Wildcrafting Herbal Medicine
Coping with and recovering from illness, injury, and debility has always been part of being human. And for these complaints, plants have served as the major source of medicine.
This class will examine the use of wild plants, fungi, and lichens for healing sickness and injury and supporting the body.
Students will learn a suite of species that grow in New England that can be used for many common ailments, such as colds, infections, gastrointestinal upset, headaches, dermatitis, insomnia, etc.
The species discussed on this day will mainly be those that have modern study corroborating indigenous use.
Methods of collecting will be discussed, as well as directions for making various types of medicine (e.g., infusions, decoctions, poultices, tinctures, double extractions).
A double extraction of a wild-collected mushroom (such as chaga, hemlock reishi, or turkeytail) will be prepared during this class and students will leave with this medicine that can be used for bolstering immune system function, as a powerful antioxidant, killing viral pathogens, and fighting cancer.
Throughout the day, stories and examples will be shared demonstrating how plant-based medicines have preserved life and influenced aboriginal and contemporary people.
“As an English major, not a scientist, I worried about not being up to speed with plant knowledge, yet Arthur’s gentle explanations and youthful humor calmed my anxieties and I learned the importance and power of classification identification. ”
ORGANIC, LOCAL MEALS PROVIDED
Chef Frank Giglio will be cooking daily omnivorous breakfasts, lunches, and dinners for all of our students.
It has become increasingly clear through many independent studies that diets rich in wild foods promote health and defend the body from many of the debilitating ailments that plague modern societies (e.g., cancer, obesity, diabetes, arthritis, coronary disease, periodontal disease).
All food will be included and prepared by Chef Frank Giglio. Expect local, wild, and/or organic food offerings from the four food kingdoms prepared in a traditional manner (i.e., a Weston Price-inspired menu).
YOUR HOST, ARTHUR HAINES AND THE DELTA INSTITUTE
This class will be taught by Arthur Haines at the Delta Institute of Natural History, also known as Wilder Waters Community.
Some locations will be visited off site so please be prepared to carpool short distances from the property. Bring footwear for uneven ground, and proper clothing for whatever the weather may be on that day.
Camping is available on site. Cabin and room rentals are also available, please contact Sara to inquire about rental availability.
2021 DATES TBA
Price is $395.00 and class is limited to 12 students.
Class begins at 6:00 pm on Friday and ends at 12:00 pm on Sunday.