We’ll explore this system from ingestion through assimilation to elimination. Common herbs that help the liver and gallbladders such as dandelion and burdock will be discussed, along with soothing herbs such as marshmallow root (Althaea sp.) and slippery elm bark (Ulmus rubra). There is no diet that is right for everyone, but we’ll look at the benefits of a rainbow diet that offers specific nutrients in every color of fruit and vegetable! Robin will share herbal recipes and culinary spices to help with the health of the teeth and gums and to soothe upset stomachs or nausea, and ease common complaints like constipation, diarrhea, gas, cramping, and acid reflux. The digestive system is the primary physical portal that connects the outside world to our insides and is connected to how we take in life, and how we release that which doesn’t serve us.

Learn how to strengthen the immune system and heal infections with the use of herbs. We’ll explore a range of herbs – from the powerful benefits of all species of basil provide to the immune-enhancing qualities of garlic and Echinacea spp., to immune-modulating herbs such as Astragalus that build immunity and yet are safe for people with auto-immune conditions. We’ll explore the differences between innate and acquired immunity as we explore the watery brilliance of our lymphatic circulatory system. Recipes such as Robin’s “ginger-thyme (Thymus v.) euphoria elixir” offer profound lung and bronchial healing along with spiritual upliftment, and will be shared in class, with students invited to make it at the same time. “Your immune systems are comprised of all parts of the eco-system you know as yourself, and include not only every part of you, from your conscious and subconscious thoughts to your physical body systems but also how you live and function in relationship with the larger ecosystems that surround you.”* (Excerpted from The Gift of Healing Herbs by Robin Rose Bennett)

Robin will share about the best ways to use lung strengthening herbs such as white pine (Pinus spp.) and mullein (Verbascum spp.), and about building a healthy immune system with vegetable and/or bone soups containing garlic and onions, roots such as burdock (Arctium spp.), ginger (Zingiber o.), Astragalus spp., dried and fresh mushrooms such as Chagas (Inonotus obliquus) and shiitakes (Lentinula edodes), and a variety of seaweeds. 

Learn natural ways to stabilize your nervous system with herbal oils, tinctures, infusions, and baths – full-body, foot, and even hand baths can be immensely helpful. The nervous system holds the key to our overall health. Neurons live everywhere in our bodies and affect all of our systems: cardiovascular, immune, digestive, respiratory, urinary, musculoskeletal, and sexual/reproductive. Learn to use herbs to strengthen the resilience of whatever system(s) need(s) your attention. Caring for yourself with loving-kindness is a radical act, and herbs such as oat straw, lavender (Lavendula spp.), basil, St John’s wort (Hypericum spp.), and more help address anxiety, pain, nerve damage, inflammation, headaches, insomnia, lethargy, and more.

In this evening we’ll continue our discussion of how to use herbs and ritual practices to support the health of your nervous system. We’ll look to the gifts of roses, California poppy (Eschscholzia californica), motherwort (Leonurus c.), skullcap (Scutellaria spp.), lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora), and more to help us when healing from shocks to the system, despair, betrayal, heartache, and more. 

In this evening we’ll explore what to do when things go wrong; when someone falls, cuts themselves, swells up after a bug bite, hyperventilates, freaks out, and more. Which herbs are indispensable? What do you want in your first aid kit at home or while traveling? What’s growing in your backyard that might prevent an infection from a splinter or a wasp sting, or from stepping on a piece of glass? Herbs such as yarrow (Achillea milfoil), St John’s wort, echinacea, plantain, and more are multi-talented healers. We will delve into different ways to use these and other herbs internally and topically to help prevent further complications from accidents and to achieve amazing healing results. 

This evening we’ll celebrate! We’ll all bring rose preparations to the party and share what we’ve made as we gather “under” the full moon to sing, dance, and honor all the good work that you’ve done to date, in reconnecting yourself with the Earth and helping yourself and others with herbal medicine. Robin will answer questions and lead a full moon meditation where you may reflect on where you’ve come from, where you are presently, and where you wish to go next, aided by the illuminating light of the beautiful full moon.