Spring Herbalism 6-Week Course

Join us at the Brooklyn Apothecary for a six-week series exploring the foundations of Herbalism- learn about herbs and herbal preparations with Anima Mundi resident herbalists Sophie Cozine and Marisa Clementi. Deepen your understanding of plants through hands-on medicine making and seasonal practices.  Each Thursday evening starting on April 10th at 7:30pm we will be diving into a new topic. This course includes a bonus plant walk in Prospect Park!

In this weekly gathering we will follow the growing season from Spring to early Summer and dive into the world of herbalism. We’ll begin with the history and origins of various herbal traditions from Traditional Chinese Medicine, Western Herbalism, Ayurveda, to Folk Herbalism; then explore botany and plant identification, herbal energetics, herbs to forage throughout the season, medicine making, and more! 

This class is designed for anyone and everyone who wants to learn! No prior knowledge or experience is necessary. Come discover with us! 

Classes Include: 

• Supplemental reading materials and handouts
• Custom medicines for you to make and take home using fresh herbs
• Herbal recipes
• Herbal tea
• 15% off Anima Mundi products in store

 Curriculum:

• APRIL 10 Intro to Herbal Medicine + Energetics of Spring: Make a Spring Flower Honey
• BONUS CLASS: APRIL 12: Plant Walk in Prospect Park 
• APRIL 17: Botany 101 + Make a Nettle Oxymel 
• APRIL 24 Medicine Making: Ingestibles. Make Your Own Glycerite
• MAY 1 Floralia / Beltane: Honoring the Changing of the Seasons, Make Your Own Flower Essence 
• MAY 8 Medicine Making: Topicals. Make Your Own Violet Salve
• MAY 15 Harvest Feast + Celebration! 

Class Descriptions: 

April 10th: Intro to Herbal Medicine, Botany + Plant Identification
We will discuss the foundations of herbal medicine from various cultures worldwide, noting their similarities and differences and how ecologies lend themselves to certain types of medicine. We will particularly focus on the concept of herbal energetics. Plus, we will also make our own spring honey with flowers such as wildcrafted Cherry Blossom and Redbud to take home!

April 17: Plant Identification + Botany: Make Your Own Nettle Oxymel
We will learn about basic botany and plant identification knowledge, focusing on a few important plant families within herbalism: Rose, Mint, and Aster. We will also be applying that knowledge by making our own Nettle Oxymel with fresh Nettle! A tried and true remedy for spring allergies, cleansing, and more.

April 24: Medicine Making - Ingestibles: Make Your Own Glycerite
We will learn about the various methods for extracting herbs to take internally - infusions, tinctures, oxymels, glycerites, cordials and honeys - what the unique benefits are of each and why you might choose one method over another. We will also be making a glycerite to take home customized for your constitution! 

May 1: Floralia + Beltane! Celebrating the Blooming Season  (Make Your Own Flower Essence)
In this class we will discuss traditional celebrations for marking the transition from Spring into Summer, a time of honoring the blossoming of the earth; also a time thought to be a portal into the etheric realm. We will tap into the sensual beauty of flowers, which are especially potent at this time. We’ll craft our own flower essence, capturing the energetic imprint of late spring/early summer. 

May 8: Medicine Making: Topicals
We will discuss methods for extracting herbs in oils and how to use them in recipes for making topical medicines - balms, creams, oils, and serums. We will also discuss which herbs are particularly nourishing to the skin! We will learn about First Aid to prepare for the adventure of summer: remedies for bug bites, scrapes, after-sun care, and more.  You will get to make a skin nourishing lymphatic salve to take home using fresh Violet oil. 

May 15: Harvest Gathering + Celebration
We will gather and honor the shifting of seasons by sharing and tasting medicines made over the spring. We will particularly focus on kitchen witchery and food as medicine for enjoying the abundance of the season. Together we will make a Wild pesto and Floral mocktail to share. 

When you register for the full course you receive a bonus class, a plant walk in Prospect Park!  We will explore the blooming flora and fauna, learning how to use our plant ID skills IRL! 

BONUS CLASS 

Join in-house herbalists Marisa + Sophie on Saturday April 12, 11am-1pm in Prospect Park for our first Herb Walk! Spring is the time for new growth. Come learn and explore all the medicinal plants that are right here in New York City!

Together we will stroll through the beautiful park to find all the hidden Spring treasures such as Burdock, Mugwort, Hawthorn, Rose, Plantain, and more. Come enjoy the outdoors with us! 

Many seasonal Spring herbs provide cleansing benefits for the liver and lymphatic system. We’ll discuss the commonalities between them and how they can each be used medicinally. We’ll also discuss the beauty of flower essences and teach you how to make your own at home.

What to bring: 

• Notebook + pen
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Water bottle
• Snacks
• Open mind + heart

You don't need to select multiple dates for one ticket. Simply select April 10th and you are automatically registered for the full course. 

Space is very limited, we encourage guests to purchase the full 6-week series in advance. Refunds accepted up to 36 hours prior to event.

Unfortunately we cannot offer partial refunds for classes missed however we can offer class material upon request. 

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