Buy a CSHS T-Shirt!
Wild Edible Mushroom ID & Walk Friday evening, Jan. 3 & Saturday, Jan. 4
Handcrafted Herbalism 2020(9 month weekend course) March 14 - November 8, 2020
Body Systems 2020(9 month weekend course) March 21 - November 15, 2020
Herbal Medicine Making for Beginners March 28 & 29
Need to pay your class balance? please see instructions on the registration page
Long Term Intensive Classes
Roots of Herbalism / Foundations of Health 2020
Now Accepting Applications
2020 Roots of Herbailsm course (8 month intensive). March 17 - November 12, 2020.
Intermediate-Community Herbalist Training 2020
2020 Dates - 9 month course -March 2 to November 23, 2020
Mondays (9:30am to 4:00pm)
and Tuesday evenings 5:30pm to 8:00pm
Handcrafted Herbalism 2020
(9 month weekend course) March 14 - November 8, 2020
Body Systems & Herbal Wellness 2020
(9 month weekend course) March 21 - November 15, 2020
One Day and Shorterm Classes
Wild Edible Mushroom ID & Foray #2 Friday Evening, January 3 & Saturday, January 4Herbal Medicine Making for Beginners March 28 & 29
Wild Foods: Spring Thursday evening, April 6
The Magic of Creating a Kosmic Kitchen April 25
Herbal First Aid for the Whole Family April 26
Spring Herbal Essentials(five Monday afternoons) May 4 - June 8
Handmade Herbal Body Care May 9 & June 7
Herbal Gels May 21
Herbal Skin Care for the 21st Century May 30 & 31
Growing Medicinal Plants for Beginners May 31
Seaweed for Food and Medicine Friday, June 5 and Saturday, June 6
Live Distillation : Essential Oils, Hydrosols, and Skin Foods June 20
Herbal Soap MakingJune 27
Native Bees and Herbal Gardens!June 28
Medicine Show and Herbal BazaarJuly 2
Herbal Kids Summer Camp Session 1Monday - Thursday, Session 1 - July 6 - 10
Herbal Kids Summer Camp Session 2Monday - Friday, Session 2 - July 13 - 17
Herbal Kids Summer Camp Session 3Monday - Friday, Session 3- August 10 - 14
Fall Herbal Essentials(five Monday afternoons) September 14 - October 12
Herbal Medicine for Oral Health: Teeth and Gums Monday evening, September 21
Wild Fall Foods Thursday evening, September 24
Advanced Medicine Making Saturday, Sept. 26 & Sunday, Sept. 27
Herbal Skin Care for the 21st Century - Fall Saturday, Oct. 3 & Sunday, Oct. 4
Traditional Herbal Allies for Women Saturday, Oct. 24 & Sunday, Oct 25
Harvesting Medicinal Roots Saturday, November 7
Herbal Fair and Market with the 2019 Intermediate Community Herbalist Students Tuesday, November 17
The Magic and Science of Medicinal Mushrooms Sunday, November 21
Herbal Holiday Gift Making Saturday, December 5
Wild Edible Mushroom ID & Foray Friday Evening, Dec. 11 & Sat., Dec. 12
Roots of Herbalism / Foundations of Health 2020
• 8 month herbal intensive (550 hrs class time) $6995.00
• March 17 - November 12, 2020
• This class is approved for continuing education credits
under the Board of Registered Nursing, through EduCare, Provider No. 7359.
| • curriculum | • to apply for admission | ||
| • class schedule | • tuition information | ||
| • gardening apprenticeship | • housing |
Core Staff Includes: Autumn Summers, Bryan Bowen, Courtney Fischer, David Hoffmann, Jen Bredesen, Karen Aguiar, Kate August, and Trinity Ava Wool.
Supporting Staff and Guest Teachers From 2019 Include: Cris Amarillas, Madalyn Berg, Cynthia Belew, Tim Blakley, Susan Blanc, Amy Charnay, Lizanne Deliz, Erin Forrest, Jim Hall, Kathleen Harrison, Abi Huff, Isa DeCredico, Sage LePena, Rebecca Maxfield, Larkin Morgan, Kara Sigler, Christa Sinadinos, Tamara Wilder, 7Song, and more
This intensive follows the seasons from early spring through late autumn. The curriculum is designed to immerse the beginning or intermediate student in the world of herbalism. The special strengths of this program are rooted in its thoroughness and breadth of scope. It covers every aspect of working with herbs themselves (plant identification, wildcrafting and cultivation, drying, and medicine making), while providing a foundation of knowledge for using them as medicines (human physiology, materia medica, therapeutics and first aid).
In addition to covering this core material, the course expands to include many diverse ways of working with plants (cosmetics, crafts, and plant-spirit communication) as well as other approaches to healing that can complement herbalism (nutrition, aromatherapy, and standard practice medicine). Our ultimate goal is to provide a well-rounded understanding of Western herbalism designed to bring herbs back into the home and community where they have traditionally been used.
Although much of our focus is academic, students will also learn the art of herbalism directly from the plants. This knowledge is imparted to us through the heart and senses, as well as through words and ideas. To help students experience this, the course includes two five-day field camping trips to wilderness areas as well as time in the medicinal plant garden at CSHS. Students are encouraged to cultivate a grounded perception of themselves and the plants through guided meditations. Students study hard, but just as importantly they have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the plant world in wild and cultivated natural spaces.
The CurriculumThe two semesters span the yearly cycle of the garden from new growth through root harvesting and seed saving. We begin in March as spring wildflowers and the school gardens come to life. This is the perfect time for hands-on interaction with plants and much time is spent on plant identification, wildcrafting, growing plant medicine, medicine making and herbal crafts. In the classroom, students begin their studies with body systems and herbal therapeutics, along with human physiology and materia medica. The focus is on understanding the vitality of the human body, what creates health imbalances, and how to maintain wellness in each body system. The first semester ends with "The Medicine Show and Herbal Bazaar"; a day when students display and share their medicines with the staff, friends, and members of the local community.
The second semester starts in July with students continuing to refine their skills in the garden, natural plant communities and the herbal lab. More intense focus is spent on herbal therapeutics. We will move beyond the concept of "this herb for this disease" and teach students to support and treat each individual. We teach a model of herbalism that empowers students to employ plants creatively, in contrast to memorizing standardized procedures and formulas.
| Core Curriculum | Estimated Hours |
|
| Therapeutic Herbalism........................................... | 125 Hours |
|
| Materia Medica...................................................... | 90 Hours |
|
| Medicine making & lab........................................... | 45 Hours |
|
| Anatomy, physiology & body systems..................... | 25 Hours |
|
| Herbal Actions /Formulations................................. | 40 Hours |
|
| Western Herbs for Tonification & Acute Conditions... | 45 Hours |
|
| Plant Identification & Herb Walks........................... | 45 Hours |
|
| Growing Plant Medicine - Gardening, harvesting, etc. | 35 Hours |
|
| Nutrition............................................................... | 15 Hours |
|
| Aromatherapy....................................................... | 15 Hours |
|
| Ethnobotany......................................................... | 10 Hours |
|
| Natural cosmetics and crafts.................................. | 10 Hours |
|
| Western Constitutional Herbalism.......................... | 15 Hours |
|
| Green politics, history and mythology...................... | 5 Hours |
|
| Plant Chemistry...................................................... | 10 Hours |
|
| Misc....................................................................... | 20 Hours |
|
Class schedule for Roots of Herbalism / Foundations of Health
Classes meet every week Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:30am to 3:30pm.
Two camping trips in April and August which are Monday – Friday
There are many extra activities that extend outside of theses hours:
• weekly lunch time classes in the garden
• student-led herb walks
• before-school harvesting opportunities both off-site and at the CSHS garden
• after-school guided activities, such as herbal movies, potlucks, and student-led classes
Students should also expect to spend an additional 10-15 hours each week on their own projects, reading assignments, and homework.
Gardening Apprenticeship
Each year CSHS accepts a small number of students into the garden apprenticeship program. These are students who are in the Roots of Herbalism program who apply for, and commit to, an additional 6-8 hours a week. These students work closely with the staff to care take the school gardens. Garden apprentices work from 4pm - 6pm on Wednesdays after school, and Friday mornings from 9:00am - 1:00pm.
This program provides an excellent and intimate opportunity to emphasize the growing and community involved aspects of herbalism while working closely with our garden staff. Being a garden apprentice is both hard work and very rewarding.
Applications for the Garden Apprentice program will be automatically sent to all students accepted into the Roots of Herbalism Intensive. To apply for this program you will need to submit two letters of recommendation and have a separate interview with the gardening staff.
To Apply For Admission for Roots of Herbalism
Send your application via email attachment to CSHS@CSHS.COM attn: Rebecca
If you have questions, please write, call, or e-mail us, and be sure to include your address and phone number. We look forward to hearing from you!
Please answer the following questions as thoroughly as possible:
1.
On page one of your application please provide:
Please answer #2-7 on a different sheet(s) of paper than the above:
2. List all education, work experience, self-study, hobbies and passions relating to the healing arts and sciences, botany and herbalism. Include any degrees or licenses held.
3. How did you become interested in herbalism?
4. Is there a particular goal you are working towards that will be complemented by your herbal studies?
5. Have you visited us or taken any classes here in the past?
6. How did you hear of The California School of Herbal Studies?
7. Date and sign your name at the end of your application.
8. Submit your deposit of $295.00 with a check or via the website. Your application is not complete without the deposit. This deposit will be non-refundable upon acceptance into the program and will either be applied to your tuition or refunded to you if you are not accepted.
9. If you have not done so already, please schedule a tour and interview at our campus. As well, if possible, you can sit-in on a class for the day. If it is impossible to visit us we can schedule a Skype or phone interview, however it is highly recommended that you visit in person if possible.
Acceptance Standards
We do not have an educational background requirement. We are looking for committed, motivated, and hardworking students who are eager to learn. Students must be at least 18 years old.
Tuition Information
Tuition is due by February 1, 2020. If cleared in advance with us, it is possible to make arrangements to finance $3000.00 of your tuition. In this case, $3700.00 is due on February 1, 2020 and a time payment schedule is arranged for the balance.
Refund Policy
1. The $295.00 deposit is non-refundable upon acceptance into the program.
2. A full refund of tuition (less the $295.00 deposit) will be paid to the student if she/he withdraws (in writing) before February 1, 2020 at 5pm Pacific Time.
3. If a student cancels after February 1, 2020, 5pm Pacific Time, but before February 14, 2020, 5pm Pacific Time, an additional $1000.00 fee will be retained. Cancellations after 5pm, February 14, 2020 will follow the dates below to determine appropriate refund. These refunds will be calculated using percentages of the post-deposit tuition, $6700.00.
4. If a student withdraws from Roots of Herbalism & Foundations of Health, a refund calculation will be performed which will comply with the following:
(based on 103 days of class)
<10% of course completed (on or before April 8) = 50% refund
> 10 % < 25% of course completed (on or before May 7) = 25% refund
>25% < 50% of course completed (on or before July 23) = 10% refund
> 50% of course completed (after 5pm July 23) = 0% refund
Housing
CSHS does not provide nor secure housing for our students. However, we do send out a list of possible rentals in the area about 4-6 weeks before classes begin. It is strongly recommended that students check with other rental sources as well and allow themselves time to find a home. More information on housing will be sent along with acceptance packages.
Graduation Requirements
1. Satisfactory completion of all assignments, including materia medica reports, medicine
making, first-aid kits, botany assignment and many more.
2. Maintain at least an 85% attendance record within each semester.
3. Attend and participate in both camping trips and medicine show.
4. Pay tuition in full.
Placement
At CSHS we emphasize the skilled use of herbalism in the home and community, and this is the perspective from which we teach. We do not seek or guarantee placement of our graduates. However, throughout the year CSHS receives notices of apprenticeship and employment opportunities, which are posted at the school. Many of our students go on to find employment in the herbal world in a variety of areas including: herbal medicine making, education, and managing herbal businesses. Our students who are health care providers have successfully incorporated herbalism into their practices. Many of our graduates have gone on to create their own herbal businesses.
Intermediate - Community Herbalist Training 2020
• 9 month course -March 2 to November 23, 2020
Mondays (9:30 to 4:00)
and Tuesday evenings 5:30-8:00pm
• Two five-day camping trips (dates to be announced)
• Two clinic shadow days (Tuesdays and/or Thursdays 8am-1pm)
• Student Lectures four Monday nights (dates to be announced)
• 322 lecture hours
Tuition : $4495 total
$295 deposit due by September 15, 2019. Non-refundable upon acceptance into program. Balance due by February 1, 2020; payment plans available.
Faculty: Bryan Bowen, Jen Bredesen, Karen Aguiar, Lily Mazzarella, Christa Sinadinos, DeAnna Batdorf, 7song, Kara Sigler, Robin Lander, Laura Ash, and more.
To Apply: Call or email to request an application. Interviews are required for this course.
The goal of this intermediate course is to give the student the skills necessary to better support self, family, friends and community with herbal medicine. This is the next step on the path to become a community or clinical herbalist. You will gain an understanding of how to apply herbs for self-care and build confidence in recommending herbs for friends and community. There is a large self study component to this course and students can expect to spend one day a week on their studies.
In this course you will:
• Learn to write, analyze and present case studies
• Learn to assess physiological health states and constitutions
• Learn to make, formulate and recommend herbal recommendations
• Differentiate, formulate and apply herbs for body systems and constitutions
• Discuss, evaluate and present research on materia medica (both scientific and traditional)
• Create and evaluate herbal medicines with intermediate level pharmacy classes
• Teach a public class
• Learn to make herbal remedies and identify herbs in the field on two camping field trips (required for certificate).
• The clinical component of this course includes observation at Forestville Wellness Center and client interviews done outside of school.
Note: Handcrafted Herbalism, Body Systems and students outside of CSHS there is a prerequisite of Intermediate Medicine Making Intensive held before school starts.
Recommended Books (required books will be assigned upon acceptance):
• Medical Herbalism—Hoffmann
• Pathophysiology for the Health Professions, (4th edition)—Gould and Dyer
• Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy—Bone and Mills
• Herbs and Natural Supplements—Braun and Cohen
• Consultation in Phytotherapy—Conway
• A Clinical Guide to Blending Herbs—Kerry Bone
Quotes from Students:
“I love this program overall and am learning so much. The program has made me feel more comfortable in my knowledge and ready to begin clinical work in the community”
“Feel like I am getting a full week’s program all in one day”
“I am really grateful to be here. The course and people who make it are like family and a second home.”
“Love it. It’s been amazing. Staff is great. Program is organized. Thorough curriculum.”
Handcrafted Herbalism 2020
Learn how to grow, harvest, use and make herbal medicine through this seasonally based herbal medicine course.
• 10am - 4pm, Saturday and Sunday, one weekend a month for 9 months
(90 hours class time)
• 2020 Dates - March 14-15, April 4-5, May 2-3, June 6-7, July 18-19, August 15-16,
September 12-13, October 10-11 and November 7-8
•
Tuition : $1795
Teachers: Terri Jensen, Jen Bredesen, Colleen Bingham Solis, Trinity Ava,
Autumn Summers and guest teachers
This beginning course teaches the skills necessary to become confident in basic herbal practices. Our time together will be split between the classroom, garden, and lab learning how make and use a wide variety of herbs and herbal preparations. Learn how to gather and use medicinal plants during garden walks and the off-site seaweed harvest and coast excursion. Classroom time will focus on seasonal appropriate remedies for most common ailments. At the end of the course, students will have the beginnings of an herbal medicine chest as well as the knowledge to expand it on their own. The curriculum will focus on the following areas:
Medicine-making
Correct methods for drying and storing herbs as well as 'hands on' classes in preparing tinctures, oils, glycerites, infusions, salves, and more.
Seasonal Herbalism
Learn about common ailments for each season and herbal solutions to support healthy transitions. Examples include colds and flus, allergies, sprains, strains and first aid skills.
Materia-medica
A study of the medicinal uses of plants found locally in the wild and in the garden. We will discuss the ways specific herbs affect the body and the role of herbs in preventing and treating illness. Each month students will be given herbs to take home and experience directly.
Plant identification & medicinal plant growing
Learn the empowering act of medicinal plant cultivation developing hands on skills including propagation, soil building and seed saving. Emphasis will be placed on herbs that are easily grown in the greater Bay Area.
Body Systems & Herbal Wellness 2020
An introductory course on the function of the human body including the actions of herbs specific to each body system, preventive care, and basic herbal therapeutics.
• 10am - 4pm, Saturday and Sunday - one weekend a month for 9 months
(90 hours class time)
• 2020 Dates - March 21-22, April 18-19, May 16-17, June 13-14, July 25-26,
August 22-23, September 19-20, October 17-18, and November 14-15.
•
Tuition : $1795
• This class is approved for continuing education credits
under the Board of Registered Nursing, through EduCare, Provider No. 7359.
Teachers: Jen Bredesen, Kate August, Trinity Ava, Cynthia Belew, Amy Charnay, Madalyn Berg, Kara Sigler and guest teachers.
An introductory course on herbal support for the human body. This class will cover how to nourish each body system with preventative care, and medicinal plants. Each month we will study a different organ system, followed by a discussion of primary herbs and relevant therapeutic approaches for that system. At the end of nine months you will have a basic understanding of the possibilities offered by herbal medicine for maintaining health of the various body systems. The curriculum consists of two main fields of study:
Materia-medica
A beginning study of the properties and actions of specific herbs and how they are used to maintain and restore health. Each month students will be given homework assignments and samples of herbs to take home to experience directly.
Therapeutics
We will cover basic treatment approaches for specific conditions. After learning how the body works and how individual herbs affect the body, we will bring the knowledge together to view how herbs can be used to re-establish balance in conditions such as colds and flu, indigestion and chronic stress. Approaches to preventing disease by maintaining health will be discussed.
One Day and Shorterm Classes
back to top >Wild Edible Mushroom ID and Foray January 2020
with Autumn Summers
Friday, January 3, 6:30-9pm (class) & Saturday, January 4, 10:00am - 3:00pm(field trip)
$80
During the Friday evening lecture you will learn the basics of mushroom identification and guidelines for selecting and harvesting local fungi. On our excursion into the woods the next day we will put into practice how to accurately identify and ethically gather the delicious edible and medicinal mushrooms that flourish on the Sonoma Coast and the greater Bay Area. Depending on weather conditions these may include Chanterelles, Russula, Turkey Tails and more... Location of field trip to be decided depending on weather conditions the week before the class.
Herbal Medicine Making for Beginners 2020
with Terri JensenSaturday & Sunday, March 28 & 29, 10am - 4pm
2 day course, $210 (includes materials fee)
Why buy herbal products when it’s so simple and empowering to make your own? This hands-on class includes instruction on harvesting, drying, preserving and preparing medicinal plants. Learn how to make medicinal teas, infused oils, salves, tinctures, vinegars, glycerites and more. We’ll also discuss the principles of ethical harvesting. Includes samples of tinctures and medicines made in class.
Wild Foods - Spring Edibles
Autumn Summers
Thursday, April 6, 6pm - 9pm
$55
Come learn about the abundant and nutritious spring wild foods of the Bay Area. Our evening begins in the CSHS garden getting to know, identify and gathering fresh spring greens. We will bring our harvest into the kitchen to cook and taste the local bounty of nettles, chickweed, miner's lettuce, mallow leaves, milk thistle, wild three-cornered leek and more. Learn how to to make nourishing nettle wild greens pesto, milk thistle leaf saute, pickled radish pods and more yummy treats.
The Magic of Creating a Kosmic Kitchen 2020
How to transform your kitchen into a healing sanctuary, and create tasty everyday rituals to restore the nervous system and support overall health.
with Sarah Kate Benjamin & Summer Ashley Singletary
Saturday, April 25, 11am - 4pm
$110 includes meal + supplies
The kitchen has long been the heart of the home and a sanctuary for herbalists and cooks alike. It is a space to feel nourished, connected and inspired by the magic of healing foods and herbs. Though most of us have busy and full lives, having a foundation of everyday herbs and rituals helps us to feel less overwhelmed about nourishing ourselves and our loved ones.
Through this workshop, Sarah and Summer will share with you the foundations for creating a healing kitchen, or what they like to call, a kosmic kitchen. Together, with our hearts and hands, we’ll create an herbal infused meal as well as learn about:
Key tools to create a kosmic kitchen
Feeling confident using restorative herbs + herbal actions
Key herbal preparations that save time and reduce stress
The four qualities and how they show up in our body
The power of the six tastes and their actions
Self care + nourishing food recipes for the spring season
Herbal First Aid for the Whole Family 2020
with Jen Bredesen
Sunday, April 26, 10am - 4pm
$95
Become the person who can handle some common first aid situations. In this Herbal First Aid class we will address treatments for many conditions that arise for adults & kids, including Wound Care, Tick Bites, Burns, Trauma, Bruises, Poison Oak and contact dermatitis, Rashes, Anxiety, Panic attacks, & Digestive issues.
Spring Herbal Essentials 2020
Five Monday afternoons from 1 - 5pm. May 4, 11, 18 and June 1 and 8, 2020
tuition: $350
Come join us in the vibrant springtime garden. Spring Essentials is a beginning course in the healing power of herbal medicine. Each session is a blend of lecture time in the beautiful garden, harvesting of plants, plant ID, and hands on medicine making in the lab. Our focus is on self-care with herbs, diet and lifestyle to support the body in the spring season for daily well-being. We will discuss and create herbal remedies to support healthy digestion and allergy prevention. We will connect with the power of herbs as food and medicine to promote greater vitality all year long. You will leave this 5 week course enriched with samples and hands on knowledge to better practice basic medicine making with herbs. This class is designed for the beginning student, though all levels are welcome.
• Some of the plants discussed: Artichoke, Calendula, Comfrey, Mint, Nettle, Plantain, Rosemary, and more!
• Learn to identify, harvest and use medicinal plants.
• Hands on demonstration and introduction to basic medicine making - including making infused oils.
• Demonstration of hydrosol and essential oil distillation.
• Culinary uses of herbs for daily well-being.
• Recipes, samples and lots of tastings!
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Herbal Body Care
with Colleen Bingham Solis
May 9 & June 7, 10am - 4pm
$250
Don't Miss this Course! This class was so popular in 2019 we have doubled the length in order to give you more information and cover more product possibilities!
This two day herbal body care intensive will cover the topics of herbal hair care, tooth care, and deodorant. We will focus on formulation concepts, and individual product goals for best functionality, while also discussing the physiology of these areas of the body, how the products we use can help or hinder our body's natural processes, and herbal allies best suited to support vibrant health. Everyone will leave with a plethora of helpful tips, recipes to replicate at home, and travel sized samples of everything we make! Products to be discussed and demonstrated: hair shampoos, conditioners, and rinses, toothpaste and mouthwash, and simple and effective deodorants with lovely natural scents!
**This course takes place over two different months. This allows for you to go home and work with the products made in the first class and come back with questions!
Herbal Gels
with Colleen Bingham Solis
May 21, 6pm - 9pm
$45
Learn the many virtues of hydrocolloids: substances that form gels in the presence of water. We will discuss how to utilize these fun and accessible ingredients, and pair them with your herbal medicines to create a variety of topical preparations. There will be demonstrations of how to make a topical pain gel and a facial serum, one water based and one water & oil based; each student will get samples of each product to take home!
Herbal Skin Care for the 21st Century
with Trinity Ava
May 30 & 31, 10am - 4pm
2 day course, $230 (includes materials fee)
Join us for a weekend creating your own custom designed herbal skin care products. We will create a home spa experience making luxurious and nourishing skin care products for the whole family. Learn advanced formulation strategies for natural preservation systems of creams, lotions, toners, masks and more. We will address common skin issues from dandruff, eczema, acne, scars, and aging. This class is geared towards all levels of students, including those moving towards the clinical setting, or already in practice. All participants will leave with abundant samples and formulation strategies for creating incredible skin care products at home for clients, friends, and family.
Each day we will divide our time between lecture and hands on creation of our herbal products.
21st Century Herbal Skin Care is intended to offer an exploration of time tested herbal wisdom merged with modern knowledge of essential oils, hydrosols, infused oils, and globally renowned oils such as Tamanu and Neem oil. We will demystify some current skin care trends; learn about beneficial herbal skin food, and the benefits of feeding the skin. We will discuss simple and effective topical protocols for occasional acne, dandruff, lice, and scar tissue with essential oils and infused oils.
We will spend part of our time together creating delicious and skin nourishing herbal treats. We will make and apply a variety of skin food during class including; clay facial masks with hydrosol, cooling herbal body paste, soothing facial serums, decadent facial and body creams, enlightening hair oils and more. This has become our most popular course, don’t wait to register!
Growing Medicinal Herbs for Beginners
with Autumn SummersMay 31, 10am-4pm
$90
Come learn how to grow medicinal plants from seed, cuttings, and divisions in the spring garden. This class is designed for the beginning gardener. We will talk about how to be successful propagating and growing medicinal herbs in the Bay Area. We will use the 350 species of plants in the CSHS garden as our teachers, seeing where they thrive and what we can do to grow them successfully. You will go home with cuttings and seeds to grow in your own garden.
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Seaweed for Food and Medicine
with Autumn SummersFriday, June 5, 6:30-9pm (class) & Saturday, June 6, 7am - 9am (field trip)
$85
From ancient times to the present, seaweeds have been used by coastal people all over the world to nourish themselves and their gardens, as well as to treat disease. The Sonoma coast is incredibly rich in seaweeds that can be used as food and medicine. Learn how to identify, use and sustainably harvest this abundant and safe resource. We have received questions about radiation concerns and local seaweeds. West coast seaweeds have tested clear of radiation from Fukushima. We feel confident about the saftey this local resource and will share information in the class regarding this concern. Evening class will be at CSHS. Maps will be given out for morning field trip location during the evening class. Field trip location is 40 minutes from CSHS campus.
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Live Distillation : Essential Oils, Hydrosols, and Skin Foods
with Trinity AvaJune 20, 10am-4pm
$110
Join us for a hands on day of creating aromatic and sensory bliss. The world of essential oils and “aromatherapy” are an often misunderstood aspect of herbalism. We will offer live distillation creating our own fresh hydrosols and essential oil to be merged into a therapeutic and active hand made cream, rich with skin friendly essential oils. We will create a clear safety guide for appropriate use of essential oils for the whole family. We will discuss formulation strategies to support the integration of essential oils with whole plant medicine to support daily wellness with herbal medicine. You will leave with a powerful self care kit prepared to feel incredible and aromatic. Products to be made: Herbal and aromatic creams, salve, hydrosol and essential oil.
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Herbal Soap Making
June 27, 10am-4pm
$110
This beginners course will focus on Cold Process soap making, using sodium hydroxide (lye), blended with water, and organic oils to make soap! This hands-on course is really the best and safest way to begin your journey as a soap maker, as working with caustic substances like lye can be intimidating (and dangerous) for the novice. We will explore the basics of preparing your work area, creating a formula and the step-by-step process of blending your ingredients - plus we will discuss online tools for getting the best results! If time permits, we will also discuss the process for making liquid hand soaps scented with essential oils. Each student will have an opportunity to get creative with some herbal garnishes & colorants, play with essential oil blending and leave with a small amount of soap to cure, cut and enjoy.
Native Bees and Herbal Gardens!
with Jaime PawelekJune 28, 10am-1pm
$45
Did you know that California is home to roughly 1,600 species of native bees?! While most people can recognize a honey bee and perhaps a bumble bee, few are aware that so many other types are pollinating our native, ornamental, and agricultural plants. Come learn about the importance of these pollinators, their biology and ecology, including info on their lifecycle and nesting needs. You will learn about the most common native bees visiting medicinal herb gardens during each season, as well as their very favorite plants. Jaime will provide info on how to start your own bee garden, or modify your existing garden, to encourage these valuable pollinators to visit your own home habitat. After the lecture, we will tour the CSHS gardens in search of native bees. We'll be able to observe these pollinators up close and personal and you will be able to better understand some of the unique interactions taking place.
Medicine Show and Herbal Bazaar
Brought to you by the 2020 Roots of Herbalsim students of CSHS
Thursday, July 2, 4pm -7pm
FREE!
This gala event presents the culmination of a semesters worth of medicine making and herbal endeavors by our full-time students. Come and taste herbal teas, tinctures, elixirs and foods. Meet the staff and students and learn about what we do here. Parking is limited. Please register early!
To Register email CSHS@cshs.com
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Herbal Kids Summer Camp for Ages 7-10 Session 1 - Monday - Friday
We offer three weeks of herbal camp for children. Each week we cover different herbs and make different herbal medicines and herbal crafts. Many children enjoy multiple weeks of our camps.with Jackie Davey and Kara Davey
Monday through Thursday, July 6-10, 9am-1pm daily
$295 - Limited to 16 children
This is a week-long camp for kids ages 7-10 interested in learning about and interacting with medicinal plants. Each day the kids will have the opportunity to make a craft project based on different medicinal herbs. Together with CSHS herbalist, Jackie Davey, and local artist, Kara Davey, we will make medicines, cook yummy snacks, and get our hands dirty in the spectacular CSHS herb garden. Some of the fun will include: herbal eye pillows, salves, syrups, salts, lavender popsicles, herbal lollipops, harvesting, garlands, and each kid will go home with their very own potted medicinal plant! Don’t miss this opportunity! These camps had a long wait list last year- sign up early to secure a space.
Jackie Davey has over a decade of experience working with children. Jackie has a busy postpartum doula practice, Birth Realm and more recently is an educator for Doula Trainings International. She graduated from the California School of Herbal Studies in 2009 and continues to explore her love of plants co teaching in the CSHS school garden.
Kara Davey brings with her a background in early childhood education with a focus in the creative arts. She recently moved from Venice, CA where she taught both group and private art classes to kids. Currently, Kara is teaching at Wigwam Preschool in Sebastopol, and Cast Away & Folk, in Santa Rosa.
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Herbal Kids Summer Camp for Ages 7-10 Session 2
with Sorrel Allen and Kara DaveyMonday through Friday, July 13-17, 9am-1pm daily
$295 - Limited to 16 children
This is a week-long camp for kids ages 7-10 interested in learning about and interacting with medicinal plants. Each day the kids will have the opportunity to make a craft project based on different medicinal herbs. We will make medicines, cook yummy snacks, and get our hands dirty in the spectacular CSHS herb garden. Some of the fun will include: herbal eye pillows, salves, syrups, salts, lavender popsicles, herbal lollipops, harvesting, garlands, and each kid will go home with their very own potted medicinal plant! Don’t miss this opportunity! These camps had a long wait list last year- sign up early to secure a space.
Sorrel Allen is a naturalist, herbal mama, science educator, farmer & bee keeper. She has been teaching children in natural settings in Northern California since 2004. Presently she grows food and plant medicine for folks with serious illnesses at Food For Thought gardens in Forestville and teaches at Wigwam preschool. She shares her love of plants, plant medicine, and nature crafting with her two magical children and friends and family. Sorrel graduated from California School of Herbal Studies in 2012.
Kara Davey brings with her a background in early childhood education with a focus in the creative arts. She recently moved from Venice, CA where she taught both group and private art classes to kids. Currently, Kara is teaching at Wigwam Preschool in Sebastopol, and Cast Away & Folk, in Santa Rosa.
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Herbal Kids Summer Camp for Ages 7-10 Session 3
with Courtney Fischer and Kara DaveyMonday through Friday, August 10-14, 9am-1pm daily
$295 - Limited to 16 children
This is a week-long camp for kids ages 7-10 interested in learning about and interacting with medicinal plants. Each day the kids will have the opportunity to make a craft project based on different medicinal herbs. We will make medicines, cook yummy snacks, and get our hands dirty in the spectacular CSHS herb garden. Some of the fun will include: herbal eye pillows, salves, syrups, salts, lavender popsicles, herbal lollipops, harvesting, garlands, and each kid will go home with their very own potted medicinal plant! Don’t miss this opportunity! These camps had a long wait list last year- sign up early to secure a space.
Courtney Fischer herbalist, MS, CNS Courtney finds plants and their medicine to be intriguing as well as offering a meaningful connection to the earth and what it means to be alive. Many years ago she was first inspired by the medicinal plants in her own backyard, in awe that they not only had the ability to rouse various helpful effects within her when consumed but that this medicine was also so accessible—she has been inquisitively learning about plants, the human body/mind, and healing ever since. She began her herbal studies at Motherland Botanical Sanctuary and CSHS, and then went on to receive her Masters in Herbal Medicine from Maryland University of Integrative Health.
Kara Davey brings with her a background in early childhood education with a focus in the creative arts. She recently moved from Venice, CA where she taught both group and private art classes to kids. Currently, Kara is teaching at Wigwam Preschool in Sebastopol, and Cast Away & Folk, in Santa Rosa.
Fall Herbal Essentials
with Colleen Bingham Solis and Kate AugustFive Monday afternoons from 1 - 5pm. September 14,21, 28, October 5 & 12
Tuition: $350
Fall Essentials will focus on herbal approaches to health for the fall and winter seasons. From the perspective of the Western constitutional model of health-care and aromatic medicine, we will discuss the physiological function, and patterns of imbalance, of the respiratory and immune systems. We will dig fall herbs, make seasonally appropriate medicines and study basic herbal actions, therapeutic strategies and what must be included in your essential herbal medicine chest for fall and winter. This course is appropriate for those who have already taken the Spring Essentials courses, and for those new to herbalism.
• Empower yourself with the knowledge of seasonal western herbalism.
• Herbal teas and tinctures for cold and flu season and delicious nourishing tonics for prevention and protection.
• Learn to identify, harvest and make medicine with fall medicinal plants.
• Hands on demonstration and introduction to basic medicine making and cooking with medicinal herbs that boost immunity.
• Demonstration of hydrosol and essential oil distillation.
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Herbal Medicine for Oral Health: Teeth and Gums
with 7songMonday Evening September 21 6:30 - 8:30pm
$30
Tooth and gum disease are common problems. They include toothaches, and gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), bad breath and gum recession. There are many ways that herbs and lifestyle can improve your oral health and therefore your overall health as well. This class will focus on some of the herbs that can help reduce pain and inflammation in these areas as well as increase oral health.
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Wild Fall Foods
Autumn Summers
Thursday Evening, September 24, 6 - 9pm
$55
Come learn about the abundant and nourishing foods of fall. Our evening begins outside on the CSHS campus getting to know and identify these edible plants. Next we head into the kitchen to cook and taste the local bounty - including an acorn savory dip, roasted bay nuts treats, cattail pollen flavored pancakes and more.
Advanced Medicine Making
with Terri Jensen
Saturday & Sunday, September 26 & 27, 10am - 4pm
2 day course, $230 (includes materials fee)
This class is geared for the herbal student and practitioner who has basic medicine making skills and knowledge. In this two day course we will cover the percolation method, which can yield very potent liquid extracts in just 24 - 48 hours, instead of the usual two weeks. We will also discuss how to draw out particular plant constituents to create the strongest medicines, which menstruum to use for particular plants and how to test your results. Completion of our basic medicine making weekend or more is required for this course.
Herbal Skin Care for the 21st Century - Fall Session
with Trinity Ava
Saturday & Sunday, October 3 & 4, 10am - 4pm
2 day course, $230 (includes materials fee)
Join us for a weekend creating your own custom designed herbal skin care products. We will create a home spa experience making luxurious and nourishing skin care products for the whole family. Learn advanced formulation strategies for natural preservation systems of creams, lotions, toners, masks and more. We will address common skin issues from dandruff, eczema, acne, scars, and aging. This class is geared towards all levels of students, including those moving towards the clinical setting, or already in practice. All participants will leave with abundant samples and formulation strategies for creating incredible skin care products at home for clients, friends, and family.
Each day we will divide our time between lecture and hands on creation of our herbal products.
21st Century Herbal Skin Care is intended to offer an exploration of time tested herbal wisdom merged with modern knowledge of essential oils, hydrosols, infused oils, and globally renowned oils such as Tamanu and Neem oil. We will demystify some current skin care trends; learn about beneficial herbal skin food, and the benefits of feeding the skin. We will discuss simple and effective topical protocols for occasional acne, dandruff, lice, and scar tissue with essential oils and infused oils.
We will spend part of our time together creating delicious and skin nourishing herbal treats. We will make and apply a variety of skin food during class including; clay facial masks with hydrosol, cooling herbal body paste, soothing facial serums, decadent facial and body creams,enlightening hair oils and more. This has become our most popular course, don’t wait to register!
Traditional Herbal Allies for Women ~ For All Phases of our lives
with Brittany Jade
Saturday & Sunday, October 24 & 25, 10am - 4pm
2 day course, $235 (includes materials fee)
Join us for an unforgettable weekend of expanding your knowledge base and skill set of traditional and ceremonial plant medicine preparations for women throughout all phases of life, particularly menses, conception and menopause. We will also explore medicinal plant allies for use in lifelong self- care and particularly for recovering from abuse.
Since time immemorial women have gathered together in circles to care for one another and share the wisdom of grandmothers past in regards to the Plant Nations and how to build a lifelong relationship with them.
Holistic Well Woman care is inseparable from herbalism and traditional ancestral practices, and through this two day workshop we will explore and gain invaluable tools which will serve to exalt ourselves as well as our entire communities of women.
The curriculum of this workshop includes:
- Learning about traditional plant allies for all phases of a woman’s life.
- Preparing wellness remedies in a traditional Indigenous manner.
- Practicing traditional uterine and abdominal massage.
- Experiencing traditional ceremonies and rites of passage for women of all ages.
*** All traditional Indigenous plant medicine preparations which are shared through Brittany's teaching in this workshop are common to many cultures on all habitable continents and have not been appropriated from specific communities of people. Any medicine songs shared during this workshop have either been written by Brittany or are gladly offered as medicine for the people by the originator.
Harvesting Medicinal Roots
with Bryan Bowen and Autumn Summers
Saturday, November 7, 9:30am - 2:30pm
$80
Fall is one of the best times to harvest the roots of medicinal plants. Come to the CSHS Garden and learn how to properly harvest and process herbal roots for the optimal medicinal properties. Class includes hands harvesting of Echinacea, Comfrey, Elecampane, Burdock and more. After harvesting we will discuss some of the ways to utilize these fresh roots for medicinal preparations.
Herbal Fair and Market
Brought to you by 2020 Intermediate Community Herbalist Students
Tuesday, November 17, 2pm-6pm
LOCATION -
SEBASTOPOL MASONIC CENTER
373 N. Main Street, Sebastopol
FREE!
This fair and market is the culmination of two years of study at The California School of Herbal Studies for our Intermediate Community Herbalist students.
Come experience herbal medicine--teas, tinctures, vinegars, skin care, bath and beauty, food as medicine, ferments and herbal medicines for all people. Many of these products will be for sale.
Come learn something--each of our students will present their final projects from the year. These subjects range from self care, zines, community projects, herbal businesses, clinical work and more.
Each student brings a unique focus to their path of herbalism. Come support these students, get inspired, learn something and invest in high quality products.
The Magic and Science of Medicinal Mushrooms
with Karen Aguiar
Sunday, November 21, 10am - 4pm
$95
Mushrooms can be important medicines in everybody’s apothecary. This course focuses on understanding the uses of medicinal mushrooms and distinguishing between different species, such as reishi, chaga, turkey tails, maitake, and beyond, for the apothecary or home use. We will cover the theory and practice of using mushrooms in medicine and in the kitchen, as well as how to prepare these unique mushrooms to create the most potent and effective medicines possible.Taught by Karen Aguiar, a professional medicine maker with decades of experience, particularly with mushrooms, this thorough course promises to be both educational and fun!
Herbal Holiday Gift Making
with Autumn Summers & Trinity AvaSaturday, December 5, 10am - 3pm
$100(includes materials fee)
Handmade holiday gifts are a valued treasure! Create holiday magic with unique and inspiring hand crafted herbally based gifts. Learn how to create decadent and cost effective gifts for the entire family that will have them begging you to make more year after year! You will learn how to make: Infused oils, healing salve and lip balm, nourishing skin cream, bath salts, herbal honeys and more. Each student will receive recipes and samples of what we make during class.
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Wild Edible Mushroom ID and Foray
with Autumn Summers
Friday,December 11, 6:30-9pm (class) & Saturday, December 12, 10:00am - 3:00pm(field trip)
$80
During the Friday evening lecture you will learn the basics of mushroom identification and guidelines for selecting and harvesting local fungi. On our excursion into the woods the next day we will put into practice how to accurately identify and ethically gather the delicious edible and medicinal mushrooms that flourish on the Sonoma Coast and the greater Bay Area. Depending on weather conditions these may include Chanterelles, Russula, Turkey Tails and more... Location of field trip to be decided depending on weather conditions the week before the class.