Community Herbalism Course

From Seed to Shelf

WE HAVE CLOSED ENROLLMENT FOR THE 2024-2025 DUE TO MAX CAPACITY.
PLEASE EMAIL COMMUNITY@AMBERGRAZIANO.COM TO BE ON THE WAITLIST FOR NEXT YEAR
OR TO LEARN ABOUT INDIVIDUAL HERB CLASSES AND MEDICINE MAKING OPPORTUNITIES.

Welcome! I’m so excited to share the inaugural year of the Community Herbalism Course: from Seed to Shelf.

This course empowers participants through in-person, hands-on comprehensive herbal education from garden seeds to your home apothecary shelf. We seek to cultivate herbalism as a living tradition, emphasizing the importance of community, a focus on cultivating relationships, and a holistic approach to mind, body and spirit-based herbalism. Together, we will deep dive into herbal theory, the art of medicine making, botanical body care, aromatherapy, gardening, ethical harvesting, and seasonal remedies & rituals, all while building connections and spending time in nature. We will travel to herbal gardens, apothecaries, and wild spaces to observe and interact with our local plant communities. Participants will gain the confidence and knowledge to provide effective, accessible herbal medicines to friends, family, and community. Our approach focuses on reintroducing herbs into the heart of homes, and everyday life reviving a thriving cultural tradition. This course offers not just a certificate, but a deepening of connection to nature, to plants and to ourselves.

May 2024 - January 2025

100 hours, with one weekend a month and 1-3 weekdays a month.

To foster a more intimate learning experience, we will cap registration at 12 participants.
Registration will close on May 1st, 2024.
See Course Calendar below for specific class descriptions and dates & times.

Herbal Theory Days - Saturdays

  • Lecture & discussion style classes will include anatomy, common acute and chronic issues with 10-20 featured herbs, and interactive Q & A. We will engage in sensory exploration, empirical observation, read scientific studies, draw upon traditional uses, and tap into intuition. This will create a foundation for a profound understanding of these plant medicines empowering students to use a wide range of herbal medicine creatively and effectively. We will also delve into case studies from within our community circle. We will meet once a month on Saturdays in a garden or apothecary space.

Medicine Making Days - Sundays

  • Blending theoretical herbal knowledge with hands-on application you will learn the art of crafting potent and high-quality plant medicines & botanical body care through various traditional and modern methods. Each participant will leave with a custom collection of the medicines created during each Sunday Making Day, ready to stock their home apothecary. There will be an opportunity to customize many of the medicines for your individual or communal needs. We will meet once a month on Sundays at Rebecca’s Herbal Apothecary.

In the Field -
Weekdays

  • We will embark together on trail excursions through wild landscapes, get our hands in the dirt on garden days at the Plume & Furrow Medicinal Herb Garden, harvest fresh plant material for medicine making in the wild and in the garden, and immerse ourselves in nature to connect with the diverse array of local, cultivated, edible, and medicinal plants and mushrooms. We will meet 1-2 times per month while the plants are in season.

Seasonal Ritual - Weekdays

  • Drawing upon tradition and current needs of our community, we will engage in simple, accessible earth-based rituals that embrace elemental and seasonal energies to navigate the shifting landscapes of our lives. With a focus on personal ancestry and plant relationship, we aim to foster connections with lineage, plant allies and land. We will co-create a tapestry of rituals to foster a deep sense of connection and authenticity for wellness in our personal and communal lives.

May 2024

  • Saturday, May 18th, 2024, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
    Instructor, Amber Graziano
    Location: Three Leaf Farm: Botanical Sanctuary & Education Center

    Discover the essentials of herbalism in our "Herbal Foundations" class. This course provides a balanced introduction to herbalism, including key concepts like vitalism, herbal actions, energetics, trade terminology, foundational nutrition, learning through the four directions model, the history of herbalism, ethical sourcing practices, apothecary herbalism and we will begin to establish a connection in our circle and get to know each other and the needs & desires of our community to inform our year of learning together.

  • Sunday, May 19th, TBD
    Instructor, Mariana Rittenhouse
    Location: Ponderosa Tea House

    “Sharing Tea in ceremony is a practice that connects us with Nature, ourselves and each other. “

    -Mariana

    Together, we will nurture an awakened sense of presence and harmony, laying the foundation for our year ahead. Our collective intentions will shape the path we tread, fostering a shared commitment to growth, connection and learning about plant medicine. Through the art of tea ceremony, we will begin to tap into intuition, learning to trust our inner wisdom. This immersive experience will begin to heighten our senses of smell and taste as we learn how to use our senses to develop relationship with our botanical allies.

  • Tuesday, May 21st, 2024, 5:00 - 8:00 pm
    Instructors: Grant Hamil & Amber Graziano
    Location: Plume & Furrow Medicinal Garden

    Introduction to the land, plants and each other. We’ll witness the medicinal herb garden in its budding/spring phase. Honoring both intuitive and scientific relationship, we will engage in a plant spirit meditation and delve into planning a medicinal garden, principles of organic gardening, building soil, creating garden beds, and container gardening. As a tangible takeaway, participants will leave with a tray of herb seed starts to nurture at home.

June 2024

  • Tuesday, June 11th, 5:00-8:00 pm

    Instructors, Grant Hamil & Amber Graziano
    Location: Plume & Furrow Medicinal Garden

    This plant walk will take us on a journey through the flower fields and herbal gardens. We will meet, taste, and learn about a spectrum of medicinal plants from wild weeds and cultivated herbs to exquisite blossoms and native species. We will discuss key factors for botanical identification by plant family and will prepare and taste a wild edible recipe or two!

  • Wednesday, June 19th, 5:00 - 8:00 pm
    Instructors, Heather Powell & Amber Graziano
    Location: Starhouse Garden

    An introduction to land based ritual practices including plant brushings, power plants, calling in the directions and personal intention. We will work with local and ritual plants in bloom to craft a “Water of the Flowers” used in ceremonial space. There will be an additional opportunity to create a Summer Solstice Mandala and as always, contributions are welcome.

  • Saturday, June 22nd, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Instructor, Amber Graziano
    Location: Arapahoe Room, Boulder Public Library

    Herbs help to build capacity for experiencing the full range of emotions and experiences in life. We will discuss the essentials of promoting a resilient nervous system, with nutrient-rich herbs, nervines, sedatives, sleep aids, and adaptogens. There is great benefit for a wide range of complaints from hormonal imbalance to immune health in utilizing the power of minerals and herbs in fostering balance, and vitality.

    HERBS:
    Nettle leaf, Oat straw, Cleavers, Dandelion leaf, Alfalfa, Borage, Raspberry leaf, Kelp, Shilajit, Skullcap, Passionflower, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Lion's Mane, Tulsi Basil, Catnip, Chamomile, California Poppy, Hops, Linden, Wood Betony, Valerian, Kava Kava, Mucuna

  • Sunday, June 23rd, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Instructor, Amber Graziano
    Location: Rebecca’s Herbal Apothecary

    In this hands-on class, participants will delve into the most accessible form of herbal medicine, focusing on the use of water as a primary medium for extraction. Through the creation of herbal infusions, decoctions, oxymels, hair rinses, bath blends, and steams, participants will gain practical experience in crafting a diverse range of herbal preparations. We will make custom tea blends and learn how to create effective and delicious herbal formulations using knowledge, taste and intuition.

    Herbal Recipes:
    Nourishing Herbal Infusion (custom blend)
    Decoctions
    Decongesting Steam Blend
    Steam/Soak (custom blend)
    Soothing Bath Blend
    Hair Rinse
    Sleep Support Herbal Infusion

July 2024

  • Weekday, Early July, 7:00 am -9:00 am
    Instructor, Amber Graziano
    Location: Wildcat Gardens, Boulder

    Learn sustainable harvesting techniques, plant offerings and how to make an effective and high quality fresh infused oil in the field. There is nothing like a day in the wild, harvesting bright yellow blossoms at the height of summer. The medicine of St. John’s Wort shows us how to let the sunshine in our lives. We will use the finished fresh infused oil on our July Medicine Making Day to craft a lotion, body oil or salve.

  • Saturday, July 20th, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Instructor, Amber Graziano

    Learn to use herbs for topical first aid situations, to improve skin health, provide pain relief and soothe irritated tissues. We will explore the various applications of carrier oils, essential oils, topical herbs and how to safely use essential oils in topical formulations. We will learn about topical applications for beauty products, body care and first aid.

    HERBS:
    Pine, Calendula, Carrot Seed, Arnica, Comfrey leaf/root, Gotu Kola, Plantain, Frankincense, Marshmallow leaf, Rose, St. John's Wort, Rosehip, Cannabis, Yarrow, Chamomile, Rosemary, Cayenne, Ginger

  • Sunday, July 21st, 10:00 am -4:00 pm
    Instructors, Amy Leithliter & Amber Graziano
    Location: Rebecca’s Herbal Apothecary

    We will learn how to infuse the medicinal properties of herbs into topical oils and then how to turn those topical oils into a wide range of body care and therapeutic products. We will also learn blending techniques for creating aromatherapy blends that are effective and smell delicious. This is an intensive and fun day of body care product making including salve making with herbal infused oils, a custom bath and body oil, lotion with SPF, a lip balm and face serum! Participants will go home with products to stock and replace everyday toiletries and summer body care.

    Herbal Recipes:
    Calendula & Comfrey leaf Infused Oil
    Skin Salve
    Summer Body Oil
    Lotion with SPF
    Custom Bath & Body Oil
    Face Serum
    Lip Balm

  • Wednesday, July 31st, 4:00 - 7:00 pm
    Instructor, Theresa Canosa, CCH, Flower Essence Practitioner, Tulsi Rose Botanicals & RASA Herbs
    Location: Boulder Foothills

    Embark on a scenic mountain plant walk as we explore the healing properties of flora, followed by a hands-on experience in crafting personalized flower essences. Discover how these essences can provide profound emotional and soul level support & growth. Participants will go home with a locally crafted Flower Essence.

Community Herbalism Course Calendar

August 2024

  • Sunday, August date TBD

    Guest Instructor: David Weinstein, Herbal Grower & Educator
    Location: Nederland

    We will travel to a high-altitude herbal garden to learn about Bokashi composting methods, how to cultivate and harvest Rhodiola spp. and various ways to use this plant in everyday life. We will see a demonstration of fresh plant tincturing in the field. Participants will go home with plant cuttings to experiment with growing Rhodiola at home.

  • Saturday, August 17th, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Instructor, Amber Graziano
    Location, Arapahoe Room, Bouder Public Library

    Explore the profound impact of herbs on our vital and challenging digestive systems, explore the possibilities of the brain-gut connection, and learn gentle ways to support the body's natural detoxification methods. We will focus on the digestive system and hepatic system, and how to use herbs, foods and lifestyle changes to bring relief and balance for chronic and acute GI issues.

    HERBS:
    Angelica root, Turmeric, Fennel seed, Oregon Grape root, Dandelion leaf/root, Burdock root, Marshmallow leaf/root, Gentian root, Turkey Tail mushroom, Schisandra berry, Milk thistle seed, Chamomile, Calendula, Orange peel, Wild Yam, Peppermint

  • Sunday, August 18th, 8:00 am - 1:00 pm

    Instructors, Amber Graziano & Grant Hamil

    Location: Plume & Furrow Herb Garden & Lyon’s Farmette

    Join us as we learn both folk and measured methods for tincture making and how to formulate custom bitter blends, exploring the rich and diverse world of flavors and therapeutic benefits. Venture into the field to harvest fresh herbs and witness the magic of transforming them into alcohol-based tinctures on the spot. This class will be a hybrid of In-the-Field medicine making and hands-on crafting of herbal bitter blends and cordials.

    HERBAL RECIPES:
    Neutralizing Cordial
    Digestive & Liver Bitter
    Custom Fresh Plant Tincture
    Summer Elixir

  • Friday, August 30th, 5:00 - 8:00 pm*
    Guest Instructor: Ian Fierman, Mycologist, Wildcrafter
    Location: Rocky Mountain Foothills

    Explore the world of Rocky Mountain mushrooms in this informative excursion. Colorado state certified Mycologist, Ian Fierman will cover the basics of fungi identification, share practical harvesting techniques, and discuss common species found in the area. Engage in hands-on identification and get answers to all your questions in a concluding Q&A session. We will discuss seasonal variations, environmental nuances, and leave with a newfound appreciation for the diverse fungi that grace the mountain landscapes.
    *Date & location are subject to change based upon mushroom availability.

September 2024

  • Weekday, September, evening
    Instructor, Amber Graziano
    Host, Alexa Hapgood
    Location: Jack’s Solar Garden

    Learn about the medicinal and magical properties of the Elder bush, a native and easily cultivated medicinal plant which has a wide array of physical and energetic uses. Harvest fresh Elderberries and explore an herbal garden growing beneath solar panels.

  • Saturday, September 21st, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Instructor, Amber Graziano
    Location: Wishgarden Herbs

    Learn about potent herbs that can fortify the immune system, as well as herbs that shorten the duration of colds and flus and alleviate respiratory symptoms. We will focus on accessible herbal remedies specifically crafted to support respiratory and immune health, during the changing seasons. Head formulator and activist herbalist, Catherine Hunzinker will take us on a tour of the Wishgarden Herb tincture production facilities to sample and learn about their well-loved and effective respiratory tinctures.

    HERBS:

    Reishi mushroom, Astragalus root, Ashwagandha root, Shatavari root, Elderberry, Cinnamon chips, Chaga mushroom, Codonopsis root, Ginger, Garlic, Rosemary, Elder flower, Thyme, Monarda flower, Licorice root, Elecampane root, Osha root, Mints, Echinacea, Pine, Slippery Elm bark, Yerba Santa, Rosehips, Yarrow

  • Sunday, September 22nd, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
    Instructor, Amber Graziano
    Location: Rebecca’s Herbal Apothecary

    We will make effective and tasty herbal medicine recipes for the upcoming cold and flu season that bolster the immune system and improve common respiratory complaints.

    Herbal Recipes:
    Fresh Elderberry Syrup
    Lung Honey
    Rosehip Jam
    Immune Boosting Mushroom Cacao
    Cold & Flu Tea
    Throat Spray

  • Monday, September 23rd, 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
    Instructors, Mariamor Pazos & Amber Graziano
    Location: Plume & Furrow Medicinal Garden

    Harvest fall roots with the intention to ground into the season. We will explore all the ways to work with ritual root medicine in preparation for the shifting season and how to work with root medicine to support our physical bodies in preparation for supporting immunity and seasonal health.

October 2024

  • Saturday, October 12th, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Instructors, Liz Philbrick, CCH, Wild Rose Health & Amber Graziano

    This course delves into the therapeutic world of herbs for nurturing reproductive systems, balancing hormones, and supporting urinary health. Discover the interconnected role of herbs in promoting hormonal balance, learn how they support the liver in maintaining overall health, and explore acute applications. Gain practical knowledge in crafting herbal blends designed to address specific concerns, providing a holistic approach to acute and chronic concerns with reproductive, hormonal, and urinary well-being.

    HERBS:
    Cramp bark, Motherwort, Dong Quai, Raspberry leaf, Vitex berry, Horsetail, Uva Ursi, Hibiscus, St. John's Wort, Maca, Red Clover, Black Cohosh, Peony root, Saw Palmetto, Nettle Root, Pine Pollen revisit hepatic, nervine and nutritive herbs.

  • Sunday, October 13th, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
    Instructors, Amber Graziano & Grant Hamil
    Location: The Lyon’s Farmette

    This class will focus on kitchen herbal recipes that support the body as we transition to winter. There are many ways to integrate herbs into everyday life and kitchen herbal recipes show us how to nourish and support our well-being throughout the year while also tasting delicious.

    Herbal Recipes:
    Herbal Fire Cider
    Savory Seasonal Herbal Salt
    Adaptogen Bliss Balls
    Immunity Herbal Broth
    Antioxidant Gummies
    Root Ferment

  • Tuesday October 29th, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
    Instructor, Amber Graziano
    Location: Rebecca’s Herbal Apothecary Kitchen

    This class intertwines oracle cards, writing prompts, and personal rituals to guide you in creating a custom seasonal fragrance. Explore the art of blending essential oils to construct a harmonious accord, while using scent to support our emotional health. Join us for a sensory adventure where self-discovery meets the alchemy of personalized scent crafting.

November & December 2024

  • Saturday, November 16th, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Instructors, Heather Powell, Community Herbalist & Plant Witch & Amber Graziano

    Explore the profound realm of spiritual heart herbs, aphrodisiacs, and ritual plants. Delve into the wisdom of these botanical allies, discovering their transformative powers in enhancing connection, fostering passion, enriching ritual practices and encouraging liminal space. Join us for an intimate exploration of nature's sacred offerings for mind, body, and soul.

    HERBS:
    Albizia, Damiana, Frankincense, Hawthorn, Rose, Cacao, Pine, Copal, Sandalwood, Mullein, Marshmallow leaf/flower, Mugwort, Blue Lotus, Rue, Angelica, Osha, Devil's Club, Hawthorn, Rose, Cardamom, Linden, Motherwort, and flower essences for emotional support.

  • Sunday, November 17th, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Instructor, Amber Graziano
    Location: Rebecca’s Herbal Apothecary Kitchen

    Herbs, resins and incense have been used since time immemorial to physically and energetically cleanse a ritual space. There are also many herbs that can be smoked and inhaled for a relaxing, uplifting or energetic effect. We will use the element of fire to cultivate a practice with smoke herbs. As we prepare for the inner work of winter, let’s craft custom dream pillows to cultivate a practice of intentional and healing dream space.

  • Weekday in November

    This day is left open to be determined by community needs or desires.

    Possibilities: A revisit with any of the topics we have explored. Building your home apothecary. Dream oracle & plant spirit medicine with Karla Refoxo. Winter high altitude plant spirit meditation. Herbs for Grief. Plants & Poetry. Botanical Illustration. Herbs for Pets. Natural Cleaning Products, Mineral Makeup, Herbs & Rituals for the Holidays, Gift Making Day, or ???

  • Saturday, December 21st, 2024

    As the winter solstice approaches, we work with evergreen medicine and preserved local herbs, weaving them into wreaths to symbolize endurance and renewal. Through a ritual of gratitude and reflection, we honor the resilience of the pine and the potency of our native herbs, marking the turning point of the year with reverence for nature's cycles.

January 2025

  • Saturday, January 18th, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

    Sunday, January 19th, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

    Participants will present a capstone project to our community on an herbal topic of their choice. Topics can be broad or specific, communal or personal; some ideas to get the juices flowing; Herbs for Covid Recovery, Postpartum herbal support, a thesis on one herb, aromatherapy & herbs for memory, etc. participants may also choose to create a small product line or develop a business plan. Herbal projects may also be merged with other passions, art, dance, public performance, garden design, ritual work, etc.

  • January Weekday, evening

    We will join together with family, friends and loved ones to commemorate our year together, and celebrate all we have learned, discovered and shared. Location and specifics to be voted on by community.

What you will receive

  • In person, hands-on, community and nature focused herbal education.

  • A Handbook of Herbal Medicine with delicious and effective recipes, an encyclopedia of herbs, resources for continued learning and tips & tricks of the apothecary trade.

  • High quality, effective herbal medicine & body care products to stock your home apothecary.

  • Lifetime access to Herbal Theory & Medicine Making Day class audio recordings (field excursions, harvests & rituals will not be recorded).

  • Direct experience with growing, harvesting and preserving herbal medicine.

  • A chance to explore, co-create and deepen in both personal and communal rituals with plant medicine.

  • Private, hands-on medicine making and body care classes at Rebecca’s Apothecary.

  • 10% discount at Rebecca's Apothecary on day of class.

  • A full year of support via email from Amber, Clinical Herbalist, Nutritionist & Apothecary Manager for personal and course-based herbal inquiries.

  • The opportunity to create and share a capstone project on an herbal topic of your choice.

  • Certificate of Completion of 100 hours in Community Herbalism.

  • A living, evolving classroom which considers individual and community needs, preferences and desires.

Course Instructors

Grant Hamil - Herb Farmer
Plume & Furrow Owner

Liz Philbrick - Clinical Herbalist & Nutritionist, Medicine Maker
Wild Rose Health

Ian Fierman-
Certified Mushroom Identification Expert with the Colorado Dept. of Public Health and Environment

Heather Powell -
Herbalist, Plant Witch

Amber Graziano -
Clinical Herbalist, Nutritionist, Rebecca’s Apothecary Manager

Theresa Canosa - CCH, Flower Essence Practitioner - Tulsi Rose Botanicals & RASA

Investment

  • To acknowledge the reality of diverse levels of economic access, I offer tiered pricing at three price points for folks to join. Monthly payment plans are available. Please email community@ambergraziano.com for more information.

    Community Rate - $2000
    For historically marginalized groups, & those experiencing economic challenges.

    Standard Rate - $2500

    Supporter Rate - $2800
    For those who are able to contribute more to help sponsor a Scholarship Position.

    Community Herbalism Course Application Form

  • Application Submission:

    To enroll in the Community Herbalism Course, please complete the application form.

    Acceptance Notification:

    Upon acceptance, you will receive an email notification confirming your enrollment status.

    Invoice for Deposit:

    Once accepted, an invoice for a non-refundable deposit of $200 will be sent to your provided email address.

    Payment Deadline:

    The remaining course payment is due by May 1st, 2024.

    Payment Plans:

    If you wish to discuss monthly payment plans, please send an email to community@ambergraziano.com. Monthly payment plans must be agreed upon by both Amber and participant.

    Please ensure timely submission of your deposit and full payment to secure your spot in the course. To foster a more intimate learning experience, we will cap registration at 12 participants.

    Registration will close on May 1st, 2024. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to us at community@ambergraziano.com. We look forward to welcoming you to our Community Herbalism Course.

  • Participants will be required to purchase herbs for their herb of the month projects and one (12) pack of pint-sized mason jars for taking home garden herbs and custom herbal blends.

    There will be free online resources provided for each month’s content, in addition to a recommended reading list.

    Materials for all medicine making days, field excursions and herb theory days are included in the course cost.

    Participants are required to find or provide their own transportation for each class. Specific location information will be shared 2 weeks ahead of time for planning. Ride sharing is encouraged to minimize impact and to build community.

  • In our Community Herbalism Course, we encourage active participation to the best of your ability. To earn your Community Herbalism Certificate, we recommend maintaining a minimum attendance of 80% of class hours.

    Additionally, expect to engage in monthly Materia Medica homework, requiring 1-4 hours of commitment per month. While the capstone project is optional, it comes highly recommended as a valuable opportunity to apply and consolidate your herbal knowledge. Your dedication and involvement will not only enhance your learning experience but also contribute to the vibrant community we aim to cultivate.

  • Refunds for Withdrawal:

    Full refunds, not including the deposit, will be granted for withdrawals made with written notice at least 14 days before the first class date (May 21st, 2024).

    If less than 14 days notice is given, a credit can be issued for the following year's Community Herbalism Course. The credit will be valid for one year.

    No Refunds or Credits:

    If less than 7 days notice is given before the first class date, no refund or credit will be issued.

    Course Cancellation:

    We require a minimum of 8 participants to conduct each year's course.

    In the event that the course must be canceled due to insufficient enrollment, a full refund, including the deposit, will be provided.

    For any questions regarding enrollment or cancellation, please reach out to community@ambergraziano.com.

    We appreciate your understanding and support of the policies outlined above, as they are essential to the successful functioning of our program.

    If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.