herbal preparations class

[rm]

This was fabulous and a lot of information packed into a very small space (which is good, because getting up there is a hassle when the 4 train isn't running and I didn't really a lot myself enough time because of it, and then the bus didn't come and I had to do the 20+ minute walk from the station in twelve and did (something I never could have done pre-fencing, my thighs are DYING)).

We covered making teas, decoctions, vinegar and alcohol tinctures and oils with both fresh and dried plant material. This included when to harvest/how to select dried material and processes for each. We made a vinegar tincture and also learned how to make oils into lip balms. We also covered the uses of a range of common plants and it was weird how many of those topics happened to be very, very specifically useful in my world (i.e., dandelion contains more potassium than bananas, and since I _loathe_ banana and really need more potassium in my life with the current physical regimine, truthfully, I'm more than happy to just drink the nasty tea instead; similarly things designed to help digestion of fats and improve gall bladder function (the first part being very relevant to me with celiac, the second part being very relevant to all sorts of people I know)).

The teacher was friendly, funny, specific and blunt about bullshit, and I'm definitely going to be taking more classes with her.

Also, amazingly, the class had about 15 people in it from all walks of life. It was so shocking to me that it wasn't all women, all hippies or whatever. Multi-everything!

http://www.herbalbear.com/schedule.html

While, unfortunately, there isn't really enough time for me to prep nasty bottles of things for various people for Christmas (needs about six weeks), various people should feel warned that at some future gift-giving occassion, they will, in fact, be receiving nasty bottles of things from me.

Comments

[marzipan-pig.livejournal.com]

Wow! Their botanical medicine program looks really interesting, and it's cool they have less-time-and-money intensive classes in the city too. I used to make lip gloss and soap but got away from it and I was never super herbal integrated about it, just 'inspired by'. I remember it being a lot of fun though.

[graene.livejournal.com]

Yay!