Greetings lovers of the green!  I've added some new class offerings on my website and thought I'd let you know so you can plan on attending if you would like.

Come join me for a fun filled afternoon of kids, sun, herbs and games in the Bastyr University Herb garden- a magical space hosting a wide variety of medicinal plant species.  Let's frolic amongst the plants as we get to know their spirits: how they grow, their botanical features, what they're medicine can be used for, and what stories they have to share.  Let's listen to the wisdom of nature and then put our knowledge to use in playing Wildcraft, a board game of fun and adventure that uses herbs to help guide the group to safety.  Let the herbs be our teachers, our spirits be our guides and let the fun commence!!!

When:  July 24th, exact time to be announced soon
Where: Bastyr University, meet in the gazebo
What to bring: Sack lunch, water to drink, sun hat, please be wearing sun screen
Age Group: 5 and up.  Kids under the age of 10 will need to have parent supervision.

Come join my good friend Shana Goldman and I for a two day exploration into how to care for mom and baby with herbs and nutrition during pregnancy and after.  We will be holding two workshops on Saturday, Aug. 27th and the third the following day on Sunday, Aug. 28th.

Nutrition and Herbs for Pregnancy (8/27, 10am-12pm)

In this two hour course we will explore how to integrate nutritive herbs and food in order to support mom and baby through the ebb and flow of the body’s changing needs and the baby’s growth and development during pregnancy. We will discuss common nutrition and herbal concepts, remedies and questions that arise during pregnancy, as well as give a brief demonstration on how to make some simple nutritive and herbal remedies to support mom and baby during this time of change. Recipes and samples will be available to taste and enjoy.

Nutrition and Herbs for Breastfeeding and Postpartum Recovery (8/27, 12:30-2:30pm)

 In this two hour course we will explore how to integrate nutritive herbs and food in order to support the mom recovering from labor and/or Cesarean birth as well as the breastfeeding mom. We will also address formula feeding - amounts, options, concerns and differences for those choosing or needing to formula feed. We will discuss common nutrition and herbal concepts, remedies and questions that arise during the healing process and breastfeeding. We will give a brief demonstration on how to make some simple nutritive and herbal remedies to support mom during this time. Recipes and samples will be available to taste and enjoy.

Nutrition and Herbs for Early Childhood Feeding and Home Remedies (8/28, 10am-12pm)

 In this two hour course we will explore solid food introduction and philosophies, food allergy concerns and how to promote a healthy relationship with food for your child and your family. We will also discuss and demonstrate preparation for herbal home remedies of common childhood ailments. Recipes and samples will be available to taste and enjoy.


Cost for the Workshops: Sign up for two or more and save!!!

1/$60 ea., 2/$55 ea., 3/$45 ea.

Classes are hosted by Birth and Beyond

Want to learn how to make your own herbal preparations, ever wonder what those "weeds" are growing in your yard or in the woods around you, have a yearning to learn about how to use the medicinal plants of the Pacific Northwest?  I offer private classes that can be suited to your needs and desires.  We can cook up herbal preparations in your kitchen, take a walk in the woods, or go visit the medicinal gardens at Bastyr University or the UW.  What a perfect party to host for a gaggle of friends.  Contact me for more info!

Please consult the services section of my website for a list of classes offered.  Of course, I'm always interested in expanding my class offerings, if you’re interested in something outside of the scope of what I offer feel free to contact me to see what we can manifest.

As promised I will now begin posting an herb profile each month.  It is my intention to post herbs that are out and about so that you are inspired to go visit them, commune with them, harvest them, eat them, and make medicine with them.  We can only truly know a plant when we've sat with it, learned from it and taken the time to discover it's precious spirit.  Plants have information to give as long as we can slow down and listen- listen with our ears and with our hearts.  Plants are like people, they have a story to share, they have a history and a life force just waiting to be explored.  May these posts bring you closer to the green beings that surround you, may you feel inspired to spend time in nature, and may you make many friends along the path of your green journey!

Latin Name: Matricaria recutita- matricaria stems from the matrix meaning "mother" or "womb".

Common Name: German Chamomile

Family: Asteraceae- sunflower family