Workshop Details

For thousands of years, people have been harvesting herbal medicines from their home gardens for basic family needs. Become part of this evolving tradition using the Esalen garden and wild lands as a classroom. This is a dynamic and hands-on introduction to the art and practical application of garden herbalism. We will spend over half of our time outdoors, where we’ll harvest common herbs and discuss their uses and cultivation. We will then bring the herbs back to the classroom and learn how to make effective teas, tinctures, and oils for commonly encountered health challenges including stress, sleeplessness, indigestion, and minor wounds.
By effectively preparing and using herbs, we inspire and empower the healer within. This work rejuvenates the senses and steeps us in the wonder of nature’s healing powers. Participants will leave with an abundance of practical and easily implemented information, and a sampling of herb plants to transplant at home. Please bring sun hat, a 16 or 32 oz jar with lid for making garden teas, comfortable shoes for walking, and a notebook.
Recommended reading: Tierra, Healing with the Herbs of Life; Hobbs, Herbal Remedies for Dummies; Moore, Medicinal Herbs of the Pacific West.