Winter is a harsh season – we don’t see it as much now, living in our heated homes with modern conveniences with abundant food, and medicine ready at hand. But for our ancestors, it was another matter. Winter was a time of vulnerability, especially to illness. But through their ingenuity and tenacity, they found solutions. Over the centuries, both Native Americans and pioneers alike figured out what plants could heal them, and made medicine to treat minor and severe ailments alike. And just because times have changed doesn’t make those medicines any less effective. Although winter may look bleak, there is still a pharmacy in the woods for the taking. You just have to know where to look. 

Here’s what you’ll learn in this half-day class: 

• How to make a variety of medicines from common plants that you may have in your yard
• Finding and utilizing year-round medicinal plants even in the dead of winter
• How to forage safely and responsibly
• Identifying the most valuable medicinal plants in your area
• The differences between tinctures, salves, poultices, decoctions, and infusions, and how to make them
• How to dry and preserve medicinal plants for later use
• The best books and resources to build your knowledge. 

The ability to make safe, effective medicines from common plants is powerful. It frees you from fragile supply chains, overbearing drug companies, and expensive prescriptions. Come learn your ancestors’ medicine, the right way. 

No prior experience is required for this class, but we do recommend bringing comfortable shoes for hiking and a daypack with a few basic necessities. Check out our FAQs page here to see what we recommend.