Blazing Star Herbal School

Still a few spots for 2013::Therapeutic Herbalism Apprenticeship 2013- for advanced intermediate students and beyond

Please join us in 2013 to continue your studies in Herbalism. This program is aimed at the self motivated student who has completed at least a 9 month intensive program in Herbalism and has had some self study experience.

 

 

This program meets on alternate Thursdays from 9:30 until 3:00pm starting on April  18th 2013 and continuing through Feb 2014. Weekly study groups with peers stongly encouraged.

Though there is a lot of lecture time in this program,  plant connection, meditation, creativity  and medicine making still feature strongly! The Self Care and Deep Nourishment theme explored in great detail during the Beginner Apprenticeship will continue to feature strongly as it is my belief that this is the foundation of good health! There will also be a strong focus on deepening our relationship with plants and we will be studying how several indigenous cultures around the world use plants for healing the spirit as well as the body.

illness is seen as a messenger of disconnection rather than a condition. The goal of the traditional shaman is often not to cure a condition but to remove its cause by restoring in the patient the sense of balance, harmony and reconnection to the sacred and the Earth. It is in the Spirit of the traditional Shaman that I offer this work. 

This program is broken down into the following  study modules:

Module 1 

 -Introduction to Clinical Herbalism, Discussion of Resources, Understanding the requirements and format of this course.

 -Plant Pharmacology, discussion of the constituents Alkaloids, Glycosides, lipids, Phenols, Polysaccharides, Tannins, Terpenoids, essential oils, saponins. From this discussion students should be able to learn to extrapolate the common medicinal uses from plants based on its constituents. In this section we will also cover dosing in regards to specific considerations such as pediatric, geriatric, Hepatic, effects of smoking and oral contraceptives.

 -Medicinal Terminology used to describe the medicinal properties of plants.

 -Immunology, Pathologies of the Immune System- Auto-immunity, Bacterial viral infections, CFS, Fever, Cancer, HIV/AIDS, Lymes

-Detailed Materia- Medica and Review: Immuno-stimulant Mushrooms, Echinacea, Astragalus, Poke Root, Berberine Containing Herbs, Wild Indigo, Willow Bark, Red Clover,  Lycii berries, Teasel

 -Intro to Case Taking and Peer Reviews

Module 2

-The Gastro Intestinal System: a brief overview of the system,  Gastro-esophageal reflux disease, Gastric/duodenal ulceration, Gall Bladder dysfunction, Hepatitis, Crohn's, Ulcerative colitis, IBS, Parasites, Constipation/Diarrhea, Hemorrhoids

-Detailed Materia- Medica and Review:: Artichoke, Bitter Orange, Catnip, Chamomile, Peppermint, Fennel, Astringents, Bitters, Anththraquinone Laxatives, Meadow sweet, Licorice, Marshmallow, Slippery Elm, Mugwort, Chamomile, Milk Thistle, Wild Yam, Dandelion Root, Grains

- Foods Politics  &  Nourishing Traditions

- Case Studies, and peer review 

Module 4

The Musculo Skeletal System: Understanding bone, connective tissue cardiac and smooth skeletal muscles, Arthritis (osteo, rheumatoid, gout)

Osteoporosis, Injuries, Fibromyalgia 

-Detailed Materia- Medica and Review:Comfrey, Arnica, The azulene containing plants, Solomon Seal, Black Cohosh, White Poplar,  Essential Oils, Willow Bark, Osmunda

- Case Studies, and peer review

- Integration Clinical Aromatherapy 

Module 4

- The Respiratory System: Asthma, Sinusitis, bronchitis (Chronic, Acute) Hayfever, Allergic Rhinnitis, Occupational Respiratory Disease, Sore Throat, Cough, Colds, Chronic Obstructive airway disease

-Detailed Materia- Medica and Review:- Mullein,  Golden Rod, Coltsfoot, Wild cherry,  Osha, Eucalyptus, Elecampane,  Lobelia, Wild Lettuce, Balm Of Giliad, Grindelia, Sun Dew, Thyme, Elder

- Case Studies, and peer review

- Integration Flower Essence Therapy

Module 5

The Cardiovascular System-Hypertension, Myocardial infarction, Coronary artery disease, Atherosclerosis, Peripheral vascular disease, congestive heart failure

 -Detailed Materia- Medica review: Hawthorne Lily of the Valley, Garlic, Prickly Ash, Dandelion leaf, Ginger, Motherwort, Valarian, Amni Visnaga, Gingko, Gotu Kola, Bilberry

 

 Module 6

 -The Nervous System: Depression & anxiety, Headaches, Migraines Stress, ADHD, Multiple Sclerosis, Neuralgia, Sleep Disorders, Alzheimers

-Detailed Materia- Medica and Review:: Skullcap, Passion Flower, St. John’s Wort, Hops,  Ginseng, California Poppy, Feverfew, Clematis (Virgins Bower) , Kava, Kava, Belladona Containing plants, Indian Pipe,  Jamaican Dogwood, Agrimony, Wood Betony, Blue Vervain,  Linden Blossom

- Case Studies, and peer review 

Module  7

-The Endocrine System: Diabetes, Hypoglycemia, Adrenal Insufficiency, Hypo/Hyper Thyroidism

 -Detailed Materia- Medica and review:Siberian Ginseng, Nettles, Devils club, Seaweeds, Bugleweed, Melissa, Gymnema, Chickweed, Wild Carrot, Ashwaghanda, Blue Flag

 - Creating Treatment Plans (for acute and chronic conditions)

 - Case Studies, and peer review

- Integration Gems and Crystal Therapy

Module 8

-The Integumentary system (Skin): Excema, Psoriasis, Acne, Fungal Infections, Contact dermatitis Burns, Rashes.

-Detailed Materia- Medica and review:-Burdock, Calendula, Blood root, Tea Tree, aloe Vera, plantain, sarsparilla, Self Heal, Ground Ivy, Yellow dock

 -The Urinary System: Kidney Stones, Cystitis/ interstitial cystitis, incontinence, prostatis,

-Detailed Materia- Medica and Review: diuretics and their mode of action, Cranberry, Buchu, Juniper, Gravel Root, Cornsilk, Uva Ursi, Saw Palmetto

- Case Studies, and peer review

Module 9

-Reproductive System: Menstrual Cycle & problems, Polycystic ovary disease, Endometriosis,  Candidiasis, Vaginitis, Pregnancy and possible disorders of, Breast, Uterine, cervical cancer, Fibroids.

-Detailed Materia- Medica and Review:Vitex, Raspberry Leaf, Evening Primrose and other GLA containing oils, Black Haw Cramp Bark, Blue Cohosh,  Yarrow, Partridge Berry, Shepherds Purse, Dong Quai, Lady’s Mantle

- Completion of Case Studies, and peer review

 

*** Pre-requisites for this program are to have completed the beginner apprenticeship at BSHS or an equivalent such program ***

 

 The cost of this program is $1750. A deposit of $250 is necessary to hold your spot. We accept personal checks and payment through paypal. Monthly payment plans.

Therapeutic Herbalism

Deposit$250.00 USD Full Payment$1,750.00 USD Payment after deposit$1,500.00 USD

                                                                          

The 12 Month Journey to RADIANT HEALTH for Body and Soul

 

 

Have you ever found yourself wishing for a “personal well-being" coach?

Someone who will help you figure out which herbs, foods, supplements and personal rituals would truly benefit you!

Someone to remind you that you are totally worth it!

Someone who could encourage you when you are feeling disheartened. Guilt Free!

Someone who truly believes in you? and wants you to feel your best every moment of every day! Some

Then this Journey is for you! 

 

 

What does our journey consist of?

   

 

Upon beginning your journey you will receive "welcoming ceremony!" You will be asked to create a quiet space and fill out a detailed consultation form which will address issues of the physical body, the heart and soul.

You will then have a week to return it to me.

Next we will schedule your entry “interview” where we will map out your journey going over your health herstory/history and co-create a herbal/nutritional program to best suit you. I will suggest personal tools (excercises) that will help restore and sustain a healthy inner landscape.

This consultation will be a 45-55 min phone call. We will map a contract.

 

 

Each month you will receive  :

- A phone consultation: 30-40 mins (the 3rd week of the month). We will celebrate successes, chart progress, evaluate challenges and plan the following month. Following the consult you will receive a summary email including recipes, ritual suggestions and resources that will help you along the way. Suggestions may include herbal remedies, nutritional adjustments, nature appreciation and connection, art, poetry readings, Journaling, Gratitude work. Creating routines and rituals which are both nourishing, and self healing. There will be tips for making your life more rich and positive to be able to enjoy the beauty, richness, love and opportunities that already exist in your life.

- You will receive an herbal surprise package in the mail every month formulated just for you. 

- including handmade affirmation cards

- There will be an additional email check in mid month

- At the end of each month you will also be required to fill out and submit an evaluation form charting progress and success! and setting new goals.

 

I truly believe that the road to radiant health is fun, tasty and full of creativity!

The first step to creating Radiant Health is putting your self first!  YES putting yourself first! Making a committment to yourself, a commitment to yourself and your health! and taking it very seriously! 

 

Commit to radiant health in 2013!

Clarity of thought, optimal mineral absorption, weight maintenance, vital energy flow, sexual well being, peak digestion, chronic pain management. Get used to feeling VIBRANT! 

 

If you have read this far it is time to sign up Now! or Pay it Forward and sign up a family member or friend. This jouney makes a GREAT gift! 

 

Pay Just $500 for the 12 month program

that is less than $50 per month! 

                                                                             

“No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks”. — Unknown. 

 

 

Late Winter Update. . .

Like you I am ready! Ready to be outside feeling the sun on my skin as I welcome back old green friends and plant new ones! I can't wait! I feel the light changing and as it changes my anticipation grows! To help with this season of waiting I am teaching a few classes locally. 

First up is::

CREATING A WILDCRAFTING CALENDER PLAYSHOP

Wildcrafting is the practice of collecting plant materials from the wild for food, medicine, and craft. In the past this was how people provided for their families. We can continue to provide for our communities by harvesting such goodness as moss, coltsfoot and other medicinals, natural dyes, mushrooms, wildflower seeds, berries, and saps such as maple, pine or birch. Opportunities for wildcrafting are not just found in the countryside, but in suburban as well as urban settings. By wildcrafting we can harvest the bounty of each season and should always approach collecting with respect and thankfulness. In this class we will learn the Art of Ethical Wildcrafting, what to harvest and when and how to process results into nourishing and vital medicine. Then we will hand-craft this information into beautiful calendars that we can refer to for years to come! THIS CLASS IS CO SPONSORED AND HOSTED BY ACADIA HERBALS IN NORTHAMPTON Class will take place at Acadia Herbals 25 Conz St, Northampton, Massachusetts 01060 THURSDAY MARCH 7TH 6:30-9PM $20-25 For more info please email me blazingstarclinic(at)gmail (dot) com   Next up a 2 part class:: Part 1:: Herbal Support for Stress and Inflammation               March 17, 1:30-4 pm. Sliding Scale $20-$40. Part 2::  Greasing Joints and Ligaments: Combining essential oils and herbs in clinical practice for conditions relating to the muscular skeletal system                  March 24th, 1:30-4 pm. Sliding Scale $20-$40.                          CoSponsored and Hosted by Indigo Healing in Florence MA           Class address: Indigo Healing, 45 Main Street, Florence, Massachusetts 01062                                        Come to one or come to both! Stress and inflammation are the two leading causes of disease. I will discuss how stress effects our nervous, endocrine and immune systems and how our inflammatory response works. Next I will profile herbs, foods and lifestyle choices that have a positive effect on our pathologies. In part 2 we will combine aromatherapy and herbs in clinical practice for conditions relating to the muscular skeletal system. We will discuss treatments for joint disease, osteo and rheumatoid arthritis, tension headaches, sciatica, muscular problems as well as Carpal tunnel syndrome and their treatment by combining infused oils, essential oils and tinctures creating unique liniments.    I still have 3 spots in the Advanced Apprenticeship. (Click on advanced apprenticeship for more details)     There will be some "must read articles" posted to the blog soon as well as a few book reviews of some new books I have been reading.

 

Immerse your heart & soul in the exhilarating world of herbs! Beginner/Intermediate Apprenticeship 2013

THIS PROGRAM IS NOW FULL FOR 2013 

THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO APPLIED!

apprentice (uh pren' tis), n., v., -ticed, -tic*ing.-n.

1. a beginner, a learner who is bound by contract/agreement to work for another for a specific amount of time in return for gaining practical experience and instruction in a trade or art.
2. one who is committed to working with a small group of people, over an extended period of time, delving deeply into the heart of herbal knowledge.

 

 

ABOUT THE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

Immerse your heart & soul in the exhilarating world of herbs! The seasonal cycles here are exceptional. Winter is sparkling white, roots are waiting deep below the earth. In Spring, new shoots poke up from the earth, the lilacs & forsythia bloom; we begin work in the garden. Summer is abundant with fresh herbs, weeds, vegetables & bright fragrant flowers. We are busy planting, harvesting, wildcrafting. The Fall brings us pumpkins & roots to harvest, herbs to dry, wreaths of sage & lavender. Learn by immersing yourself in the green world of plants, reclaiming your ancient roots. Apprenticeships are designed to focus on your particular areas of interest and to support & empower the Wise Woman/Man that you are. Whenever you choose to apprentice here, you will find open hearts, enthusiasm & a bountiful way of life. 

 
"When women come together and make a commitment to each other to be in a circle with a spiritual center, they are creating a vessel of healing and transformation for themselves, and vehicle for change in their world. These are circles of compassion that can become incubators for personal and political change."

                                                              ~ Jean Shinoda Bolen ~

Begins Tuesday April 16th  2013 and runs through Feb 2014. 

 

Class is held weekly,  every tuesday....it starts at 10am and ends at 3pm.  It is also expected that each apprentice will spend a minimum of 2-3 hours per week on integrating the material provided, homework assignments and self study. 

 

 

Topics covered:

Traditions of Healing

Shamanism, Indigenous Healing, Traditional Medicine, Wise Woman Tradition, Science, The Witch 

Herbal Allies

How we communicate with plants, Plant Meditation, Doctrine of Signatures 

Deep Nourishment:

 Food and Nutrition, Self Nourishment and Understanding, Seasonal Medicine

 Herbal Energetics

Tastes, Vitalism, Energetics of Disease, Chakras

Tools of the Trade

Books, Tools, Organizations, Resources,  Understanding Herbal Actions,

 Medicine Making

Water Based, Oil Based, Spirit Based, Honey Based, Vinegar Based 

Materia Medica

Profiles of 64 Western Herbs, 10 Chinese Herbs, 10 Ayuervedic Herbs

Sea Weeds, Mushrooms 

 Herb Gardening

Growing from Seeds, Propegating, Seeds Saving, Optimal Harvest Times, Design, Gardening by the Moon

 Botanical Art

Photography,  Drawing, Watercolor, Pressing 

Herbs for Common Ailments 

Chronic Vs Acute Conditions, Family Health, First Aid 

The Art and Ethics of Wildcrafting

United Plant Savers, Gratitude, Medicinal and Edible Mushrooms, Field Identification, Therapeutic Uses, Recipes, Sustainability

 Creating powerful and effective Healing Ceremonies

Ceremonial Uses of herbs, Medicine Wheels, Earth Awareness, The Four Directions, Animal Allies

Radical Self Care and Herbal Body Care

Facial, Skin, Hair, Body Care and Pampering! 

Understanding and Connecting the  Bodies Systems

Nourishment and Support for the nervous, digestive, immune, respiratory, reproductive, cardiovascular, urinary and muscular systems

The apprenticeships home base will be in Ashfield MA but we will be exploring the local trails and conservation land of Western Massachusetts including Bear Swamp, Chapel Hill Falls, The Chesterfield Gorge, The DAR, High Ledges, Garden in the Woods (Framingham MA) as well as other spots of botanical interest. There will be one overnight camping trip (children will be welcome to join us. we will pool our resources and provide a childcare person if necessary). Location TBA.

By joining us in 2013  you are committing to embarking on a journey towards wholeness. As well as the study of medicinal herbs, you will be deepening your connection nature and the seasons, exploring the local economy and sustainability and creating seasonal rituals with a group of green allies both human and plant...the result will be a deep and unforgettable connection. 

A certificate of study for 200 hours of Herbal Studies will be awarded once the course and course projects have been completed and the hours have been met. 

The Cost of the program is $1850 which includes the $250 non refundable deposit which holds your spot (non refundable unless the program is cancelled). Full Payment is due on the first class or Payment plan (monthly checks of $160 payable on the first Tuesday of every month- late fee applies!) You can register for the course by sending in your deposit of $250. Payment by check or paypal. Please let me know if you need our mailing address. 

 

 

Apprentice Year 1 & 2 Reading List and Supply List 2013

 

Required Texts for Beginner Apprentieship:

Making Plant Medicine by Richo Chec

Backyard Medicine: Harvest and Make Your Own Herbal Remedies  by Julie Bruton-Seal

Healing Wise (Wise Woman Herbal Series)Susun Weed

The Complete Herbal Tutor: A Structured Course to Achieve Professional Expertise  by Anne McIntyre

 

Required Texts for Second Year Program :

The Practice of Traditional Western Herbalism: Basic Doctrine, Energetics, and Classification  by Matthew Wood

The Earthwise Herbal: A Complete Guide to New World Medicinal Plants by Matthew Wood

The Earthwise Herbal: A Complete Guide to Old World Medicinal Plants  by Matthew Wood

 The Way of Ayurvedic Herbs: A Contemporary Introduction and Useful Manual for the World's Oldest Healing System by Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa and Michael Tierra

 

 

Everyone will need a local plant fieldguide. If you do not already have one I recommend this

A Field Guide to Wildflowers : Northeastern and North-Central North America (Peterson Field Guides)

 

All apprentices must pick 4 of the following books to read and write a book report on.(Guidelines will be given in class) 

 

The Secret Teachings of Plants: The Intelligence of the Heart in the Direct Perception of Nature by Stephen Harrod Buhner

The Lost Language of Plants: The Ecological Importance of Plant Medicines for Life on Earth by Stephen Harrod Buhner

 Partner Earth Pam Montgomery

 The Language of Plants- Julia Graves 

Plant Spirit Healing: A Guide to Working with Plant Consciousness by Pam Montgomery

Invasive Plant Medicine: The Ecological Benefits and Healing Abilities of Invasives by Timothey Smith

Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World -Paul Stamets

 Medicinal Mushrooms by Christopher Hobbs

Women as Healer by Jeanne Achterberg 

 Creative Visualization Shakti Gawain

 

 

 

Other supplies required for Apprenticeships:

Garden Supplies:

- EZ digger

- Hori Hori

- Pruner 

- Trowl

(If you are not sure what these are you can find them here and at your local garden store)

- Pocket Knife (I love high carbon Opinels)

- Start collecting glass jars with lids all sizes!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Words from the Apprentices About the Apprenticeship

I am very happy to say that as an apprentice I have learned how to identify many new plants and have become better friends with those that I already knew about. I am able to make oils, vinegars, honeys, salves, lotions, medicinal tea infusions, elixers and tinctures. I have learned how to take time to draw and sit with plants, meditate and make mandalas, come up with a health plan for myself that entails a true understanding of the word nourishment! I very enthusiastically recommend this apprenticeship to anyone I know! Anyone who is interested in learning more about identifying plants, using them in self care, and wanting to ensure that their lifestyle as an herbalist is practical and can be applied in daily nourishing ways with themselves and people they know- would benefit greatly from the apprenticeship. I really wish I could take it again next year!

-N. from Northampton

To put my exeperience as an Apprentice is a rather impossible task. I have learned so much, and experienced so much, that to truly do it justice would take several hours. Yet what I can say is that I have learned more about myself, and more about the natural world in this short year, than I ever expected too. My connection to the earth and to myself is so strong as a result of this course, that I shall forever be grateful. I am more intune with my body than I think I have ever been, and my heart is lighter and happier than I can ever remember it being. Tony is a wonderful teacher who is clear, conscise and passionate. My sisters in the practice are each unique and insightful and have brough much joy wisdom and perspective to my new life. My apprenticeship has also evolved my spiritualiy and allowed me to connect better and stronger to my family to my friends, and to my community as a whole. I am def continuing to the second Level, and my intentions are to start my own medicinal farm, and spread the knowledge and healing as my life's work. Blazing Star Earth Ninja's for LIFE!

In Love and Eternal Gratitude -A.from Dalton

My experience as an apprentice at Blazing Star Herbal School has been one of magical awakening and an even deeper appreciation of the plant world. I have taken quite a few herb classes over the years from correspondence courses to a 5 month intensive as well as community college courses and this one is by far THE BEST! The thing I feel most gives this apprenticeship the edge over the rest and sets it apart from all of the classes out there being offered is the true garden and plant based connections. You really can't replace or replicate the garden based experiences of planting, learning, growing and harvesting the plants on your own. Nor can you learn everything from books alone. Also having class every week makes it flow so well versus a one weekend a month type apprenticeship. It is a big committment but one you won't regret! I have never been confident up until now in identifying many plants on my own, but now I am very confident and have learned so much in such a short time. I also have learned how to interact better with naysayers and disbelievers. I can finally hold my own with the most challenging of beliefs and come out feeling like I offered the other person something tangible. If you are contemplating taking the course I urge you to go for it! You will graduate as a competent and confident herbalist and will have many memorable and happy experiences during the duration of the course.

-A from Vermont

 

Our Tuesday class has been the highlight of my week this whole year. Not only have we deepened our connection to the plants in our area (my original goal) we have formed beautiful friendships which will last a lifetime with people and plants we resonate with on a deep level. Tony has helped me reconnect to the world through plants in a way that I understand intuitively and have not felt since childhood. It means so much to me to feel a part of the world again and revel in its beautiful gifts. This apprentice woke me up, brought me back down to Earth, healed my spirit. Totally unexpected. I am overflowing with gratitude.

D. from Shelburne

Distance Learning program profile:

I thought I would take the time today to profile one of the courses in the "DIY Distance Learning series". It is the one that receives the most praise and enthusiasm again and again"  It is also the most recent one so perhaps many of you do not know about it.

 

Creative, Tasty  and Nourishing Medicine Making

for the Beginner Student!

This course is for you if you  are a homesteader or homestead wanna be!, urban dwellers and rural farmers both, crafters who dream of shelves of bottles and jars filled with herbs and potions, alchemy and magic, for the stay at home mom who wants to nourish her family, for the life long student curious to try something new... for anyone that wants add a little colour and creativity to your  kicthen!  Learning to create your own herbal medicines at home is both empowering and eye-opening.  Herbs are magical but preparing and using them doesn't have to be mystical.  These are recipes you will use again and again!

 

Here's what you'll learn: 

-Water Based Preparations (infusions (hot/cold), decoctions, medicinal baths, compresses, formentations, mouthwashes, inhalants)

- Alcohol based preparations (tinctures; maceration,percolation & spagyric methods)

- Oil Based Preparations: Oils, Liniments, Salves, Cremes

- Acetates, Glycerites and honeys

- Understanding interactions of plant phytochemicals to make better medicine

- Recognizing and assessing the quality of dried herbs, Choosing the appropriate form of the remedy

- The importance of effective record keeping

- Terminology and definitions

- Equipment needed for creating herbal preparations

-  Principles of Ethical Harvesting

- Basic Herbal First Aid remedies

- Intro to Food as Medicine, Herbal Nourishment

- Learn to your own body care products

- How to Grow (your own) Medicine!

 

Through out the course you will receive individual mentorship while cultivating plant wisdom and meeting your wise woman within.** You will also receive bonus inspirational material, poetry, meditations, recipes and resources to aid you in your study**Making your own medicines at home adds opportunity for creativity, beauty, nourishment and richness to an ordinary day, more blessings to be thankful for...as  your olfactory senses are stimulated it helps the brain register more happiness! 

 

You can start this 12 module on line program anytime! and work at your own pace though we recommend one module every 2 weeks.

 

Course fee $250

                                                                           

                                                                  FOR MORE INFO PLEASE EMAIL 

 

"I've taken several correspondence courses and non so fun as this one! Once a month I turn my kitchen into a magical herb apothecary and make all kinds of medicines and potions. This course has reminded me stop, breathe and take care of my needs! as a stay at home mom of 3 a lesson I needed to learn. My daily routine now includes teas, meditaion and plant study! This course helped me introduce my family to a healthy lifestyle that we will be living for many years to come! So much gratitude to the plants and our lifelong friends at Blazing Star Herbal School!" Rena from PA

 

These are the ways of our grandmothers, the ancient ones. The joy of life is the give- away. You are the center of your universe. You are the axis, life's matrix, the still point in the ever-moving. The designs of the universe radiate through you. You are god, goddess, unique and whole.  

- Susan Weed 

 

Gift Certificates Available this Holiday Season-

 

Give the gift of Health or Herbal  Education this Holiday Season. 

Gift Certificates available for Beginner/Intermediate Apprenticeships, Advanced Apprenticeship, DIY Distance Learning Programs  including Family Health Program, and 12 Month Journey To Optimum Health, a herbal lifestyle mentoring program! and for Herbal Product for any amount!

 

Just send us an email to set up!

October Newsletter....Seasonal thoughts, recipes and specials!

Happy October Friends!

 

Praying

It doesn't have to be

the blue iris, it could be

weeds in a vacant lot, or a few

small stones; just

pay attention, then patch

 

a few words together and don't try

to make them elaborate, this isn't

a contest but the doorway

 

into thanks, and a silence in which

another voice may speak.

 

~ Mary Oliver ~

(Thirst)

 

*     *     *

Oh the wise words of Mary Oliver. I know Fall has arrived when I am making big pots of soup and mixing herbs into new blends of herbal chai's, (hoping someone will stop by for a cup) dreaming about spending time on the couch reading Mary Oliver, quilting, planning next seasons garden and reminiscing about the fleeting days of summer!, like its been months since we saw the sun! I feel like I am chasing the last few Summer rays...still hoping to get to the coast one more time, maybe in early November.

We have been talking a lot about Gratitude over on the Blazing Star Herbal School Facebook Page- feel free to join in the conversation with your favorite Gratitude quote and activities.  Gratitude is an emotion of connectedness, which reminds us we are part of a larger universe with all living things. It opens the heart and activates positive emotion centers in the brain. Regular practice of gratitude can change the way our brain neurons fire into more positive automatic patterns. The positive emotions we evoke can soothe distress and broaden our thinking patterns so we develop a larger and more expansive view of our lives. I have been doing a walking meditation daily focussing on being thankful. I have also been thinking a lot about creating a category of "Herbs of Gratitude" so far I have Tulsi, Cacao and Vanilla. What herbs would you put in that category. What would qualify an herb to be an herb of Gratitude? I would love to hear your opinion here or on FB. 

*     *     *

The 2012 Apprentices made vegetable based soap this month with out guest teacher Desiree Cohen. Soon there will be a post on the Apprentice blog with lots of pictures. Registrations are coming in  for both the Beginner (tuesdays) and the Advanced Apprenticeship (thursdays) for 2013

*     *     * 

I am excited about this months "Harvest Moon Special" as it centers around one of my very favorite element of herbalism which is medicine making! and allows for much creativity! which is why I call it

"Creative, Tasty  and Nourishing Medicine Making for the Beginner Student"

(click on title and scrol down for more information)

It is the 4th offering in the DIY series, Do-it-Yourself Herbalism Series ...practical, thrifty and fun!  It has been called "an Art Course for the Herbal Student", and a course "that will lubricate your senses" Why do I love creative medicine making so much? It adds opportunity to create beauty, nourishment and richness to an ordinary day, more blessings to be thankful for...and as  your olfactory senses are stimulated it helps the brain register more happiness! This course is for everyone serious students of herbal medicine, homesteaders, urban dwellers, ...anyone that wants add a little colour and creativity to their kicthen! 

This course covers:

Water Based Preparations (infusions (hot/cold), decoctions, medicinal baths, compresses, 

formentations, mouthwashes, inhalants) 

- Alcohol based preparations (tinctures; maceration,percolation & spagyric methods) 

- Oil Based Preparations: Oils, Liniments, Salves, Cremes 

- Acetates, Glycerites. powdered herbs and honeys 

- Understanding basic interactions of plant phytochemicals to make better medicine 

- Recognizing and assessing the quality of dried herbs 

- Choosing the appropriate form of the remedy 

- The importance of effective record keeping 

- Terminology and definitions 

- Equipment needed for creating herbal preparations 

-  Principles of Ethical Harvesting 

- Basic Herbal First Aid remedies 

- Intro to Food as Medicine 

- Herbal Nourishment 

- Grow (your own) Medicine! 

here is a sample of creative, tasty and nourishing made my apprentice Shannon Toye for my birthday it's a cheesecake with a goldenrod, mango syrup glaze! Yum!

 Learning to create your herbal medicine at home is both empowering and eye-opening.  Herbs are magical but preparing and using them doesn't have to be mystical.  Click on the link below to take advantage of this monthly special and begin this 12 module Harvest Moon Journey!

 

BUY NOW for just $175

 

                                                                            

 

I will give 10 spots away at this lowered price after that the price returns to $250 so act fast! to take advantage of this deal!!

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 Don't forget that the  "Family Winter Health Empowerment Package " is still on sale until Oct 15th or until sold out.

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The recipe I have to offer you this week one of my favorite nourishing seasonal recipes. 

Favorite Fall Time Chai

Roasted Dandelion Root

Burdock Root

Chaga

Cocoa Husks

Orange Peel

Cinnamon 

After decocting the herbs I steam a little milk  (you can use coconut milk  though I use raw milk) add a hint of Vanilla Essence and Maple Syrup and add a little to your chai. Sometimes I prefer to use a little Tulsi honey instead of the Vanilla and Maple Syrup for an alternative flavor! Yum!

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So while you enjoy your Chai, here is a little Mary Oliver to watch and listen to. If you have never listened to her read her poems you are in for a treat,  I frequently start the day listening to her read a poem "Many Miles" is my favorite Collection but " At Blackwater Pond" is also fabulous.

Back to School Newsletter: Seasonal Specials, News, Recipes and a giveaway!

The last night I awoke in the middle of the night smelling Fall in the air... and reminding myself all that must be harvested before the night time frost turns green to brown! The day times are still beautiful, so so gloriously warm...I can't help to wonder whether the colorful flowering plants know that their days are numbered! It has been a great growing season here in the gardens. Ten apprentices and myself have filled our medicine cabinets with tinctures, creams, elixirs, syrups and vinegars! The pantry shelves are filling with canned goods, medicines and winter treats! and there is still more to be made, old favorites and new ideas to be experimented with. 

Talking apprentices, next years programs are filling so if you are interested, now is the time to have your place secured. We will be offering two apprenticeships a beginner/intermediate and an advanced program. You can read all about them following the links below and if you are curious about what we get up to check of the apprentice blog here!

Beginner/ Intermediate Apprenticeship 2013

Advanced Apprenticeship 2013

 

Fall is also a time of tremendous allergies. Are you drinking your Nettles? One of my favorite sweet treats and x-allergy treatments is Goldenrod/Tulsi Honey! Just loosely fill a jar with tulsi tops (leaf and flowers- no stem) and goldenrod flowers (just before they are on full bloom) then pour honey into the jar stirring all the time. If your honey is not pourable put jar of honey in boiling water for a few moments until it loosens up and then pour over the goldenrod and tulsi flowers. Let sit for 2 weeks and then take a teaspoon per day. It is best of the honey is local to your area...the closer to you it is produced the better! and raw of course! and don't forget to drink your nettle infusion!

We have a  Back to School Seasonal Specials for you. Our Family Winter Health Empowerment Package returns.

It includes:

 4oz Echinacea

4 oz Elderberry C Syrup

1 oz of Boneset Tincture

1 oz of Elecampane Tincture

1oz of Calendula/Sage Tincture

Winter Warming Bath Salts

1 oz of Thyme Elixir

Winter Medicine Instruction Booklet

 

and course 1 of the 

Do-it-Yourself Herbalism Series   ...practical, thrify and fun! 

                                                          Course 1: Optimum Winters Health 

Topics Include:

Immune System Overview

No Fear Flu

Building Immunuity

Cooking for Winters Health

Understanding Anti-Virals and Anti-Bacterials

Medicine Chest of Winter Recipes

Supplies Lists

  4 weeks of Reading, Assignments, and Medicine Making

 

For a total of $175 (that saves you $75 ! deal or what!!)

Options

October Special! Combo $175.00 USD Family Winter Health Package $99.00 USD Optimum Winters Health Course $150.00 USD

                                                                            

 Now for the giveaway! We have been busy concocting incenses! I am giving away one oz of my favorite new raw incence. I cannot stop burning it! Smells of holy woodlands around the world! Great for space clearing! 

White Sage Leaf (grown here),Calamus Root (locally harvested), Copal Resin, Frankinsence Resin, Pine Resin (locally harvested), Eastern Cedar leaf (locally harvested) Juniper Berries (locally harvested), Tangerine Leaf, Ground by hand in mortar and pestle. 

 

All you have to do to enter the giveaway is subscribe to this blog or become a facebook follower and let us know, by leaving a comment below! 

And here is a link to our FB page Blazing Star on Facebook

 

Happy Fall Everyone!

 

Name These Plants - A Competition for Past and Present Apprentices

The winner  will be the first to correctly name all 16 plants (in order) and

will receive a 2 oz bottle of raw cocoa rose elixir

 

The fine print:

In order to enter you must be

1. A past or present apprentice at Blazing Star Herbal School

2. A follower of this blog and/or like us on Facebook

Here is the link Blazing Star Herbal School

3. If no apprentice has correctly named the plant by July 10th the competition will be open to everyone who likes us on FB!