Community Class Offerings
Come join the fun and explore our engaging community classes! With a variety of topics to choose from, each class is designed to be interactive and informative. Most of our sessions take place on Thursday evenings, with some special classes offered on Friday nights and weekends. Most of our classes are offered in a hybrid format and are recorded. You can choose to attend in person or online, and you'll receive access to the recording, along with the slides and any additional handouts. Don’t miss out on these exciting learning opportunities!
Here is a list of our upcoming classes! Virtual classes will be indicated on the picture!
COMMUNITY CLASS AND SERIES DESCRIPTIONS
You can save by purchasing an entire series at a discounted rate. Alternatively, you have the option to register for individual classes within each series.
Anatomy for the Herbalist Series
Join Tricia, Traditions’ School Director and an Acuherbals Practitioner, for a crash course in Anatomy and Physiology, designed to break down each body system and cover common disorders in an easy-to-understand format. Whether you're new to anatomy, preparing for your Foundations Class, or simply need a refresher, this course is tailored for all learners. Led by an experienced Anatomy and Health Sciences Teacher who is also a Clinical Herbalist, you'll receive expert instruction with a focus on practical understanding.
Auricular Theory
In Traditional Chinese Medicine the ear is considered the most external reflection of the central nervous system. Auriculotherapy refers to the treatment and assessment of pain, musculoskeletal disorders, stress and various medical conditions through the application of seeds, magnets and massage to specific points on the ear. Gain a practical understanding of how to treat the body via the ear, and specifically by using ear seeds based on Dr. Li-Chun Huang’s methods.
Ayurvedic Series
Join Gray Dean for a four-part series on Ayurvedic Herbalism and its impact on mental, physical and spiritual health. Ayurvedic medicine, one of the world’s oldest healing systems, focuses on balancing the body’s energies (doshas) to restore health. Understanding Ayurvedic Herbalism offers a chance to create personalized, natural treatments that address the root of imbalances, promoting overall well-being. Gray Dean’s expertise in Ayurvedic, Chinese and Western Herbalism also provide insights into holistic healing from multiple traditions.
Birth and Postpartum Support Series
Maddy Ishmael is a registered nurse, birth doula, and public health practitioner who passionately embraces the power of plant medicine through both her personal and clinical experiences. With nearly a decade of expertise in women’s health, she has supported women through various stages of life, from infertility to pregnancy, birth, and beyond. In this two-part series, Maddy will share her knowledge to guide you through the stages of pregnancy, labor, and postpartum recovery.
Business of Herbalism Workshop
Are you ready to turn your passion for herbalism into a thriving business but unsure where to begin? Do you dream of building a career around your love for plants? Are you seeking step-by-step guidance to kickstart your journey into herbal entrepreneurship?
If you answered yes, let Tricia be your guide as you navigate the unique regulations, requirements, and challenges that come with launching a plant-based venture. This is your opportunity to bring your herbal business ideas to life!
Each class offers instruction, time to develop your business ideas, and assignments to complete between sessions. Bring your ideas, and we’ll work through every step of the process together. There's nothing holding you back from starting the herbal career you've always dreamed of! Just bring your note-taking materials, ideas, and a calendar to plan your path to success!
Flower Essence Certification
Flower essences are gentle, natural remedies derived from the infused essence of specific flowers, designed to support emotional and psychological well-being. Based on the idea that flowers possess unique healing vibrations, these essences can help shift negative emotional states and restore balance. Many people turn to flower essences to enhance mental clarity, reduce stress, uplift mood, and cultivate emotional resilience. Their non-invasive nature makes them a perfect choice for those seeking holistic solutions to emotional challenges or personal growth.
Join us as we delve into the fascinating history and practical applications of flower essences. Participants who complete both Weekend 1 and Weekend 2 will earn their Flower Essences Practitioner Certificate. While attendance in the first class is required to take the second, you are welcome to join just the first class if you prefer (certification will not be awarded for this option). Embrace this opportunity to deepen your understanding and practice of flower essences!
Please note this class will not be offered online and will not be recorded.
TCM Formulation Guidelines
Master the art of formulating and modifying traditional Chinese herbal formulas. Through this course you will develop a deep understanding of appropriate dosages for both acute and chronic conditions. Additionally, you'll explore strategies for selecting the most effective formula from similar categories, tailored to a patient’s unique symptoms, tongue diagnosis, and pulse assessment.
Guided Medicinal Herb Walks
Join us in our beautiful half-acre medicinal garden for an immersive, hands-on class where you'll learn to identify and utilize medicinal plants that may be growing right in your own neighborhood! After the class, you'll have the chance to purchase a variety of organic plants that we've lovingly cultivated in our garden.
Please note: This is an in-person event held at our school (6340 Central Ave.) with no virtual attendance option available. We look forward to seeing you there!
Herbal Make & Take Classes
Ever wonder what to do herbally about bumps, bruises, scrapes, bleeding, stomach upset, and more? You won’t want to miss this special Medicine Making class! Tricia will take you on a deep dive into 10 different herbs that are used for First Aid, then make products you can take home with you and use in an emergency. From wound washes to salves to tinctures, you’ll want to stock up your Herbal Medicine Cabinet with these helpful herbal allies! Class fee includes herbal supplies for one formula to make and take home with you. Please bring a small jar (~8 oz) to take home your product (or more, if you'd like to make additional formulas at a discounted rate!)
Herbal Master Class Series
Join renowned acupuncturist and herbalist Bob Linde as he takes you behind the scenes of his insightful presentations at prestigious conferences like the Florida State Oriental Medical Association and the American Herbalists Guild. Discover the cutting-edge topics and innovative discussions that have captivated professionals in the field of herbal medicine and oriental medical practices!
Herb Drug Interactions
We are thrilled to once again offer our FREE class on Herbal Safety, featuring Bob’s expert insights on how to safely incorporate herbs into your wellness routine. In this informative session, you'll learn how to prevent herb and drug interactions, ensure quality control, and address potential nutritional depletion. Bob will also explore the concept of positive herb and drug interactions, offering a balanced view on this important topic. Ideal for both the general public and essential for herb and acupuncture students, this class is a must-attend for anyone interested in herbal medicine. Be sure to register in advance, as in-person space is limited!
Herbs for Sexual Health
Join us for an enlightening discussion on Food and Herbs for Sexual Health, where we’ll delve into natural ways to support sexual wellness for both men and women. We’ll explore how specific herbs and herbal formulas can boost libido, improve sexual function, and promote overall vitality. In addition to covering the science behind these remedies, you'll also learn practical tips for incorporating them into your daily routine. Whether you’re looking to enhance intimacy or simply improve sexual health, this class offers a unique blend of knowledge and fun—perfect for a date night with a healthy twist!
Maitake Mushroom Medicine Making Class
Join Ruthie for a night of Maitake! Learn how to make mushroom extractions and more! Bring 2 8 oz jars to take home your mushroom medicine!
Please note that this class has been rescheduled after Hurricane Milton. It is part of the 2024 Mushroom Medicine Making Series, NOT the 2025 Mushroom Medicine Making Series.
Magic of Menstruum Herbal Medicine Making Series
Menstruums are solvents used in herbal medicine to extract active compounds from plant materials, with each solvent specifically chosen to capture particular constituents for effective remedies. Common menstruums include alcohol, water, vinegar, and glycerin, selected based on the solubility of the desired compounds. By choosing the appropriate menstruum, herbalists can enhance the potency of remedies and tailor extractions to maximize their therapeutic properties, allowing for the creation of various preparations like tinctures, infusions, and glycerites. In each class, you will explore a different type of menstruum, create a collaborative herbal blend, and then design your own personalized blend.
Mushroom Medicine Making Series
Making medicine from mushrooms offers numerous benefits, including their therapeutic properties that support immune function, cognitive health, and overall wellness. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, mushrooms also contribute to nutrition. In this interactive class, Ruthie will guide you through the basics of each mushroom and optimal strategies to harness their medicinal qualities. Engage your senses with activities like tea tastings and sampling snacks made with the featured mushrooms. Be sure to bring two 8-ounce jars for the medicine-making portion, where you'll create one herbal concoction on your own and collaborate on another with the entire class. If you're curious about medicine making, this series is a fantastic opportunity to learn!
New Year’s Day Herb Walk
Join Bob Linde, RH, AP, for an enriching Herb Walk where you'll discover the edible and medicinal potential of many native plants. Explore the beauty of Forrest Bluff Park, and learn to identify the incredible plants that thrive in every yard. This walk offers a perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature and find some grounding amidst the holiday bustle.
As a gift from Traditions School of Herbal Studies, this experience is open to all—no registration required! Simply meet us at 10 AM at the NE corner of the park, where parking is available.
Seasonal Medicine Making Series
Understanding and honoring the seasons is vital for deepening our connection with nature and enhancing our well-being. Each season brings unique rhythms and qualities that influence our physical and emotional states, guiding us in aligning our activities, diets, and practices with the natural world. Join Ruth Glass in a fun, interactive environment as you explore herbs related to each season. You’ll sip tea, sample recipes, create herbal medicines—all while having a great time. Don’t forget to bring two 8-ounce jars for your herbal creations!
Due to the nature of this series, it will only be offered in-person.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnostic Series
This series on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnostics will cover key frameworks, starting with the 5 Element Theory, which explores how Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water correspond to organ systems and emotions, and how imbalances manifest. Next, the 8 Principles will focus on Yin/Yang, Interior/Exterior, Cold/Hot, and Deficiency/Excess, essential for understanding patterns of disharmony. We’ll apply these principles through case studies, such as diagnosing Liver Qi Stagnation and exterior wind-heat. Finally, complex cases will integrate both frameworks to show how TCM diagnostics guide holistic treatment planning.
The 5 Seasons of Traditional Chinese Medicine
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the concept of five seasons—Spring, Summer, Late Summer, Autumn, and Winter—highlights the cyclical nature of life and the profound connection between the environment and the human body. Each season is linked to specific elements, emotions, and organ systems: Spring is associated with Wood and the Liver; Summer is tied to Fire and the Heart; Late Summer is aligned with Earth and the Spleen; Autumn is related to Metal and the Lung; and Winter is connected to Water and the Kidneys. Understanding these seasonal transitions fosters harmony within the body and encourages mindful lifestyle and dietary adjustments to enhance overall health throughout the year. Each class in this series will explore one season in depth, providing valuable insights into seasonal foods, herbal preparations, and lifestyle practices that resonate with that season's unique energy.
The Truth About Kratom and Kava
With the increasing buzz around kava and kratom in the media, you might be curious about what all the excitement is about. Join us for an informative session where we'll dive into the benefits and potential risks of these controversial herbs, and explore how to use them safely and responsibly. Whether you're new to these botanicals or looking to deepen your understanding, this class will offer valuable insights into their traditional uses, effects, and best practices for incorporating them into a wellness routine.
Thyroid Wellness Series
In this series, you’ll gain insights into the causes of thyroid dysfunction, learn which tests provide a clear picture of thyroid health, and explore actionable steps to move from illness to wellness. Discover how to identify symptoms of thyroid imbalance, the best thyroid-specific nutrients, exercise routines, supportive herbs, and the impact of food and environmental toxins on your thyroid. Beyond informative lectures, each session will include in-class activities and homework for practical learning.
Understanding Blood Work Series
In this comprehensive class series, we will explore the hidden insights that blood work can offer for optimizing overall health. You will learn to interpret key blood markers and understand how they reveal underlying conditions that may be impacting your well-being. The classes will dive into how specific markers influence metabolic health, providing you with tools to assess and improve your body's energy balance. Additionally, we will integrate Traditional Chinese Medicine concepts with modern laboratory tests, creating a holistic approach to understanding how blood work reflects both physical and energetic imbalances. This series will equip you with the knowledge to decode blood results and apply them to support a healthier, more vibrant life.
Understanding Tongue and Pulse Diagnostics
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), pulse and tongue diagnostics are essential for assessing a patient's health. The pulse offers insights into organ function and energy flow, while tongue observation reveals imbalances such as heat, cold, or stagnation. Gain a deeper understanding of these diagnostic methods by exploring the teachings of different Chinese masters, learning the proper technique for pulse-taking, and interpreting the various depths and positions as they relate to bodily disorders. Additionally, examine tongue images, their meanings, and the significance of sublingual veins in diagnosis.
Western Herbalism 101
Whether you are a budding herbalist or looking to brush up on your herbalism skills, this weekend program offers a comprehensive introduction to Western Herbalism. Explore key topics such as bioregionalism, herbal nutrition, and holistic health, while learning about the uses, medicinal properties, and propagation techniques for over 30 different herbs. You will also gain hands-on experience, sampling each herb and crafting your own herbal preparations, including tisanes and tinctures.
Upon completion, you will have the option to further your herbal education and learn how various herbs affect specific body systems in our Foundations of Western Herbalism series.
Womb Healing Series
The Womb Healing Series is a five-part program that delves into the menstrual cycle, highlighting how education, herbalism, nutrition, and ritual can enhance your well-being. By aligning your lifestyle choices with each cycle phase, you can alleviate menstrual symptoms and foster greater self-awareness and connection to your body.
