with:

  • Medicinal uses of the herbs covered
  • Recipes and fermentation instructions
  • A summary of class content

Herbal Tinctures, Oxymels & Glycerites: The Art of Liquid Herbal Medicine

September 27 | 3:00–6:00 PM

In this session, participants will explore various herbal extraction methods—using alcohol, vinegar, and glycerin—to create potent and shelf-stable liquid remedies. After a brief plant walk to identify local medicinal herbs, you’ll create your own personalized formula based on your health goals.

Please bring: an 8 oz jar with a lid.
All other materials are provided, along with a detailed worksheet that includes:

  • Dosage guidelines
  • Herbal profiles and uses
  • Recipes and formulation tips
  • A summary of the full class

Herbal Oils, Lotions & Salves: Skincare and Topical Herbal Applications

October 11 | 3:00–6:00 PM

This hands-on class explores how to create botanical skincare products that nourish and protect. After a short plant walk, you’ll learn infusion techniques, then formulate and craft your own salve, lotion, and herbal oil using healing herbs.

All take-home containers, herbs, and materials are included, along with a workbook featuring:

  • Herbal properties and skincare applications
  • Recipes for each product
  • Instructions for making topical remedies at home

Infusions, Decoctions & Tea: Exploring Tea as Medicine

October 18 | 3:00–6:00 PM

This session introduces herbal teas as one of the most accessible and effective forms of plant medicine. You’ll explore tea blending, infusion and decoction techniques, and craft a personalized tea blend to take home.

The session closes with a shared tea ceremony to honor the ritual and sensory aspects of herbal tea.

Please bring: your favorite mug.
All other materials and herbs are provided, along with a workbook containing:

  • Medicinal tea blend profiles
  • Brewing instructions
  • Class summary and recipes

Elderberry, Cough & Medicinal Syrups: Herbal Support for Immunity

November 8 | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM

In this final session, participants will create immune- and respiratory-supportive syrups using elderberry, warming herbs, and other plant allies. We’ll discuss seasonal illness prevention, explore fast-acting herbal responses, and each participant will leave with a winter wellness toolkit.

All materials and containers are provided. You’ll take home elderberry syrup, cough syrup, and a workbook that includes:

  • Syrup-making instructions
  • Medicinal herb uses
  • Recipes and class summary