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Connecting Plants and People for health, healing, and happiness since 1987

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Beginning With Herbs
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Winter BWH 2022 grads
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Beginning With Herbs

Rated 4.92 out of 5 based on 12 customer ratings
(12 customer reviews)

$495.00

with Allison Poklemba + Jessica Shepherd

The place to start for beginning your herbal journey, deepening your understanding of medicine making, or inspiring your continued work with our plant allies

Next Session: January 22 to March 12, 2025
Location | Humboldt Herbals Classroom, Old Town Eureka, CA

  • Class meets eight Wednesday evenings, 6-8pm
  • Plus two 10am-12:30pm Sunday Herb Walks (Feb. 2 + March 2)

This class is a prerequisite for the 10 Month Herbal Studies Program (next session begins February 8, 2025) and may be taken concurrently.

Limited scholarships are available for BIPOC, students, elders, and/or those experiencing economic hardship. Email allison@dandelionherb.com for details.

Taking this class for a 2nd time? Use code HERBNERD at checkout for 10% off!

If “out of stock,” email allison@dandelionherb.com to be put on waiting list

Out of stock

Category: Class
  • Description
  • Reviews (12)

Description

Learn the foundations of making and using your own herbal medicine.
This class engages all your senses in a hands-on approach to learning:

  • Medicine making techniques
  • Herbal First Aid
  • Identification and use of common wild herbs 
  • Herbal remedies for common imbalances
  • The art of creating herbal formulas
  • How to enjoy wild foods

Our Syllabus
Tuition includes samples of an abundant variety of products we will craft together

  • Jan. 22 – Introduction to the healing ways of plants + the art of Tea preparation
  • Jan. 29 – Herbal Oils + Salves: preparation and use
  • Feb. 2 – Herb Walk – Kneeland, CA
  • Feb. 5 –Tinctures + Liniments: preparation and use
  • Feb. 12 – Herbal First Aid, Poultices, and Fomentations
  • Feb. 19 – Building Herbal Formulas
  • February 26 – Herbal First Aid continued + Herbal Pill and “Goo” preparation
  • March 2 – Herb Walk in Trinidad
  • March 5 – Herbs for common imbalances + Syrup and Shrub preparation
  • March 12 – Herbs for common imbalances continued + Herbal First Aid Kits + Celebration!

Download full syllabus

Ask Questions
Contact Allison: allison@dandelionherb.com, 707-407-5617

Registration Form
Please complete this quick form when you register so we can learn a bit more about you before class.

About Your Teachers

Allison Poklemba and wakameAllison Poklemba is a teacher, botanist, herbalist, environmental educator, Co-director of Dandelion Herbal Center, founder of Backcountry Press, artist, mother, friend, and always curious student of nature. She has been concocting potions since childhood and teaching at Dandelion Herbal Center since 2002 — she also carries a special place in her heart just for seaweed.

JESSICA SHEPHERD

Jessica Shepherd is Co-director of Dandelion Herbal Center. She has been working as a Community Herbalist at Humboldt Herbals since 2004 while also teaching a myriad of classes and pursuing extensive studies and certifications in the field of Aromatherapy, including distillation. She has developed successful herbal product lines, top-selling tea blends, created an award-winning recipe published in the book Fire Cider, and has been teaching at Dandelion Herbal Center since 2015.

12 reviews for Beginning With Herbs

  1. Rated 5 out of 5

    Kristen (verified owner) – March 12, 2022

    This class is one of the best learning experiences I’ve ever had. I can honestly say my life has changed in such a magical way after taking this course. Allison and Jessica are so beautiful, so educated, and so much fun to learn with. I would highly recommend this class to anyone who has felt even a tickle of curiosity or connection to plant medicine. It is worth every penny, there’s no monitory value that can compare to what you gain from this course. The friendships made and knowledge shared is priceless. I’m looking forward to taking the 10 month program next year.

  2. Rated 5 out of 5

    Tina (verified owner) – March 29, 2022

    The class with Allison and Jessica was wonderful. I took this class with Jane many years ago and wanted a refresher, and also to support and learn from these two experienced and respected herbalists. I was thrilled that it was an in-person class, & everything felt safe and welcoming. It’s so much fun to be with like-minded people who love and connect with plants. This is an excellent beginners or refresher class. The culmination of the class is we made our own herbal first aid kits. I’m happy and relieved to have this in my cabinet ready to go when needed. I wouldn’t mind taking an herb class every week, I loved it so much.

  3. Rated 5 out of 5

    Jess – November 30, 2022

    what an awesome class!! such a beautiful introduction to herbalism and the practical magic that goes into working with plants. jessica and allison are wonderfully diverse in their approach and knowledge and it is a gift to get to study and learn with them! super inspiring.. 10/10 would do it again!

    • Allison Poklemba – November 30, 2022

      Thank you, Jess! You brought so much joy to our class — excited to share time in the Ten Month with you!

  4. Rated 5 out of 5

    Aubrey (verified owner) – December 5, 2022

    Making the decision to take the 8 week beginning herbalism was one of the best decisions I’ve made. The instructors Allison and Jessica brought lovely, unique, and well experienced perspectives to the class. Their assistant Sarah was also a comical joy and pleasure to have with us. The two hours a week didn’t feel like enough and it was VERY clear just a couple classes in that I would be committing to the upcoming 10 month course as well. I feel more called, interested and connected to the plants and am thankful to have been guided by these lovely & inspiring herbalists.

    • Allison Poklemba – December 9, 2022

      Thank you, Aubrey! Love your creativity. We can’t wait to see what you concoct next!

  5. Rated 5 out of 5

    Ashley (verified owner) – December 5, 2022

    This class was a 12 out of 10. The teachers and students made it feel like our little Wednesday home. In fact, every Wednesday since the class ended I wish I was still going. We learned a tremendous amount but it never felt overwhelming. You can participate outside of class in terms of trying to make things on your own as much or as little as you want so I highly recommend this class no matter what is going on in your life. It was a positive experience in every way. The two herb walks were a blast and you walk away feeling knowledgeable and excited to delve deeper and share the info with others. You also get samples of everything we make in class. I use the salve we made daily. When I look back on this experience it makes me smile in every way. Wouldn’t change a thing.

    • Allison Poklemba – December 9, 2022

      Such a pleasure to have you as part of our class community, Ashley!

  6. Rated 5 out of 5

    Stacey (verified owner) – December 8, 2022

    This class should just be fundamental experience for all people! Jessica and Allison gift you practical day to day knowledge on how to care for yourself and your loved ones in a straightforward and holistic way that honors plants and people. The classes are warm and inviting — and quickly you find yourself among friends. Jessica and Allison offer a really beautiful balance of hard science and mystery, spirituality and practicality. There isn’t a single reason not to take the class. Just be careful because you’ll want to take the 10 Month!

    • Allison Poklemba – December 9, 2022

      Yes! Agree 100%. I do wish all folks had these fundamental tools for caring for themselves and their loved one. So glad you could join us, Stacey!

  7. Rated 5 out of 5

    Aiko (verified owner) – March 29, 2023

    This class was an incredible experience that exceeded my expectations! The curriculum was very well organized, each week focusing on the preparation and application of different mediums for herbs (tinctures, salves, syrups, etc.). The lectures offered a wealth of information and was supplemented with live demonstrations (so that we could actually see how to process the herbs ourselves) and detailed handouts containing a variety of recipes. But what really made the class for me was Allison’s and Jessica’s passion for deepening their understanding and teaching about plants. Not only are they experts in this domain, but the intentionality, ethics and love that they embodied created a learning ethos that felt like we were stepping into sacred grounds. It has certainly changed how I relate to myself and the larger natural world, and for that, I am deeply grateful.

    • Allison Poklemba – March 29, 2023

      Aww, Aiko! My heart leaps to read this, for what you got out of this class is the very reason we pour ourselves into it. I’m so glad.

  8. Rated 5 out of 5

    Carol (verified owner) – November 28, 2023

    I have attended many herbal classes, this class was by far the best and most enjoyable. The instructors are extremely knowledgeable and wonderful people.

  9. Rated 5 out of 5

    Nathan N (verified owner) – December 7, 2023

    This was one of the most life changing experiences that I had ever had the privilege of having. Allison, Jessica, and Kale were incredible teachers, guides, and friends. I left this class with so much knowledge and tools that I’ll keep with me for the rest of my herbalist journey. I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to attend this class!

  10. Rated 4 out of 5

    Savanna (verified owner) – November 15, 2024

    Taking this class has been such a fun start to my journey. It is empowering and a great base guide for how to get started in a huge field of knowledge – it points you on a confident path to a lifetime of learning. I now know how to make multitudes of medicinal preparations – syrups, tinctures, teas, and more – and learned much about our native friendly plants. The plant ID walks were especially helpful. The community aspect was wonderful and made me feel so held throughout the whole course.

  11. Rated 5 out of 5

    Wendy P. (verified owner) – November 15, 2024

    As a relative newbie in my herbal healing journey, this class was just what I needed. It started with the basics (which I needed) but it also dove deeper into a knowledge base that gave me a richness and wisdom that will be passed on to my family, friends, and community. This was no show and tell! Questions were welcome and we had first hand experience with all of our senses to immerse ourselves in the world of herbal uses. If you have any interest in this modality, I HIGHLY recommend this course. You’ll not only be happy you did, you’ll also meet some of the most lovely humans. Peace and Love – W

  12. Rated 5 out of 5

    Andrea H. (verified owner) – November 19, 2024

    I’m so glad and thankful I found this class. Not only did I learn so much about preparing herbal remedies, sourcing herbs, and the way plants can be our allies, I learned to slow down, spend more time observing the natural world around me, and listening to the plants that are asking for my attention. And what a great group of people I got to spend my 8 weeks with! Allison and Jessica are a wealth of knowledge and just wonderful people to be around! They really set the tone for a spiritually nurturing class where we all felt open to ask questions and share personal experiences. And I actively practice what I learned everyday and the world of plants and herbal healing has just opened up tremendously for me.

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Dandelion Herbal Center

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“Summer is for surrendering; winter is for wonde “Summer is for surrendering; winter is for wondering.” — Debasish Mridha

Oh how a touch of frost transforms our *perma-spring* on the northern Humboldt Coast into a momentary wonderland. What a joy!

Say good morning to Urtica urens, the annual or small nettle. This species of nettle is native to northern Asia, north-west Africa, and Europe. In the British Isles U. urens is an archeophyte: an ancient introduction.

Here on the Humboldt Coast, annual nettle may be found growing in damp agricultural areas, like here in the beautiful winter fields of @redwoodrootsfarmcooperative where it is a weed… perfect for herbalists to pick alongside their kale and brussel sprouts 💚

As I sip my warm *weedy* nettle tea, it delights with a savory saltiness… a lovely reminder of the mineral-rich medicine that all nettle species (including our native Urtica dioica) carry.

#nettle #frostymorning #urtica #urticadioica #urticaurens #stingingnettle #herbschool #csa #supportyourlocalfarmer #herbalism #herbalist
Class one: 🫖 Our first class of the 10-part B Class one: 🫖 

Our first class of the 10-part Beginning With Herbs series is this evening 1/22, where we will sample tea, tea, tea, and more tea!

If you’d like to join us in Old Town Eureka, we still have a few seats left.

Check out our 🔗 for all the steamy and not so steamy (we’re looking at you Cold Infusions!) details 🍵

#lemonbalm #nettle #chamomile #rosemary #maketeanotwar #teatime #herbschool #herbalism #herbalism #herbs #humboldt
🌟4 SEATS LEFT🌟 Our winter session of Beginn 🌟4 SEATS LEFT🌟

Our winter session of Beginning With Herbs with Allison @earth2allison & Jessica @jessicashepherdess kicks off Wednesday, January 22!

This class meets for eight Wednesday evenings, 6 to 8 PM, at the lovely @humboldt.herbals shop in old town Eureka.

PLUS we also gather on two Sundays for Herb Walks to meet the wonderful great green world around us here on the Redwood Coast.

🌟 LIMITED SCHOLARSHIPS are available for those who identify as BIPOC, elders, students and/or those experiencing economic hardship. Drop us a line if that is you!

Save your seat at our 🔗 
Hope to see you!

(💚 if you’re hoping to take our Ten Month herbal studies course, which begins February 8, this is the prerequisite. Taking the two courses concurrently is welcome.)

#herbschool #herbalist #herbalism #medicinalplants #humboldtcounty #herbs #humboldt #herbalmedicine #plantmedicine #plantpeople
DHC ALUMNI = AWESOME ASSISTANTS Are you a DHC alu DHC ALUMNI = AWESOME ASSISTANTS

Are you a DHC alum interested in coming back as a class assistant?

Assistants help out in a number of important ways, depending on the class.

They might be teaching assistants, communication specialists, tea brewers, and medicine makers, cleaning crew & hearth tenders, storytellers, and herbie herders.

These are volunteer gigs with some fabulous perks:

You get to deepen and broaden your herbalist skillset

Be an integral part of a nurturing, cup filling, and joyful class community

You get to feel the satisfaction of helping to facilitate meaningful experiences that literally change people’s lives

Medicine samples. You bring home so many amazing medicine samples.

And you get to spend intentional time with the plants!

If you’re interested in volunteering in a number of different class situations…

Check out the form at our link. We want to collect your info 💚

#herbschool #herbalism #herbalist #plantpeople #humboldt #humboldtcounty
Herbal Clinic Class with Jane Bothwell is just aro Herbal Clinic Class with Jane Bothwell is just around the corner! 

Join this special in person class at DHC for 9 Tuesdays 9:30am-12:30pm, beginning January 14th.

You’ll transform what you’ve learned on paper into practice as diverse clients visit class each week!

You’ll learn how to conduct a personalized intake, design an herbal protocol, and incorporate feedback through follow up visits.

With unique clients each session, this class is always changing with different topics addressed. (Fun fact: Allison will be taking it for the 3rd time! 🤓)

Save your seat at our 🔗 

💛 Interested in being a client? There are a few remaining spots at this free clinic. Be in touch to see if this experience would be a good fit for you.

#herbschool #herbalclinic #freeclinic #herbalist #herbalism #humboldtcounty
We have free things! Two quite lovely little ebook We have free things! Two quite lovely little ebooks actually. Can’t miss ‘em over at dandelionherb.com under the Freebies tab 💚

#herbschool #natureheals #masalachai #conifer #medicinalplants #chai #herbalism #herbs #herbalist #ebook
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Kneeland, CA
707-407-5617

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