Study Herbal Medicines at the Blessed Maine Herb Farm
School of Herbal Medicine
Community Herbalist Program - Herbal Correspondence Course Four Saturdays in June - Herbal Medicine Apprenticeships - Herb Gathering & Medicine Making Day
Taught by Herbalist
Gail Faith Edwards

We invite you to study herbalism here at the Blessed Maine Herb Farm School of Herbal Medicine. Cross the threshold into The Way of the Wild Heart and engage the wisdom and spirit of the healing herbs with community herbalist, author and teacher, Gail Faith Edwards as your guide.

We have several exciting herbal study opportunities lined up for you during the summer of 2010! Begin planning now to join us for one of them and return home revitalized, renewed, herb-ally wiser and inspired. Consider placing your $100 deposit well in advance to hold a place, as all sessions are limited in size.

Here's our Summer Offerings:

COMMUNITY HERBALIST WEEK - July 12 - 18
CROSSING THE THRESHOLD INTO THE WAY OF THE WILD HEART - June 5, 12, 19 & 26
HERB GATHERING & MEDICINE MAKING DAY - July 10th
HERBAL APPRENTICESHIP SESSION May 31 - June 25th

In addition, we have new classes of the Herbal Medicine Correspondence Course and the 3 year Community Herbalist Program starting May 14th.

All information on these programs follows:

COMMUNITY HERBALIST WEEK - July 12 - 18 - Open to all practicing and aspiring community herbalists and intermediate level herb students. We have an exceptionally well-rounded educational experience planned for aspiring and practicing community herbalists attending the week-long Community Herbalist Intensive. The atmosphere is relaxing, inspiring and fun, the setting is a lush herb garden in the midst of the Maine woods, and our garden fresh meals, prepared and served by my daughter Rosa Fangboner, are sure to be a highlight! Fee is $900. Limited to seven, in addition to formally enrolled students.

COMMUNITY HERBALIST WEEK-LONG PROGRAM - July 12 – 18, 2010

Following is the schedule for the week long Community Herbalist Training session at Blessed Maine Herb Farm in July, 2010.

The basic format will be as follows - mornings spent in the gardens or wildgathering with Gail and engaged in various herbal medicine making activities. Time with Gail focuses on Herbalism as Spiritual Practice – The Way of the Wild Heart, connecting deeply with nature, cultivating our perception of plants as intelligent, living beings, practicing plant spirit communication and honing our medicine making skills and creativity. Lunch around noon, followed by the guest workshop for the rest of the afternoon. There is a period of resting/personal time in late afternoon, followed by dinner and discussion about the learning and activities of the day, a film viewing or student presentations.

Our meals are sure to be a highlight of every day and will include delightful, organic garden fresh vegetables and fruits and mostly vegetarian cuisine prepared for us by my daughter, Rosa Fangboner, an absolutely amazing and creative chef.

Monday, July 12 - morning arrival and camp set-up, lunch, introductions and tour of the gardens, dinner, discussion - Who is the Community Herbalist and What Does He/She Do?

Tuesday, July 13 - Morning in the gardens with Gail, lunch, guest workshop 1 PM - Susan Bakaley Marshall and Chris Marshall -

Plant Shamanism - Using traditional shamanic practices, and with the help of nature spirits, we'll journey to meet a teacher from our own heritage as a guide for this work. Within the context of drumming and rattling we'll receive a personal plant spirit, connect to the spiritual manifestation of this plant ally and sit with it respectfully, attuning our breath and inner listening to its teachings. In addition, we'll experience the world-tree on which the universe rests, and record our journeys through art, writing, or movement. You can expect to come away with a deeper awareness of your place in the community of people, plants, and spirit, basic shamanic practice in working with a plant spirit, and a refreshed soul.

Susan Bakaley Marshall is a board certified art therapist, licensed clinical professional counselor, and shamanic healing practitioner. Chris Marshall is a professor of anthropology. They have been practicing shamanism for 21 years and have taught basic and advanced classes in core shamanism for 14 years. Organic gardening, growing and storing their own food and plant medicine have been part of their lifestyle for over 30 years.

"The shamanic journeys were fantastic! Certainly it was one of the most important things I have ever learned in my entire life. It was humbling and empowering all at the same time."

Wednesday, July 14 - Early morning in the gardens with Gail, guest workshop leader - Gerda Pilz 10 - 3, personal time, dinner, discussion, or may see a film.

Cooking with Wild Herbs and Foods - This class will focus on the medicinal and nutritional properties of plants. You'll take a walk through Gerda's well tended herb, flower and vegetable gardens, picking fresh greens and all kinds of things along the way. Back in the kitchen you'll be thrilled with Gerda's amazing cooking expertise, and enjoy the resulting culinary delights you've all spent the afternoon gathering and preparing together. You'll return to the farm feeling very full and with plenty of inspiration and recipes for creating similarly creative nutritional meals. Always a highlight of our week together!

Gerda took an herbal apprenticeship class with Gail in 1997 and now has an established herb garden for her own use. Her interest is in the edible and nutritional properties of plants which she integrates with other foods she puts on her table. Says Gerda, "it is a good way to enjoy what Mother Earth provides for us."

Tuesday, July 15 - Morning with Gail in the gardens, lunch, guest workshop leader - 1 PM - "Dr. Melody Pratt, D.O., dinner. After dinner discussion.

Community Health Care - Dr. Pratt is a practicing community health care physician. She will share some basic diagnostic tools for assessing health and discuss many facets of community health care.

Melody Pratt lives in Solon with her husband and animals. She is a former cow farmer who decided to become a rural health doctor. Dr. Pratt has some interesting and radical ideas about health care which she communicates with heartfelt passion and homespun simplicity. She is extremely knowledgeable and caring.

Friday, July 16, Mushrooms for Health - Brenda Lynn Gould - Brenda is a joyful and exceptionally knowledgeable herbalist who specializes in medicinal mushrooms. She'll be bringing lots of samples, puts on one of the best show and tells in the herb world, and will take us out into the woods to meet some mushrooms in person. We'll focus on proper identification, harvesting and processing medicinal mushrooms into magical and nourishing medicines.

Saturday, July 17, Morning in the garden with Gail, (third year and graduating students arrive this morning.) lunch, Hour-long presentations on a wealth of herbal healing topics by third year and graduating students will go on for the rest of the afternoon, dinner and festivities. We call this day the "Herbalist Slam."

Following is a partial list of classes to be presented at the "Herbalist Slam":

Integrated Approach to Dealing with Insulin Resistance, Diabetes and Related Diseases by Deb Fate-Mental.

Herbal Medicine for Mother and Child by Tamothy Louten.

Manifestations of Chronic Inflammation with Angela Bourassa who will present three case studies of chronic or recurrent conditions, addressing the underlying chronic inflammation that plays a significant role in their manifestations with herbs. Conditions will include asthma, suppressed menstruation, recurrent migraines and auto-immune disorder.

Care of the Skin, by Annie Bakajza.

Herbs for the Digestive System, Yvonne Fuller

More to be announced...

Sunday, July 18, Visit to Indian Rock in the morning. (This is a sacred Native American ceremonial site on the Kennebec River where we will see ancient petroglyphs carved into the rocks.) Blessing of the Roses Ceremony and picnic. Departure 2-3 PM.

This week long session is included in the fee for all 3 year Community Herbalist students, and attendance is a requirement for second year students. Those students who have completed the one year Herbal Medicine Correspondence course are welcome to attend, as are others with a similar background of study and/or practical experience.

Fee for the entire week is $900. Fee includes primitive camping, all meals, all medicinal plants used for making medicines, all transportation while on-site, and all instruction. A list of nearby motels will be provided to those who wish.

A $100 non-refundable deposit is due by May 30 and full payment must be received by June 30. Please contact Gail for more information.

"I think the best part of the intensive was our time with you. Gail, you have such wonderful, gentle energy. It is really a pleasure to be with you and learn with you. I learned so much just from hanging out with you - about relating to the plants, to other people and about myself. I felt really safe at your place; like I could really be myself, quite unguarded and that was such a relief. It was great not having to wear a "mask". I also really connected with our group - it's like I have sisters now!

Thank you again, Gail, for such a wonderful week. I will really treasure the memories for the rest of my life. My heart was so full when I left - what a truly awesome feeling!"

"Thank you for inviting us onto your farm and into your family. I really feel like part of an herbal community now. I found you so empowering and inspirational. Seeing how you live your life really raises the bar for me. I feel like there are many exciting new possibilities I hadn’t thought of before. Thank you!"

"High points for me were making smudge sticks, I love the ceremony of smudging and I LOVED wrapping them, visiting the Spring, one of the best wildgathers! I love clean, healing water and all our blessings and prayers - this is something I have added a lot more of into my life since our week together. I loved living outdoors - very peaceful, no buzzing electricity at night and seeing plants that I have only read about for the first time - it really makes it easier to learn about a plant once I’ve actually met it. I also loved being in the gardens, near the large stands of roses and lavender, meditating with plants, connecting with them before harvesting and the shamanic journey.

The whole week was great, I liked everything about it.. I felt very healthy. The food was great too, of course, especially all the fabulous salads!" Annie

CROSSING THE THRESHOLD INTO THE WAY OF THE WILD HEART
with Gail Faith Edwards - Four Saturdays in June

Join Gail for four Saturday’s in a row as we weave together the wise use of herbs, experience the transformation of whole plants into safe and effective medicines, do a bit of gardening as well as wildgathering, participate in ceremony, experiment with the sacred uses of common plants such as spiritual plant bathing, and lots more.

You’ll have the opportunity to spend time with an array of medicinal plants in both a cultivated setting, as well as in the wild and learn to identify plants in different growth stages, You’ll learn growing tips, proper gathering techniques as well as how to process herbs to make the most vibrant medicines possible.

We’ll make tinctures, infused oils, a syrup, salve and body butter and you’ll take home some wonderful products to keep the learning going long after you leave the program. This will be a very hands-on experience with medicinal herbs working from the spiritual perspective I call The Way of the Wild Heart.

June 5, 12, 19 & 26. Hours are 11 to 4 – We’ll serve a large and varied salad each week, as well as herbal beverages and you bring something to share for our pot luck lunch. All plants used for medicines and some supplies are included in the fee. You will need to bring your own jars and medicine making supplies and a list will be provided to you upon registration. Fee $375. $100 non-refundable deposit to hold your place.

4 WEEK APPRENTICESHIP SESSION - May 31 through June 25 - Primitive Camping, you must bring your own tent and camping supplies. Gail serves the mid-day meal every day at the main house. Bulk foods, such as grains and beans are supplied and apprentices gather and prepare the rest of their meals together. Whatever is growing in our gardens is yours to share. You will need some money to cover your personal food choices (those items not supplied) and medicine making supplies (small amount of vodka for tincturing, olive oil for infused oils, vinegar and honey.) Fee is $1,500. Limited to four students. You'll find a thorough outline of this session below.

Our annual day long HERB GATHERING AND MEDICINE MAKING WORKSHOP is July 10, 2010. Join us at the height of herb gathering season, learn identification skills, proper gathering and processing techniques and practice making your own simple medicines from the herbs we gather.

We'll spend the day gathering herbs like hyssop, St. John's wort, oatstraw, red clover, mullein, coltsfoot, and many more, from our lush certified organic gardens and the mountain meadows and woods we visit. You will learn to create your own tinctures and infused oils to take home. You'll also have the opportunity to harvest a selection of herbs for drying. This day is a wonderful opportunity to gather some of the most impeccable herbs available and prepare excellent herbal medicines that will serve you well for years to come.

This is a jam packed day full to the brim with herbal information, wildgathering, hands-on medicine making and a lot of fun! You'll fill eight 4 oz. bottles with tinctures or oils, using your choice of menstrum, and take home a selection of herbs you will dry or otherwise process at home. We'll wrap smudge sticks together, participate in ceremony, and experience the spiritual aspects of herbs.

All materials, (herbs, alcohol, vinegar, oil, jars, etc.) included. The day begins Saturday at 10AM and ends at 4PM. Fee is $200. A $100 non-refundable deposit will hold your place for this session. Full payment is due two weeks before the weekend begins. Bring something to share for a pot luck lunch. We'll be providing a large salad.

"Gail - Just wanted to let you know what a great day Joe & I had - very interesting and informative - your a wealth of knowledge! Can't wait to read the book. Been busy drying, pressing and hanging the goodies I brought home - and made another smudge stick too! Again - thanks for everything." Kathleen

"I wanted to thank you again for a wonderful day on Saturday. I learned so much! I really appreciated the time you spent teaching me about herb cultivation, making tinctures, oils, and vinegars, and wild harvesting. Thanks again, you were such an immense help and a wonderful teacher!" Christine

"Being able to wildgather with you was a real treat! I found it very good for the soul. There was something about going to those wild places and harvesting the herbs that really fed my soul. I don't know how to explain it. Very nourishing!" Deb

We have space for one FULL TIME APPRENTICE - Must be willing to dedicate her/himself to working and learning here on the farm from May through mid-October 2010. The successful applicant will be hard working, passionately interested in medicinal herbs, exceptionally independent, resourceful and creative. You will need your own tent, camping and medicine making supplies. Basic foods, such as grains and beans, and whatever is growing in our gardens, as well as all plants used for your personal medicine making, are provided. This is an excellent opportunity for a serious student of herbal medicine to gain intimate hands-on knowledge of the plants and their applications throughout the growing/harvesting season. Fee is $3,600. Please email Gail to apply for this position.

For those who would like to study via correspondence:

HERBAL MEDICINE CORRESPONDENCE COURSE

Consider joining Gail for a memorable learning experiences in the world of herbal medicines. Begin your studies right now with the thoroughly enjoyable and highly praised 12 Lesson Herbal Medicine Correspondence Course. The fee for this extensive year-long herbal study program is $950 and full payment must be received before your books and materials are sent. A $100 deposit will hold your place for this course.

The Herbal Medicine Correspondence Course is an intensive one year-long study of herbal medicine and consists of 12 comprehensive lessons with Gail Faith Edwards as your guide. This class has become very popular and stands alone as an excellent and exceedingly enjoyable herbal medicine educational experience. We offer two group classes of this course each year, May and November. Those students who prefer working independently may begin the course at any time that is most convenient for them. The entire 12 lesson correspondence course lesson plan is outlined here. The Herbal Medicine Correspondence Course is a prerequisite for the 3 year Community Herbalist Program and successful completion counts as the first year of study for those wishing to pursue the 3 year Community Herbalist Program.

"In an unassuming and gentle presentation, Gail Faith Edwards has taught me more practical and hands on knowledge about herbs than I would have thought possible from a correspondence course. She captures the true essence of herbal medicine with her knowledge of folklore, scientific facts, and her wise spirit. Thank you, Gail, for giving me the foundation to make herbal nutrition and medicine a part of my daily life."

"I can't believe how much I have grown personally and spiritually. Your herbal medicine class was a wonderful enrichment. You taught me patience and opened my eyes to the wonderful local herbs available right under my nose. I just wanted to thank you, thank you, thank you!"

"Gail Faith Edwards has been a wonderful teacher and mentor. Always available to answer questions and give great feedback. She has encouraged, praised and challenged me. Most importantly, as a true wise woman, she has passed on to me the deep, spiritual respect for the earth and all that grows here. My wild heart sings with the knowledge I've gained through this course and the memories that have been awakened. Thank you, Gail."

This herbal medicine home study course has been designed to provide you with a strong foundation of herbal knowledge that you can build upon for the rest of your life. Its purpose is to empower you to use herbs safely and with confidence to nourish and heal yourself, family and friends. The course offers the serious herbology student an excellent springboard from which to build a well grounded career as an herbalist. Nurses, healers and health care providers report finding this course to be especially inspiring and fruitful for their work.

Home schoolers - The Herbal Medicine Correspondence Course provides an excellent science based curriculum with an emphasis on hands on learning and is appropriate for home schooled students with an interest in the medicinal uses of plants.

THE HERBAL MEDICINE CORRESPONDENCE COURSE PACKAGE includes the spiral bound Course Book which is constantly updated and revised, signed copies of three books; Opening Our Wild Hearts to the Healing Herbs, Traversing the Wild Terrain of Menopause; Herbal Allies for Midlife Women and Men and Through the Wild Heart of Mary; Teachings of the 20 Mysteries of the Rosary and the Herbs and Foods Associated with Them, which will serve as work and reference books, suggested & required reading lists, a list of herb related web sites and blogs for continual learning, the opportunity for unlimited email discussion with Gail to review and comment on your work and progress, answer questions, offer clarifications and guidance for up to 18 months, and several dried herb samples and other herbal goodies.

Although the lessons are designed to flow along with the seasons and are paced for approximately a month's duration, you may take longer, or less than, one month to complete each project and up to 18 months to complete the entire 12 lesson home study course. Each herbal medicine correspondence course student will have plenty of individual attention, and each course will be tailored specifically to the needs of the student. A certificate of completion will be awarded to you when you've finished the course. Herbal Medicine Correspondence Course fee is $950. A non-refundable deposit of $100 is due upon registration and the remaining $850 due before the first lesson is sent.

"I've searched all over the internet for an herbal medicine home-study course and yours seems to be by far the most extensive and reasonably priced course offered anywhere."

"I am amazed by the transformation that has occurred in me over the last year since beginning your course. This is a profound, completely unexpected, and much appreciated effect your course has had on me. Thank you so much."

"This was my first introduction to herbs. I knew I had a LOT to learn, but was so amazed at how my knowledge of herbal uses and the body and its systems had soared by the end of the class."

HERBAL MEDICINE CORRESPONDENCE COURSE - LESSON PROGRESSION:

Lesson 1 - Foundation - The Way of the Wild Heart, Opening Our Wild Hearts to the Healing Herbs, The Heart as an Organ of Perception, Wise Woman Tradition, Choosing an Herbal Ally, Sacred Plant Medicine, Earth Awareness, Women's History, Great Goddess, Shamanism, Reclaiming our Traditions, Plants and Spirituality.

Lesson 2 - Laying the Groundwork - Nourishing Ourselves to Optimum Health & Vitality, Vitamins & Minerals - well developed information on each vitamin and mineral, the importance of each, what they do, where to find them, specific herbs and foods that offer them, how to recognize and overcome deficiencies, plant chemistry and constituents of the healing herbs.

Lesson 3 - Herbs for Women's Health, Herbs for Men's Health, nourishing the reproductive and endocrine systems, fertility, reproduction, PMS, menopause/andropause, hormonal chemistry, herbs that effect, nourish, strengthen and tone these systems, delivery methods, dosages, contraindications.

Lesson 4 - Water Based Medicines � making teas, infusions, decoctions, syrups, meads and fermented beverages, the healing properties of honey & yeasts, herbal water baths.

Lesson 5 - The Immune System, physiology, herbs to nourish our immunity, herbal antibiotics, lichens, fungus, and mushrooms that enhance immunity, methods of delivery, dosages, contraindications

Lesson 6 - The Nervous System & Brain, physiology, herbs to nourish, strengthen and tone, herbs to alleviate stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, brain chemistry imbalances, herbal antidepressants as alternatives to Prozac, etc. Herbs for Mind and Spirit, Chronic and Acute Pain, physiology, pharmacology, herbs that relieve pain, applications, dosages and contraindications

Lesson 7 - Introduction to Organic Herb Gardening - nourishing the soil, seed planting and plant harvesting according to phases of the moon, permaculture, compost, sheet mulching, weeding and cultivation, Spring Tonics, Basic Botany for Herbalists

Lesson 8 - Harvesting and Processing Herbs - wildgathering with reverence and respect, ground rules, techniques for drying herbs, proper storage, using dried herbs, making herbal medicines with dried herbs such as pills, powders, capsules, suppositories, baths, poultices and compresses.

Lesson 9 - Spirit Based Medicines - Making herbal tinctures in alcohol, vinegar and glycerin, using both fresh and dried pant material and different preparation methods, how to choose the menstrum according to what you are treating, what constituents you are looking for, decanting and storage, dosages, delivery methods, contraindications.

Lesson 10 - Oil Based Medicines - making infused oils from fresh and dried plant material, safe use of essential oils, aromatherapy, making salves, waxes, lotions and creams. Care of the Skin. Rashes, itches, skin afflictions and herbs that address them.

Lesson 11 - Digestion, Bones, Heart & Circulation, Physiology and pharmacology, herbs to nourish, strengthen and heal these systems, delivery methods, dosages, contraindications.

Lesson 12 - Council of the Herbal Allies - Review - Earth Songs Heal Her - Initiation and Commencement

Correspondence Course Refund Policy: There are no refunds or cancellations accepted once materials are sent.

"I have learned so much from you this year Gail. You are truly a wonderful teacher and healer. Thank you so much for being in my life this past year. You are doing great things for others and have truly put your mark on Mother Earth. Many Blessing to you."

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3 YEAR COMMUNITY HERBALIST TRAINING PROGRAM - New Class begins May 14, 2010

The most basic health care provided around the world for all human beings through all ages, changes and cycles, is primary health care. Primary care is non-specialist health care and America is now in the midst of a primary health care crisis.

Community Herbalists are in the unique position to make a meaningful contribution to society at this time. Some of the ways we can do this is through health promotion and education, focusing on disease prevention and providing affordable, ecologically sound, herbal alternatives to many pharmaceutical drugs.

The Community Herbalist Program focuses on providing the student with a wide array of herbal and other solutions to many common primary care needs of human beings from birth through death and the guidance needed to present these solutions in a broad community context. The emphasis is on total family/community wellness and includes not only the physical body, but our minds, hearts and spirits as well.

The first year of study for the Community Herbalist Program is the herbal medicine foundation work which consists of the 12 lesson Herbal Medicine Correspondence Course. (Details and complete lesson plan are outlined above.) This course takes one full year to complete and serves as the first of three years of intense herbal study with Gail Faith Edwards.

The second year/phase of the 3 year Community Herbalist program focuses on the work of deepening our knowledge and connection with the plants, and the wise use of the medicines made from them, and applying this knowledge directly within the family and community.

A major focus of the second year of study will be on broadening your herbal and healing experience, knowledge and confidence in such ways that include being able to share it in meaningful ways in schools, clinics, hospitals, prisons, learning centers, holistic healing centers, community groups, your own organized classes and doing personal work with individuals seeking herbal education and support (consultations).

In May of your second year, you will receive an extensive reading list with both suggested and required reading that will keep you inspired and diligently engaged during the rest of the year. Each month you will choose at least one book from the various sections of the list, keep detailed notes on the reading material and compose a report which will be emailed to me. You are required to submit 10-12 book reports of at least 1,000 words in length during the second year of study. These reports will be sent to each of the other students in the program. I will respond with comments and notes. Monthly reports and student-teacher interaction are required. The work you began during year one of the program with case studies will continue independently during this second year of study.

Attendance at the week-long on-site intensive is required for second year students in the Community Herbalist Program. There will be several (three to five) other guest herbalist/instructors during this session. All meals during your stay, as well as all plants used in making medicine are included in the fee. You will need to bring your own jars and medicine making supplies, tent and camping gear. On site study dates for second year students in 2010 are July 12 through July 18. Students who are entering their third and final year as well as graduating students are expected to attend this session during the final weekend, July 17-18 to make their presentations.


WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT DURING THE WEEK-LONG COMMUNITY HERBALIST INTENSIVE AT THE FARM:

The Way of the Wild Heart - Our on-site time together will center around the continuing work of opening our wild hearts, and to this end we will spend time in the Blessed Maine Herb Gardens and in the wild with Gail. Your focus will be on grounding and deepening your relationship with the natural world and perfecting your herbal medicine making skills. We will actively practice techniques for Opening Our Wild Hearts, deepening awareness of and connecting to all of nature. Shamanic wisdom, the ability to connect with and listen deeply to the messages of the natural world, most specifically to the plants themselves, and confidence in applying what we have perceived, is an indispensable skill of the Community Herbalist. "All our time with you, Gail, is nourishing and informative."

Remembering the axiom to "let food by thy medicine", we realize that herbs, alone or in combination with other whole foods, provide the foundation of our healing/wholesome diets, and therefore of our health. Instruction and demonstration of the preparation of nourishing and delicious meals, using an array of both wild and cultivated herbs, will be presented by Gerda Pilz. "Incredible foods and herbal teachings. I learned many things about wild herbs I had never heard before."

We will take several day trips during out time together, one of which may be to the coast of Maine and the healing ocean waters to learn about and harvest seaweeds in a pristine coastal cove. "What an amazing day!"

Brenda Lynn Gould will join us for a day-long adventure into the realm of medicinal mushrooms. Brenda is a joyful herbalist who knows the mushrooms well, and will share her deep knowledge of their benefits, as well as techniques for medicine making with the fungi.

We'll learn about facets of Community Health from Dr. Melody Pratt, D.O., take Shamanic Plant Journey's with Susan and Chris Marshall, and be informed by current and graduating students during a full day of ongoing herbal medicine presentations.


And at least one night, and most likely more, will be spent sharing our sacred stories and joining in joyful song, drumming and ceremony. "We created bonds during this week that I feel will last for the rest of our lives."

"Our week together as group meant so much to me! It meant so much to finally meet with you and have the opportunity to spend time with you and listen to your wisdom...knowledge and your life stories. I learned SOOO much!!! And also gained a bit of confidence that I really needed..in order to grow and move forward!! Thank you!"

"Thank you again for the week we spent with you at the farm. It is an experience I will treasure for many years to come." "I will be nourished for the rest of my life by what I learned in this incredible week with you."


The third year of the Community Herbalist Program consists of practical field work. For those beginning this year, the third year begins in May, 2012. We will work together closely by email and phone if necessary, throughout the year while you work with at least 3 individuals for a total of three months each. Detailed initial case study reports and thoroughly documented follow up work will be required for each of the three case studies. All book reports submitted by second year students will continue to be received by you for review.

During this third year you will design and/or implement a plan for introducing yourself to your community as a Community Herbalist. During this third year you may choose to work in a clinical setting, such as a clinic or healing center, or offer classes at a local school, help create a community healing garden, launch your own herbal business, or any number of projects that relate herbal medicine to your community at large.

During the summer of the third year of study we will meet at the farm for one weekend. This will be the final weekend of the Community Herbalist Week and you will be required to deliver a one hour presentation. Summation and commencement will take place the following summer. Successful graduates of this program will be well prepared to enter the health field as a Community Herbalist. You will be awarded a Certificate of Completion stating you have completed a 3 year Community Herbalist Program at the Blessed Maine Herb Farm School of Herbal Medicine under the guidance of Gail Faith Edwards.

3 year Community Herbalist Program includes one year long, 12 lesson Herbal Medicine Correspondence Course, books and materials, extensive second year reading list, on going correspondence, feedback, mentoring and guidance from Gail for full three years, one week on-site study session during the summer of second year, 1 weekend during the summer of third year, one week end the following year (total time on-site is one week, two weekends.)Certificate of Completion when you finish the 3 year program.

The fee for the 3 year Community Herbalist Program is $4,500. A non-refundable deposit of $300 is required to hold your place for the 3 year Program. Payment schedules are available.

gailea88@gmail.com


4 WEEK APPRENTICESHIP May 31 through June 25, 2010


If you choose to study on-site here at the Blessed Maine Herb Farm School of Herbal Medicine you will work with a small group of like-minded people over an extended period of time and be able to fully immerse yourself in the heart and soul of a rich herbal tradition. Classes are small, intimate and informal with plenty of time and opportunity for personal attention to your individual learning style.

"You've made it all seem so simple, so much a part of everyday life. Taking this class is the best thing I've ever done for myself."


"I've particularly enjoyed being exposed to your wonderful outlook, uplifting personality, and spirituality."

During your herbal studies here at Blessed Maine Herb Farm you will deepen your connection with the natural world, while creating a strong foundation of practical herbal knowledge. Gail is passionate about teaching, and her goal is to provide you with the best herbal education possible. She will personally introduce you to a broad range of medicinal plants and their traditional uses, and help to ground your growing herbal knowledge with plenty of hands-on experience.

"It truly was a pleasure spending time with you. I think you are a brilliant herbalist/teacher and so enjoyed your wonderful energy and loving spirit."

Students participating in 4 week apprenticeship sessions here at the Blessed Maine Herb Farm School of Herbal Medicine can expect to be exposed to the following material:

The Way of the Wild Heart
Opening our wild hearts to the healing herbs, and to all of nature, is a simple and ancient process that can be learned. The heart is a magnificent organ of perception. It is through cultivating awareness of the heart as an organ of perception, and developing skill in using the heart to gather knowledge of the natural world, that we learn to connect with nature in an intimate, healing and reciprocal way. This work is the centerpiece of all the learning you will do here. It requires diligent pursuit of a deep connectedness to the natural world and specifically, to your chosen herbal ally.

"I had such an amazing month at Blessed Maine Herb Farm! Gail and her family are beautiful people and it was a blessing to share space with them. Gail I love your enthusiasm for herbs... My intention for doing the apprenticeship wasn't just to learn about plant medicine but also to immerse myself in the plant world, and I didn't tire of going to bed and waking up with the sun, sleeping in my tent, gathering water from the spring in the forest.... It was just what I needed to continue opening my wild heart! Thank you thank you thank you!!!" Jessi Ortiz

Herbal Ally
An important aspect of your work here will be to choose a single plant as your Herbal Ally. You will be guided in the cultivation of a deep relationship with your chosen plant ally, and in the process, gain the tools and unique perspective necessary to understand and make use of the gifts of all plants. Working with your herbal ally will take time and attention and many hours of one on one engagement with your chosen plant. The fruits of this work cannot be overemphasized.



Classes
Our formal and informal class time will reflect the rhythm of the seasons, and be an enjoyable combination of technical information with a great deal of hands-on experience with both wild and cultivated medicinal herbs. This program is specifically designed to build and strengthen the skills necessary to become a capable, confident and creative herbal healer. In order to do so we must possess a deep foundation of working knowledge regarding a broad spectrum of individual plants.

"Studying with you has changed my life. I see the natural world in a whole new way!"


"I've grown immensely both personally and professionally through my involvement with you and this awesome exploration of the herbs"



Organic Herb Gardening
Participants will explore all aspects of medicinal herbs, from the earth up. We grow over an acre of medicinal herbs here at Blessed Maine Herb Farm and your herbal study begins with understanding the concepts and practices of organic gardening, including "natural gardening", cultivation and proper harvesting techniques, and all types of herbal processing.

Herbal Medicine Making
You may prepare a wide array of herbal medicines throughout these classes, all of which will be yours to keep. You'll be instructed on how to properly prepare water-based herbal medicines, using both freshly gathered and previously dried plant material, and gain experience making and using herbal teas, infusions, decoctions and syrups. You'll also learn when and how to use a wash, soak, compress and poultice. You will have many opportunities to gather organic herbs from our gardens and those from the wild places we visit, and explore several different techniques for tincturing and infusing them, including using a variety of menstrums such as alcohol, oil, vinegar and glycerin. You'll also put up a wide selection of oil-based medicines and depending on the session you choose, may make salves, creams and other skin care preparations with them. You'll experiment with other herbal delivery methods, and gain an understanding of when and how they can best be used.



"I have to tell you that after all these years of studying herbs and being familiar with Wise Woman Ways, meeting and learning from you really helped me understand nourishment as medicine. For the first time I really felt that I was "making medicine" because it was happening in a beautiful, humble, prayerful, faithful way. Thank you, thank you."



Wildgathering
We'll go on several wildgathering adventures together, and you'll have plenty of opportunities to meet and gather medicinal herbs from the wild mountain meadows and woods surrounding the farm. During these outings you'll learn about wild plants in their native habitats, gain an understanding through practice of ethical and sustainable gathering techniques, and learn plant identification. These trips will also provide you with a wealth of information and experience regarding what plants to look for in what types of locations, and when to best harvest and process them for optimal medicinal value.

Herbal Healing
Another important aspect of our work will include focusing on actual case studies. This work will help you to acquire and develop diagnostic skills, as well as intuitive herbal skills. You will gain a working knowledge of herbal first aid and preventative health care; learn how to safely and effectively use herbal antibiotics, and how to treat chronic pain and other common ailments.

"My health, and that of my family, is so much better now. You taught us so many ways to nourish and heal ourselves, not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well."

You'll discover and become familiar with women's herbs (from puberty through menopause and beyond,) herbs that are safe and appropriate for babies and children and herbs specifically beneficial for male health care. You'll learn the difference between nourishing herbs, tonic herbs, stimulating, sedating and toxic herbs and the wise use of each. You'll also work with tree medicines, flower essences, spiritual bathing and aromatherapy.

Wise Woman/Wild Heart Tradition
The Wise Woman Tradition of Healing is an ages-old, earth-honoring tradition that stretches back in time to our earliest mothers. Understanding the unique perspective of the Wise Woman Tradition, and how it differs from the Western medical model as well as other Holistic concepts of healing will be a central theme of this session. The Way of the Wild Heart is the framework around which our entire class revolves. This work is, of course, all-inclusive, open to men as well as women.

Spirit Healing
Herbs are not drugs. They contain not only measurable, but unmeasurable qualities as well. During your study here you'll be exposed to sacred plant medicine and plant spirits, and have many opportunities to experience the magical, spiritual and emotional properties of herbs. You will encounter, experience and develop shamanic skills, participate in earth ceremony and deepen your connection to spirit.

"Your magic, your knowledge and wisdom, your connection with the earth and the plants have inspired and empowered me. Thank you so very much."


Herbal Medicine Chest
Throughout your study time here you'll be creating an extensive herbal medicine collection that you will take home. Your learning experience will continue long after our study time together has ended, as you gain confidence by using the medicines you have made here. You'll be well steeped in The Way of the Wild Heart, have personal experience in healing with herbs and be well on your way to becoming a creative, confident and accomplished herbal healer.

"The herbal knowledge you shared with me has spilled into my practice and greatly enhanced the work I do with my clients."

"I'm a much better nurse now after taking your class."

Director/instructor, Gail Edwards, is a practicing Community Herbalist with more than thirty years experience in serving her rural Maine community. She is the author of three books on herbal medicine and has offered herbal apprenticeship programs for the past sixteen years. Gail has personally trained many dozens of students and apprentices, many of whom have gone on to serve as community herbalists, health education teachers, herb and vegetable gardeners, holistic healers, herb-wise mothers, and herbal business owners.

"You are the most gifted and influential teacher I have ever known."


"Thank you for a wonderful class, your time, your wisdom, your wild heart, your yummy food and you!!!! I thoroughly enjoyed everything and look forward to more time with you!"

"Thank you for all of your wise words and energy, for welcoming me on your land, in your life and heart. I am blessed to have met you."

"Thank you so much! You demystified so many key points, showed me how to harvest plants with care and reverence, and how to nourish my soul. Thanks!"

A non-refundable deposit of $100 is required to hold your place for any of the 2010 sessions.

Mail a check or money order to Blessed Maine Herb Farm 257 Chapman Ridge Road Athens, Maine 04912 or place your deposit safely online here - There is a secure, fully encrypted, place below where you can do so.

A Certificate of Completion, certifying that you have studied at the Blessed Maine Herb Farm School of Herbal Medicine with Gail Faith Edwards, the number of hours of herbal study and the program you have completed, will be awarded to you at

257 Chapman Ridge Road
Athens, Maine 04912

gailea88@gmail.com

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Blessed Maine Herb Farm School of Herbal Medicine

Gail Faith Edwards




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