Named after one of our favorite tea blends, this class is not just about "herbs for ..." but about giving attention to your gut.

The digestive system is complex, highly intelligent and self correcting. When we experience digestive distress it permeates every aspect of our lives from sleepless nights, to anxiety, to daily discomforts. Our microbiome can influence not just digestion but also our immune function and emotional stability.

Herbs can soothe symptoms, create stability and normalize our digestive rhythm. They have done so for thousands of years. In fact our gut has evolved with our herbal allies, much of the nutrients we consume would not be digestible without them. In this class we will:

• Understand the functions of the digestive system and its relationship with the nervous and immune systems

• Explore the histortical allyship between our gut/microbiome and our greens

• Share herbal protocols and remedies to soothe common digestive ailments

• Develop our sense of taste and knowledge of herbal actions

April: Teachings of the Hedge

We begin our journey under the crab apple tree, at the nettle patch. The teachings of the hedge bring us back to ancient ways, calling us to live and heal by the rhythm of the land. In this first class we will explore stinging nettle, spring greens and the lore of the crab apple tree.

Stinging nettle has always been a foundational green ally in both old, and modern times. Deeply nourishing, deeply intelligent, the great trickster, the milk of the earth, Sister Spinster; you can spend a lifetime with this plant and you’ll have nothing but yourself to lose. She will bring you on a journey, into ritual, into the richness of the soil and the sun. Come sit with Sister Spinster, allow her to spin your spirit in her cauldron, nourish your body, and awaken you into spring.

About the series

Explore the edges between the cultivated and the wild at Good Maker Acres. Traditionally the “hedge” was both a physical and symbolic boundary between the known and the unknown, the abundance of the field and the mystery of the forest. Hedges were made of thorny bushes and trees like hawthorn, blackthorn, brambles and willows. As these plants grew, the hedge became a diverse heaven for birds, animals and medicinal plants; reflecting the balance, nourishment and richness of both worlds.

This immersive herbalism series weaves together nature connection, earth based practices and folk herbalism to reclaim ancient ways, and re-establish our relationship with the land. We will explore traditional medicinal plants from the medicine garden, as well as their wild counterparts. In each class we will harvest and work with what is present, growing and wanting to be found. This series invites you to trust your intuition, body, and sensations while learning about herbal actions, constituents and preparations with the goal of creating a holistic practice that relates with all aspects of the landscape.

Each class we will study 3-5 seasonal plants, their medicinal properties, constituents and herbal actions. We will explore making remedies, preparing plants and how to incorporate herbal medicine into your every day life. This series is meant for anyone who is looking for a hands-on introduction to medicinal plants, join us for the entire series or for whoever workshops suits your needs.

What’s included :

• Plant identification, recipes, medicinal preparations, and harvesting instructions

• Historical and modern practical applications

• Folklore and ritual practices

• Make and take: Remedies you will be making in class to take home and enjoy

It’s that time of year when buzzwords like “spring cleanse” and “detox” are in the air. However not all trends are created equal. In this class we will deep dive into what it really means to detox your body and debunk our favorite “detox” myths. 

Our liver, kidneys and lymphatic system have been working hard all winter to keep us healthy. The spring is the perfect time to work with herbal tonics to support these organs and ensure their optimal functioning. In this class we will be working with herbs such as nettle, milk thistle, dandelion, burdock and cleavers to support lymphatic flow, and the detoxifying and elimination functions of the kidneys and liver. 

The best part? These herbs are available right in your backyard! This is a hands-on introductory herbal workshop where we will learn plant identification, sustainable harvesting practices, and make remedies designed to build long term health.