What You’ll Learn at Herbalism Roots
Pathophysiology
Medical terms and terminology
Body systems
Western and Asian symptom pictures of disease
Indications and contraindications
Basic pharmacology
Medicine Making
Tinctures, by folk and weight-to-volume methods
Teas and tea formulation
Percolations
Double extractions
Syrups, salves, lotions, and balms
Infused oils and hydrosols
Salt scrubs
Thai herbal compresses
Herbal preparations for the home medicine cabinet: immunity ciders, teas, and electuaries
Materia Medica
The formal study of medicinal herbs, plant by plant
Herbs organized by the body systems they support
Plant monographs
Matching herbs to conditions
Herb categories such as nervines (mild, moderate, and hypnotic) and adaptogens
Companion herbs and formulation
Aromatherapy & Flower Essences
Essential oils and their uses by body system
Making customized flower essences
Working with the school’s collection of more than 55 house-made flower essences
Infused oils for the skin
Plant Identification & Wild Harvesting
Field botany
Seasonal plant walks: urban, garden, mountain, and winter identification
Ethical wild harvesting
Two weekend mountain trips for identification and medicine making in the field
Gardening & Permaculture
Soil preparation
Seed starting and seed-starting calendars
Companion planting
Garden planning and planting for scale
Pest management
Growing medicinal plants from seed to harvest
Herbal Traditions & Practice
Herbal folk medicine
Botanical safety
Herbal pharmacy
Plant spirit healing
Trauma-informed care for herbalists
Herbal skincare: skin anatomy, herbs for skin health, and formulation in teas, tinctures, and oils
Practicum & Professional Skills
Case studies and wellness consults
Research and writing
Hands-on gardening hours
Internships at local businesses (optional)
The business of herbalism: starting, owning, and working in the field