Community Herbalism Course

From Seed to Shelf

Welcome! I’m so excited to share the 2025 Community Herbalism Course: from Seed to Shelf.

This course empowers participants through in-person, hands-on comprehensive herbal education from garden seeds to your home apothecary shelf. We seek to cultivate herbalism as a living tradition, emphasizing the importance of community, a focus on cultivating relationships, and a holistic approach to mind, body and spirit-based herbalism. Together, we will deep dive into herbal theory, the art of medicine making, botanical body care, aromatherapy, gardening, harvesting, and seasonal remedies & rituals, all while building connections and spending time in nature. We will travel to herbal gardens, apothecaries, and wild spaces to observe and interact with our local plant communities. Participants will gain the confidence and knowledge to provide effective, accessible herbal medicines to friends, family, and community. Our approach focuses on reintroducing herbs into the heart of homes, and everyday life reviving a thriving cultural tradition. This course offers not just a certificate, but a deepening of connection to nature, to plants and to ourselves.

June 2054 - January 2026

100 hours, with one weekend a month and 1-3 weekdays a month.

To foster a more intimate learning experience, we will cap registration at 12 participants.
Registration will close on May 31st, 2025.
See Course Calendar below for specific class descriptions and dates & times.

Herbal Theory Days - Saturdays

  • Lecture & discussion style classes will include anatomy, common acute and chronic issues with 10-20 featured herbs, and interactive Q & A. We will engage in sensory exploration, empirical observation, read scientific studies, draw upon traditional uses, and tap into intuition. This will create a foundation for a profound understanding of these plant medicines empowering students to use a wide range of herbal medicine creatively and effectively. We will also delve into case studies from within our community circle. We will meet once a month on Saturdays in a garden or apothecary space.

Medicine Making Days - Sundays

  • Blending theoretical herbal knowledge with hands-on application you will learn the art of crafting potent and high-quality plant medicines & botanical body care through various traditional and modern methods. Each participant will leave with a custom collection of the medicines created during each Sunday Making Day, ready to stock their home apothecary. There will be an opportunity to customize many of the medicines for your individual or communal needs. We will meet once a month on Sundays at Rebecca’s Herbal Apothecary.

In the Field -
Weekdays

  • We will embark together on trail excursions through wild landscapes, get our hands in the dirt, harvest fresh plant material for medicine making in the wild and in the garden, and immerse ourselves in nature to connect with the diverse array of local, cultivated, edible, and medicinal plants and mushrooms. We will meet 1-2 times per month while the plants are in season.

Seasonal Ritual - Weekdays

  • Drawing upon tradition and current needs of our community, we will engage in simple, accessible earth-based rituals that embrace elemental and seasonal energies to navigate the shifting landscapes of our lives. With a focus on personal and plant relationship, we aim to foster connections with plant allies and land. We will co-create a tapestry of rituals to foster a deep sense of connection and authenticity for wellness in our personal and communal lives.

June 2025

  • Saturday, June 7th, 2025, 09:00 am - 1:00 pm
    Instructor, Amber Graziano
    Location: Three Leaf Farm: Botanical Sanctuary & Education Center

    Discover the essentials of herbalism in our "Herbal Foundations" class. This course provides a balanced introduction to herbalism, including key concepts like vitalism, herbal actions, energetics, trade terminology, foundational nutrition, learning through the four directions model, the history of herbalism, ethical sourcing practices, apothecary herbalism and we will begin to establish a connection in our circle and get to know each other and the needs & desires of our community to inform our year of learning together.

  • Tuesday, June 10th, 5:00 - 8:00 pm
    Instructors: Grant Hamil & Amber Graziano

    Introduction to the land, plants and each other. We’ll witness the medicinal herb garden in its budding/spring phase. Honoring both intuitive and scientific relationship, we will engage in a plant spirit meditation and delve into planning a medicinal garden, principles of organic gardening, building soil, creating garden beds, and container gardening. As a tangible takeaway, participants will leave with a tray of herb seed starts to nurture at home.

  • Saturday, June 14th, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
    Instructor, Kat MacKinnon
    Location: Farm TBD

    Herbs help to build capacity for experiencing the full range of emotions and experiences in life. We will discuss the essentials of promoting a resilient nervous system, with nutrient-rich herbs, nervines, sedatives, sleep aids, and adaptogens. There is great benefit for a wide range of complaints from hormonal imbalance to immune health in utilizing the power of minerals and herbs in fostering balance, and vitality.

    HERBS:
    Nettle leaf, Oat straw, Cleavers, Dandelion leaf, Alfalfa, Borage, Raspberry leaf, Kelp, Shilajit, Skullcap, Passionflower, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Lion's Mane, Tulsi Basil, Catnip, Chamomile, California Poppy, Hops, Linden, Wood Betony, Valerian, Kava Kava, Mucuna

  • Sunday, June 15th, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
    Instructor, Amber Graziano
    Location: Rebecca’s Herbal Apothecary

    In this hands-on class, participants will delve into the most accessible form of herbal medicine, focusing on the use of water as a primary medium for extraction. Through the creation of herbal infusions, decoctions, oxymels, hair rinses, bath blends, and steams, participants will gain practical experience in crafting a diverse range of herbal preparations. We will make custom tea blends and learn how to create effective and delicious herbal formulations using knowledge, taste and intuition.

    Herbal Recipes:
    Nourishing Herbal Infusion (custom blend)
    Root, Bark & Berry Decoctions
    Decongesting Steam Blend
    Steam/Soak (custom blend)
    Soothing Bath Blend
    Hair Rinse
    Sleep Support Herbal Infusion

  • Tuesday, June 17th, 5:00 - 8:00 pm
    Instructors, Mariamor Pazos
    Location: Starhouse Garden

    Explore the magic of wild edibles, summer solstice herbs, and land-based rituals in this immersive folk herbalism class. Connect with the land through hands-on practice, ancestral wisdom, and seasonal plant allies.

July 2025

  • Sunday, July 6th, 9:00 am -11:00 am
    Instructor, Amber Graziano
    Location: Starhouse Gardens, Boulder

    Learn sustainable harvesting techniques, plant offerings and how to make an effective and high quality fresh infused oil in the field. There is nothing like a day in the wild, harvesting bright yellow blossoms at the height of summer. The medicine of St. John’s Wort shows us how to let the sunshine in our lives. We will use the finished fresh infused oil on our July Medicine Making Day to craft a lotion, body oil or salve.

  • Thursday, July 27th, 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm
    Instructor, Kat MacKinnon
    Location: Garden or Wild space

    Discover the fundamentals of botany in a hands-on, immersive class set in a wild, living landscape. Learn to identify plants by their key characteristics while deepening your connection to the natural world.

  • Saturday, July 26th, 09:00 am - 1:00 pm
    Instructor, Kat MacKinnon, Clinical Herbalist & Nutritionist

    Learn to use herbs for topical first aid situations, to improve skin health, provide pain relief and soothe irritated tissues. We will learn about topical applications for beauty products, body care and first aid and internal use for pain relief, muscle relaxation and wellness.

    HERBS:
    Pine, Calendula, Carrot Seed, Arnica, Comfrey leaf/root, Gotu Kola, Plantain, Frankincense, Marshmallow leaf, Rose, St. John's Wort, Rosehip, Cannabis, Yarrow, Chamomile, Rosemary, Cayenne, Ginger

  • Sunday, July 27th, 11:00 am -3:00 pm
    Instructor, Amber Graziano
    Location: Rebecca’s Herbal Apothecary

    Learn to infuse medicinal herbs into topical oils and transform them into a variety of body care and therapeutic products. We'll explore carrier oils, essential oils, and safe blending techniques for effective, aromatic formulations. This hands-on intensive includes making herbal salves, custom bath and body oils, SPF lotion, lip balm, and face serum—sending you home with natural replacements for everyday toiletries and summer body care!

    Herbal Recipes:
    Calendula & Comfrey leaf Infused Oil
    Skin Salve
    Summer Body Oil
    Lotion with SPF
    Custom Bath & Body Oil
    Face Serum
    Lip Balm

  • Thursday, July 31st, 5:00 - 8:00 pm
    Instructor, Taylor Fish, CCH
    Location: Boulder Foothills

    Embark on a scenic mountain plant walk as we explore the healing properties of flora, followed by a hands-on experience in crafting personalized flower essences. Discover how these essences can provide profound emotional and soul level support & growth. Participants will go home with a locally crafted Flower Essence.

Community Herbalism Course Calendar

August 2025

  • Saturday, August 2nd, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

    Guest Instructor: David Weinstein, Herbal Grower & Educator
    Location: Nederland

    We will travel to a high-altitude herbal garden to learn about Bokashi composting methods, how to cultivate and harvest Rhodiola spp. and various ways to use this plant in everyday life. We will see a demonstration of fresh plant tincturing in the field. Participants will go home with plant cuttings to experiment with growing Rhodiola at home.

  • Tuesday, August 5th, 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm
    Instructor, Kat MacKinnon, Clinical Herbalist & Nutritionist
    Location: Brainard Lake

    Deepen your botanical knowledge by exploring high-altitude mountain medicinal plants and their unique adaptations. This class builds on foundational botany, focusing on identification, ecology, and traditional uses of these resilient plant allies.

  • Saturday, August 16th, 09:00 am - 01:00 pm

    Instructors, Lauren Nichols, Clinical Herbalist,

    Location: Denver Urban Farm

    Experience the magic of fresh plant hydrosol distillation as we harvest and distill in the field, creating a hydrosol together. Learn the principles of aromatherapy safety and how to use hydrosols for skincare, medicine, and everyday wellness.

  • Saturday, August 23rd, 09:00 am - 01:00 pm
    Instructor, Kat MacKinnon, Clinical Herbalist & Nutritionist
    Location, TBD

    Explore the profound impact of herbs on our vital and challenging digestive systems, explore the possibilities of the brain-gut connection, and learn gentle ways to support the body's natural detoxification methods. We will focus on the digestive system and hepatic system, and how to use herbs, foods and lifestyle changes to bring relief and balance for chronic and acute GI issues.

    HERBS:
    Angelica root, Turmeric, Fennel seed, Oregon Grape root, Dandelion leaf/root, Burdock root, Marshmallow leaf/root, Gentian root, Turkey Tail mushroom, Schisandra berry, Milk thistle seed, Chamomile, Calendula, Orange peel, Wild Yam, Peppermint

  • Sunday, August 24th, 09:00 am - 03:00 pm

    Instructors, Kat MacKinnon, Clinical Herbalist & Nutritionist & Amber Graziano, Clinical Herbalist & Nutritionist

    Location: Rebecca’s Herbal Apothecary

    Learn the art of tincture making using both folk and measured methods, exploring hydroethanolic and glycerine extractions. Gain a deeper understanding of solvent ratios, plant constituents, and best practices for potency and preservation. The class will conclude with crafting your own custom bitter formulation to support digestion and overall wellness.

    HERBAL RECIPES:
    Tincture -fresh & dry herbs
    Digestive & Liver Bitter
    Elixir & Cordial

September 2025

  • Sunday, September 7th, 09:00 am - 11:00 am
    Instructor, Amber Graziano, Clinical Herbalist
    Host, Anna Flick, Community Herbalist
    Location: Jack’s Solar Garden

    Learn about the medicinal and magical properties of the Elder bush, a native and easily cultivated medicinal plant which has a wide array of physical and energetic uses. Harvest fresh Elderberries and learn about an herbal garden growing beneath solar panels.

  • Saturday, September 20th, 10:00 am - 03:00 pm

    Instructor, Kat MacKinnon, Clinical Herbalist & Nutritionist & Catherine Hunzinger, Wishgarden Founder
    Location: Wishgarden Herbs

    Learn about potent herbs that can fortify the immune system, as well as herbs that shorten the duration of colds and flus and alleviate respiratory symptoms. We will focus on accessible herbal remedies specifically crafted to support respiratory and immune health, during the changing seasons. Head formulator and activist herbalist, Catherine Hunzinker will take us on a tour of the Wishgarden Herb tincture production facilities to sample and learn about their well-loved and effective respiratory tinctures.

    HERBS:

    Reishi mushroom, Astragalus root, Ashwagandha root, Shatavari root, Elderberry, Cinnamon chips, Chaga mushroom, Codonopsis root, Ginger, Garlic, Rosemary, Elder flower, Thyme, Monarda flower, Licorice root, Elecampane root, Osha root, Mints, Echinacea, Pine, Slippery Elm bark, Yerba Santa, Rosehips, Yarrow

  • Sunday, September 21st, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
    Instructor, Amber Graziano
    Location: Rebecca’s Herbal Apothecary

    We will make effective and tasty herbal medicine recipes for the upcoming cold and flu season that bolster the immune system and improve common respiratory complaints.

    Herbal Recipes:
    Fresh Elderberry Syrup
    Lung Honey
    Rosehip Jam
    Immune Boosting Mushroom Cacao
    Cold & Flu Tea
    Throat Spray

  • Thursday, September 18th, 5:00 - 7:30 pm
    Instructors, Heather Powell, Plant Witch
    Location: Earthstar Medicinal Garden

    Celebrate the Fall Equinox by exploring deep-rooted plants like Osha, Burdock, and Yellow dock. The first half of the class will focus on practical knowledge, including recipes, tastings, and herbal preparations, while the second half transitions into a more ceremonial experience. We’ll sip Osha tea to open our senses, engage in plant brushings, journey to a root of our choice, and close with song and reflection—honoring the balance of light and dark as we welcome the shifting season.

October 2025

  • Saturday, October 18th, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Instructors, Liz Philbrick, CCH, Wild Rose Health & Christine Olanio, CCH, Generative Cycles
    Location: The Little Herbal

    This course delves into the therapeutic world of herbs for nurturing reproductive systems, balancing hormones, and supporting health. Learn from two experienced herbalists who use plant medicine to support reproductive health from menarche to menopause. This class explores herbal approaches to hormone balance, offering practical applications and traditional wisdom for the endocrine system, menstrual cycles, and overall wellness.

    HERBS:
    Cramp bark, Motherwort, Dong Quai, Raspberry leaf, Vitex berry, Horsetail, Uva Ursi, Hibiscus, St. John's Wort, Maca, Red Clover, Black Cohosh, Peony root, revisit hepatic, nervine and nutritive herbs.

  • Sunday, October 19th, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
    Instructor, Amber Graziano
    Location: Rebecca’s Apothecary

    This class will focus on kitchen herbal recipes that support the body as we transition to winter. There are many ways to integrate herbs into everyday life and kitchen herbal recipes show us how to nourish and support our well-being throughout the year while also tasting delicious.

    Herbal Recipes:
    Herbal Fire Cider
    Savory Seasonal Herbal Salt
    Adaptogen Bliss Balls
    Immunity Herbal Broth
    Antioxidant Gummies

  • Tuesday October 28th, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
    Instructor, Amber Graziano
    Location: Rebecca’s Herbal Apothecary

    This class intertwines oracle cards, writing prompts, and personal rituals to guide you in creating a custom seasonal fragrance. Explore the art of blending essential oils to construct a harmonious accord, while using scent to support our emotional & spiritual health.

  • This day is left open to be determined by community needs or desires.

    Possibilities: A revisit with any of the topics we have explored. Conifer medicine making. Building your home apothecary. Dream oracle & plant spirit medicine with Karla Refoxo. Winter high altitude plant spirit meditation. Herbs for Grief. Plants & Poetry. Botanical Illustration. Herbs for Pets. Natural Cleaning Products, Mineral Makeup, Herbs & Rituals for the Holidays, Gift Making Day, or ???

November & December 2025

  • Saturday, November 8th, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
    Instructor, Heather Powell, Community Herbalist & Plant Witch

    Explore the profound realm of spiritual heart herbs, aphrodisiacs, and ritual plants. Delve into the wisdom of these botanical allies, discovering their transformative powers in enhancing connection, fostering passion, enriching ritual practices and encouraging liminal space. Join us for an intimate exploration of nature's sacred offerings for mind, body, and soul.

    HERBS:
    Albizia, Damiana, Frankincense, Hawthorn, Rose, Cacao, Pine, Copal, Sandalwood, Mullein, Marshmallow leaf/flower, Mugwort, Blue Lotus, Rue, Angelica, Osha, Devil's Club, Hawthorn, Rose, Cardamom, Linden, Motherwort, and flower essences for emotional support.

  • Sunday, November 9th, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Instructor, Amber Graziano
    Location: Rebecca’s Herbal Apothecary Kitchen

    Dive into the art of herbal medicine making with a hands-on percolation session, learning this fast and potent tincture-making method. We'll also review key herbs for each body system, preparing for our upcoming community case study day with a well-rounded foundation in herbal formulations.

  • Sunday, December 21st,

    Instructor, Amber Graziano & participants

    Join us for a student-designed Winter Solstice ritual, created in collaboration to honor the longest night of the year. Possibilities include a candlelit labyrinth walk, a bonfire, drumming up the sun at Red Rocks, or a community-chosen ceremony, weaving together reflection, renewal, and shared celebration.

January 2025

  • Sunday, January 25th, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

    Participants will present a capstone project to our community on an herbal topic of their choice. Topics can be broad or specific, communal or personal; some ideas to get the juices flowing; Herbs for Elders, Postpartum herbal support, a thesis on one herb, aromatherapy & herbs for libido, etc. participants may also choose to create a small product line or develop a business plan. Herbal projects may also be merged with other passions, art, dance, public performance, garden design, ritual work, etc.

  • January Weekday, evening

    We will join together with family, friends and loved ones to commemorate our year together, and celebrate all we have learned, discovered and shared. Location and specifics to be voted on by community.

What you will receive

  • In person, hands-on, community and nature focused herbal education.

  • A Handbook of Herbal Medicine with delicious and effective recipes, an encyclopedia of herbs, resources for continued learning and tips & tricks of the apothecary trade.

  • High quality, effective herbal medicine & body care products to stock your home apothecary.

  • Lifetime access to Herbal Theory & Medicine Making Day class audio recordings (field excursions, harvests & rituals will not be recorded).

  • Direct experience with growing, harvesting and preserving herbal medicine.

  • A chance to explore, co-create and deepen in both personal and communal rituals with plant medicine.

  • Private, hands-on medicine making and body care classes at Rebecca’s Apothecary.

  • 10% discount at Rebecca's Apothecary on day of class.

  • A full year of support via email from Amber, Clinical Herbalist, Nutritionist & Apothecary Manager for personal and course-based herbal inquiries.

  • The opportunity to create and share a final project on an herbal topic of your choice.

  • Certificate of Completion of 100 hours in Community Herbalism.

  • A living, evolving classroom which considers individual and community needs, preferences and desires.

Course Instructors

Grant Hamil - Herb Farmer
Plume & Furrow Owner

Liz Philbrick - Clinical Herbalist & Nutritionist, Medicine Maker
Wild Rose Health

Katherine MacKinnon-
Clinical Herbalist & Nutritionist,
Director - MeetThe Green

Heather Powell -
Herbalist, Plant Witch

Amber Graziano -
Clinical Herbalist, Nutritionist,
Rebecca’s Apothecary Manager

Christine Olanio- Certified Clinical Herbalis & Nutritionist, FAM Practitioner - Generative Cycles

Investment

  • To acknowledge the reality of diverse levels of economic access, I offer tiered pricing at three price points for folks to join. Monthly payment plans are available. Please email community@ambergraziano.com for more information.

    Community Rate - $2500
    For historically marginalized groups, & those experiencing economic challenges.

    Standard Rate - $2800

    Supporter Rate - $3000
    For those who are able to contribute more to help sponsor a Scholarship Position.

    Community Herbalism Course Application Form

  • Application Submission:

    To enroll in the Community Herbalism Course, please complete the application form.

    Zoom Interview:

    Participants will be selected to participate in an introductory zoom interview with Amber & apprentices.

    Acceptance Notification:

    Upon acceptance, you will receive an email notification confirming your enrollment status.

    Invoice for Deposit:

    Once accepted, an invoice for a non-refundable deposit of $200 will be sent to your provided email address.

    Payment Deadline:

    The remaining course payment is due by May 1st, 2024.

    Payment Plans:

    If you wish to discuss monthly payment plans, please send an email to community@ambergraziano.com. Monthly payment plans must be agreed upon by both Amber and participant.

    Please ensure timely submission of your deposit and full payment to secure your spot in the course. To foster a more intimate learning experience, we will cap registration at 12 participants.

    Registration will close on May 1st, 2024. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to us at community@ambergraziano.com. We look forward to welcoming you to our Community Herbalism Course.

  • Participants will be required to purchase herbs for their herb of the month projects and jars/containers for all custom herbal blends. We recommend purchasing one pack of pint sized mason jars and one pack of ½ pint mason jars to start.

    There will be free online resources provided for each month’s content, in addition to a recommended reading list.

    Materials for all medicine making days, field excursions and herb theory days are included in the course cost.

    Participants are required to find or provide their own transportation for each class. Specific location information will be shared 2 weeks ahead of time for planning. Ride sharing is encouraged to minimize impact and to build community.

  • In our Community Herbalism Course, we encourage active participation to the best of your ability. To earn your Community Herbalism Certificate, we recommend maintaining a minimum attendance of 80% of class hours.

    Additionally, expect to engage in monthly Materia Medica homework, requiring 1-4 hours of commitment per month. While the final project is optional, it comes highly recommended as a valuable opportunity to apply and consolidate your herbal knowledge. Your dedication and involvement will not only enhance your learning experience but also contribute to the vibrant community we aim to cultivate.

  • Refunds for Withdrawal:

    Full refunds, not including the deposit, will be granted for withdrawals made with written notice at least 14 days before the first class date (June 7th, 2025.

    If less than 14 days notice is given, a credit can be issued for the following year's Community Herbalism Course. The credit will be valid for one year.

    No Refunds or Credits:

    If less than 7 days notice is given before the first class date, no refund or credit will be issued.

    Course Cancellation:

    We require a minimum of 8 participants to conduct each year's course.

    In the event that the course must be canceled due to insufficient enrollment, a full refund, including the deposit, will be provided.

    For any questions regarding enrollment or cancellation, please reach out to community@ambergraziano.com.

    We appreciate your understanding and support of the policies outlined above, as they are essential to the successful functioning of our program.

    If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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