There is no diet that is right for everyone. We’ll look at the benefits of a rainbow diet, because including every color of food on your plate is a great way to get all the nutrients you need! The digestive system is the primary physical portal that connects our insides to the outside world. We’ll explore the in’s and out’s of this system, from ingestion to elimination; how we take in nourishment, make use of the nutrients, and support our bodies in releasing whatever can’t be assimilated.

How to work with herbs that help the liver and gallbladder, such as dandelion (Taraxacum off.) and burdock (Arctium lappa) will be discussed, along with soothing herbs such as marshmallow root (Althaea sp.) chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), and slippery elm bark (Ulmus rubra). We’ll celebrate the benefits of common foods such as apples as well as herbs you probably already have in your spice rack like cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare).

Strengthen your immune system and heal infections with the help of herbal medicine! We’ll discuss the differences between innate and acquired immunity as we dive into the watery brilliance of our lymphatic circulatory system.

We’ll explore a range of herbs – from the powerful benefits all species of basil (Occimum spp.) provide, to the immune-enhancing qualities of garlic (Allium sativum) to the stimulating properties of echinacea (Echinacea spp.). Learn how to incorporate immune-modulating herbs such as astragalus (Astragalus spp.) into soups and infusions to safely support people with auto-immune conditions.

Robin will also share a variety of ways to use lung strengthening herbs such as white pine (Pinus spp.) and mullein (Verbascum spp.).

The nervous system holds the key to your overall health. Tending to your nervous system with herbs increases your resilience, and caring for yourself with loving-kindness is not only a radical act, it strengthens your nervous system. Neurons live everywhere in our bodies and affect all of our systems: cardiovascular, immune, digestive, respiratory, urinary, musculoskeletal, and sexual/reproductive.

Learn natural ways to support these systems by soothing your nerves and easing stress with infused herbal oils and vinegars, tinctures and infusions. Full-body baths, as well as foot, and even hand baths can be immensely helpful. Herbs such as oat straw (Avena sativa), lavender (Lavendula spp.), basil (Ocimum basilicum), St John’s wort (Hypericum spp.), help address anxiety, pain, nerve damage, inflammation, headaches, insomnia, lethargy, and more.

This evening we’ll continue our discussion of herbal nervines and ritual practices that support and heal our nervous systems.

We’ll explore the abundance of herbal allies that are available to help us heal from shocks to the system. They can support us through personal betrayal, despair, heartache, and collective tragedies. We’ll look with gratitude to the gifts of roses (Rosa spp.), California poppy (Eschscholzia californica), motherwort (Leonurus c.), skullcap (Scutellaria spp.), lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora), violet (Viola spp.), and linden (Tilia spp.).

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, a wasp sting, or from stepping on a piece of glass?

Herbs such as yarrow (Achillea milfoil), St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum), echinacea (Echinacea spp.), plantain (Plantago spp.), and marigolds (Calendula officinalis) 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. 

Under the full moon we sing, dance, drink herbal infusion, create sacred space with herbal smoke, and reconnect to ourselves and the Earth. We honor the journey you’ve undertaken, exploring the Green Witch’s Apothecary and conclude with a full moon meditation/ritual.

Robin answers students’ questions and leads a full moon meditation for you to 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.