Herbal Study Group at Luna Farm
“Learning is not the product of teaching. Learning is the product of the activity of learners”.
-John Holt

Pre-registration is required. To register, go to our Meet Up page.

Please bring something nutritious/wholesome to share for after we are done. This is the time we use to discuss what we’ve experimented with and answer any questions you might have. It’s also a great time to get to know one another!

Click here to see 2005’s archived Study Group notes.

Click here to see 2006’s archived Study Group notes.

Click here to see 2007’s archived Study Group notes.

Click here to see 2008’s archived Study Group notes.

Click here to see 2009’s archived Study Group notes.

Click here to see 2010’s archived Study Group notes.

Click here to see 2011’s archived Study Group notes.

Click here to see 2012’s archived Study Group notes.

Click here to see 2013’s archived Study group notes.

Click here to see 2014’s archived Study Group notes.

 

Herbal Study Group 2015

2 Wednesdays of each month at 7:00 pm

This year is going to be run a bit differently from the past. This year we will be focusing on body systems and herbs to support them. Each month will be a 2 part series, hosted in 2 separate locations.

Class 1 each month will be at the Collinsville Library and will be the “lecture” part of the series. Participants will receive a hand out with more information for them to study and focus on over the course of the month.

Class 2 each month will be held at my farm, Luna Farm, and will be the “lab” part of the series. We’ll review what we learned at Class 1 then dive into a hands-on workshop to make herbal medicines to compliment the first class.

Space for each class is limited. You must sign up in advance. To sign up, go to our MeetUp page.

Library lectures are free, Luna Farm labs will have a fee of $25/person. Prepay for the entire year and receive a $50 discount.

The following is the tentative schedule. Actual systems may be switched around a bit to make the series flow better. Please note October and November will be the 1st & 3rd Wednesday instead of the 2nd & 4th Wednesday.

February – Integumentary System
11 – Collinsville Library 7 – 8 pm
25 – Luna Farm 7 – 8:30 pm

March – Urinary System
4 – Collinsville Library 7 – 8 pm
18 – Luna Farm 7 – 8:30 pm

April – Digestive System
1 – Collinsville Library 7 – 8 pm
15 – Luna Farm 7 – 8:30 pm

May – Cardiovascular System
6 – Collinsville Library 7 – 8 pm
20 – Luna Farm 7 – 8:30 pm

Jun – Nervous System
10 – Collinsville Library 7 – 8 pm
24 – Luna Farm 7 – 8:30 pm

July – Muscular & Skeletal Systems
1 – Collinsville Library 7 – 8 pm
15 – Luna Farm 7 – 8:30 pm

August – Respiratory System
5 – Collinsville Library 7 – 8 pm
19 – Luna Farm 7 – 8:30 pm

September – Endocrine System
2 – Collinsville Library 7 – 8 pm
16 – Luna Farm 7 – 8:30 pm

October – Reproductive System
7 – Collinsville Library 7 – 8 pm
28 – Luna Farm 7 – 8:30 pm

November – Lymphatic & Immune Systems
4 – Collinsville Library 7 – 8 pm
18 – Luna Farm 7 – 8:30 pm

Wednesday, February 11, 2015 – Herbs and the Integumentary System – Part 1
The integumentary system consists of skin, hair, and nails.

As the largest organ of the body, the skin protects the body from microorganisms, dehydration, and injury. It also regulates body temperature, protects against UV rays, and removes waste products from the body.

In Part 1 of this 2 part course, we will discuss the Integumentary system, how it works and herbs that can be used to nourish and support the Integumentary system and for treating common afflictions.

Download the handout: Integumentary System – Part 1.

Cost: Free

Wednesday, February 25, 2015 – Herbs and the Integumentary System – Part 2
In tonight’s class we’ll go over herbal formulas and remedies for treating common ailments of the skin, hair and nails. We’ll make a herbal tea blend, a green salve and a cream.

Participants will take home a bag of herbal tea, 4 oz green salve, 4 oz herbal cream and a handout of herbal remedies recipes.

Tonight’s herbal infusion: Nettles

Download the handout: Integumentary System – Part 2.

Cost: $25

Wednesday, March 4, 2015 – Herbs and the Urinary System – Part 1
The urinary system is made up of two kidneys, two ureters, a bladder, two sphincter muscles, the urethra, and various nerves and hormones that help to control the whole process.

In Part 1 of this 2 part course, we will discuss the urinary system, how it works and herbs that can be used to nourish and support the urinary system and for treating common afflictions.

Download the handout: Urinary System – Part 1

Cost: Free

Wednesday, March 18, 2015 – Herbs and the Urinary System – Part 2
The urinary system is made up of two kidneys, two ureters, a bladder, two sphincter muscles, the urethra, and various nerves and hormones that help to control the whole process.

The kidneys are complex essential organs, which perform several jobs in the body: filtering of the blood, controlling blood volume and blood pressure by removing water and solute, regulating electrolytes and metabolites by reabsorbing sodium, phosphorus and potassium and controlling blood pH by excreting selected amounts of various wastes.

In Part 2 of this 2 part course, we will review what we learned in Part 1 about the urinary system, how it works and herbs that can be used to nourish and support the urinary system and for treating common afflictions. After a brief review discussion we’ll dive into making herbal remedies for you to use to support the urinary system.

Participants will take home 3 herbal remedies and a handout of herbal remedies recipes.

Tonight’s participants took home:

– Urinary Support Tea Blend
– 4 oz Kidney Support Extract Blend
– 4 oz Bladder Support Extract Blend

Tonight’s Herbal Infusion: Tilia

Download the handout: Urinary System Part 2

Cost: $25

Wednesday, April 1, 2015 – Herbs and the Digestive System – Part 1
The digestive starts at one end of our body (the mouth) and ends at the other end (the anus), filling up a good portion of the body in between. The digestive system is made up of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, large and small intestines, rectum and anus.

In Part 1 of this 2 part course, we will discuss the digestive system, the liver, how they function and herbs that can be used to nourish and support the digestive system & liver and herbs for treating common afflictions.

Download the handouts: Digestive System – Part 1, Prebiotic/Probiotic

Cost: Free

Wednesday, April 15, 2015 – Herbs and the Digestive System – Part 2

The digestive starts at one end of our body (the mouth) and ends at the other end (the anus), filling up a good portion of the body in between. The digestive system is made up of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, large and small intestines, rectum and anus.

In Part 2 of this 2 part course, we will review what we learned in Part 1 about the digestive system and liver, how they work and herbs that can be used to nourish and support the digestive system and liver and for treating common afflictions. After a brief review discussion we’ll dive into making herbal remedies for you to use to support the digestive system.

Participants will take home 4 products and a recipe page handout.

Tonight we will be making to take home:

– A Digestive Vinegar (8 oz)
– A Digestive Chewing Blend (4 oz)
– A Bitters Extract Blend (8 oz)
– Formulating a Liver Tonic Extract (1 oz)

Tonight’s Herbal Infusion: Tulsi (and Jun fermented drink)

Download the handout: Digestive System Part 2

Cost: $25

Wednesday, May 6, 2015 – Herbs and the Cardiovascular System – Part 1
The cardiovascular system includes the heart, blood vessels and the blood. We rely on this system to move blood through our bodies, maintain level blood pressure, transport oxygen and carbon dioxide, deliver nutrients and hormones, remove waste, and assist in defense against disease.

In Part 1 of this 2 part class, we will discuss the cardiovascular system,  how it functions, herbs that can be used to nourish and support the cardiovascular system and herbs for treating common afflictions. We will talk about not only the physical conditions of the heart but also the spiritual and emotional conditions of the heart.

Some of my favorite herbs for the heart include Rose, Hawthorn, Motherwort and Tilia.

Download the handout: CardiovascularSystem-Part1

Cost: Free

Wednesday, May 20, 2015 – Herbs and the Cardiovascular System – Part 2

The cardiovascular system includes the heart, blood vessels and the blood. We rely on this system to move blood through our bodies, maintain level blood pressure, transport oxygen and carbon dioxide, deliver nutrients and hormones, remove waste, and assist in defense against disease.

In Part 2 of this 2 part class, we will discuss the cardiovascular system,  how it functions, herbs that can be used to nourish and support the cardiovascular system and herbs for treating common afflictions. We will talk about not only the physical conditions of the heart but also the spiritual and emotional conditions of the heart.

Some of my favorite herbs for the heart include Rose, Hawthorn, Motherwort and Tilia.

Participants will take home 3 herbal remedies and a handout of herbal remedies recipes.

Tonight’s Herbal Infusion: Tilia

Download the handout:

Cost: $25

Wednesday, June 10, 2015 – Herbs for the Nervous System Part 1

The nervous system includes the brain, nerves and spinal cord.  We need the nervous system to direct immediate responses to stimuli, usually by coordinating the activities of other organ systems.

In Part 1 of this 2 part class, we will discuss the nervous system,  how it functions, herbs that can be used to nourish and support the nervous system and herbs for treating common afflictions.

Some of my favorite herbs for the nervous system include Milky Oats, St. John’s Wort and Lemon Balm.

Download the handout: NervousSystem-Part1

Cost: Free

Wednesday, June 24, 2015 – Herbs and the Nervous System Part 2

The nervous system includes the brain, nerves and spinal cord.  We need the nervous system to direct immediate responses to stimuli, usually by coordinating the activities of other organ systems.

In Part 2 of this 2 part class, we will review the nervous system,  how it functions, herbs that can be used to nourish and support the nervous system and herbs for treating common afflictions.

Some of my favorite herbs for the heart include Milky Oats, St. John’s Wort and Lemon Balm.

Planned projects for this class:

~ Fresh Gotu Kola Extract: A nourishing Brain Tonic Extract (shipment will be arriving right before class from Hawaii)
~ Fresh Catnip Extract: A relaxing Nervine Extract
~ Cacao Coffee Elixir: A stimulating Nervine Elixir

Tonight’s Herbal Infusions: Tulsi and Milky Oats

Download the handout:

This class will have a $25 lab fee.

Thanks to everyone who came to tonight’s work shop!

Wednesday, July 1, 2015 – Herbs and the Musculoskeletal System Part 1

The musculoskeletal system is 2 systems: the muscular and the skeletal systems. The muscular system consists of the skeletal, smooth and cardiac muscles. The skeletal system consists of bones and their structures and joints and is divided into 2 part: the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton.

In Part 1 of this 2 part class, we will discuss the musculoskeletal system,  how it functions, herbs that can be used to nourish and support the musculoskeletal system and herbs for treating common afflictions.

Some of my favorite herbs for the musculoskeletal system include Goldenrod, Boneset, Alfalfa and Solomon’s Seal.

Download the handout: MusculoSkeletalSystem-Part1

Cost: Free

Wednesday, July 15, 2015 – Herbs and the Musculoskeletal System Part 2

The musculoskeletal system is 2 systems: the muscular and the skeletal systems. The muscular system consists of the skeletal, smooth and cardiac muscles. The skeletal system consists of bones and their structures and joints and is divided into 2 part: the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton.

In Part 1 of this 2 part class, we will discuss the musculoskeletal system,  how it functions, herbs that can be used to nourish and support the musculoskeletal system and herbs for treating common afflictions.

Some of my favorite herbs for the musculoskeletal system include Goldenrod, Boneset, Alfalfa and Solomon’s Seal.

Planned projects for this class:

~ Goldenrod oil
~ Boneset Extract
~ Horsetail vinegar
~ Kloss’ Liniment

Tonight’s infusion: Nettles

Download the handout:

Cost: $25

Wednesday, August 5, 2015 – Herbs and the Respiratory System Part 1

Just Breathe!

This month we will be focusing on the respiratory system and all parts involved with it.

In Part 1 of this 2 part class, we will discuss the respiratory system,  how it functions, herbs that can be used to nourish and support the respiratory system and herbs for treating common afflictions.

Some of my favorite herbs for the respiratory system include Osha, New England Aster and Mullein.

Download the handout: Herbs for the Respiratory System

Cost: Free

Wednesday, August 19, 2015 – Herbs and the Respiratory System Part 2

In Part 2 of this 2 part class, we will discuss the respiratory system,  how it functions, herbs that can be used to nourish and support the respiratory system and herbs for treating common afflictions. We will create 3 – 4 products based on herbs for respiratory health.

Some of my favorite herbs for the respiratory system include Elecampane, Osha, New England Aster and Mullein.

Planned projects for this class:

~ Wild Cherry cough syrup
~ Herbal Steam blend
~ Allergy Fighter extract

Tonight’s infusions: Mullein and Nettles

Download the handout:

Cost: $25

Wednesday, September 2, 2015 – Herbs and the Endocrine System Part 1

This month we will be focusing on the endocrine system and all parts involved with it.

The endocrine system is responsible for directing long term changes in the activities of all other body systems. The endocrine system consists of:

Endocrine glands: adrenals, gonads, hypothalamus, pancreas, parathyroid, pineal, pituitary, thymus, thyroid
Other organs that secrete hormones: heart, kidneys, digestive tract, pancreatic islets, gonads
Hormones

In Part 1 of this 2 part class, we will discuss the endocrine system,  how it functions, herbs that can be used to nourish and support the endocrine system and herbs for treating common afflictions.

Download the handout: Herbs for the Endocrine System

Cost: Free

Wednesday, September 16, 2015 – Herbs and the Endocrine System Part 2

In Part 2 of this 2 part class, we will discuss the endocrine system,  how it functions, herbs that can be used to nourish and support the endocrine system and herbs for treating common afflictions. We will create 3 – 4 products based on herbs for endocrine health.

Planned projects for this class:

~ Adaptogen extract (choose between Rhodiola, Schisandra and Shatavari)
~ Crampbark Extract
~ Adrenal & Thyroid Support Extract

Tonight’s infusions: Nettles, Tulsi and Milky Oats

Download the handout:

Cost: $25

Wednesday, October 7, 2015 – Herbs and the Reproductive System Part 1

This month we will be focusing on the reproductive system and all parts involved with it.

In Part 1 of this 2 part class, we will discuss the reproductive system,  how it functions, herbs that can be used to nourish and support the reproductive system and herbs for treating common afflictions.

Download the handout: Herbs for the Reproductive System

Cost: Free

Wednesday, October 28, 2015 – Herbs and the Reproductive System Part 2

In Part 2 of this 2 part class, we will discuss the reproductive system,  how it functions, herbs that can be used to nourish and support the reproductive system and herbs for treating common afflictions. We will create 3 – 4 products based on herbs for reproductive health.

Planned projects for this class:

~ Reproductive system tonic
~ Love cordial
~ Reproductive system tea

Tonight’s infusions: Blackberry leaf, Milky Oats

Download the handout:

Cost: $25

Wednesday, November 4, 2015 – Herbs and the Lymphatic & Immune System Part 1

This month we will be focusing on the lymphatic system and the immune system and all parts involved with it.

In Part 1 of this 2 part class, we will discuss the lymphatic and the immune systems,  how they function, herbs that can be used to nourish and support them and herbs for treating common afflictions.

Download the handout: Herbs for the Lymphatic & Immune System

Cost: Free

Wednesday, November 18, 2015 – Herbs and the Lymphatic & Immune System Part 2

In Part 2 of this 2 part class, we will discuss the lymphatic & immune systems,  how they function, herbs that can be used to nourish and support them system and herbs for treating common afflictions. We will create 3 – 4 products based on herbs for lymphatic and immune system health.

Planned projects for this class:

~ Fire Cider
~ Pickled Garlic
~ Astragalus Extract

Tonight’s infusions: Tulsi, Nettles

Download the handout:

This is the last planned class of the year. I’ll be taking December off but may host a class or two late winter if time permits.

Cost: $25