NEW – Practical Herbalism Course: Medicine of the People 3-Month Online Live Course
The Herbalist Path
May 9 – July 25, 2024
The forests of Carolinian Canada are home to over 2,000 plants. Aboriginal people have been using medicinal plants in traditional health care systems for thousands of years. This knowledge, transmitted by oral tradition from generation to generation, has been eroding in recent decades due to rapid cultural change. 98% percent of these plants have the potential to be used as local medicine.
An herbalist occupies a unique position, bridging the gap between humans and plants. They care for medicinal plants, the natural world, and the Earth. By forging a connection between people and plants, herbalists guide the path to healing. Their work is both a source of joy and an honour as they strive to restore balance and harmony to the world around them. Ultimately, the journey of the herbalist is one of regeneration and reverence.
This program allows you to learn about the diverse and intricate language of the plant world. You will discover the interconnected relationships between different plants, their unique properties, and their subtle healing qualities. By completing this program, you will become a Community Herbal Educator – an advocate for using wild and native plant medicines. Join us and explore the fascinating world of plant-based healing.
Reconnect with nature and tap into your natural ability to connect with the plant world. Learn from and be nourished by the life-giving power of the plants surrounding you. Reclaim your birthright to gather, prepare, and create plant-based medicines that support your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.
Medicine of the People
Plants have been essential for nourishment and healing in every culture throughout history. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s necessary to recognize and respect the power of nature. A plant medicine program that integrates traditional herbal knowledge, wild plant intelligence, and ecological design of permaculture is revolutionizing this field. Herbal medicine is gaining popularity, and more people might increase their use of herbs in the coming years. Those who know how to develop, sustain, harvest, produce, and recommend natural medicines are highly valued and in demand.
A unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of plants by observing where they grow and how they thrive. Our herbal programs are designed to be practical and engaging, making them applicable to everyday life.
The Leadership Pathway
“To become a true herbalist, means to be sensitive to the being of the herbs, to commune in receptive awareness with the plant-light of the universe. It is to listen when the plant speaks, to speak to the plant as to another human being, and to look upon it as one’s teacher.”
~Dr. David Frawley and Dr, Vasant Lad, The Yoga of Herbs
We seek passionate change agents willing to collaborate and develop fresh ideas for socially equitable and ecologically restorative lifestyles. We are looking for individuals eager to take risks and pioneer a new approach in this field.
We welcome enthusiastic and self-motivated individuals interested in gaining hands-on experience in herbal and ecological education. We aim to support those who wish to develop a deep and long-lasting relationship with medicinal plants.
Shantree has been practicing and sharing his passion for practical herbalism and plant medicine throughout his adult life. He blends his experience with ancient herbal wisdom to support individuals who want to explore the functional use of plants. Shantree has developed an integrative system of philosophies, transformation strategies, and primordial understanding, which can help expand and deepen your journey into the powers of plant medicine.
We can experience a sense of connection and unity with the natural world by following the lead of wild and native plants. Living in harmony with the cycles and laws of nature can provide us with a blueprint for creating positive relationships and communities.
This course is an excellent supplement to any self-directed study program. It benefits those interested in or training in holistic ecological nutrition, herbalism, forest gardening, or permaculture. We will work together during this season to accelerate your growth and learning—a simple yet effective process, system, and structure to help you overcome personal and ecological challenges.
A process-oriented, learner-directed approach to learning about ecological design focuses on helping students design and implement real-life projects, enabling them to learn professional design skills while balancing inner and outer regeneration. This ‘action learning’ methodology involves participants researching and documenting their chosen project while maintaining regular one-on-one sessions.
The course aims to encourage all participants to act in their communities. Imagine being the catalyst for positive change in your family and community by practicing herbalism. This not only heals and nourishes but also awakens in others the joy and empowerment that comes from remembering our deep connection with the plants in our bio-region.
The Process
Why a Herbal Mentorship Approach
The course aims to create a deep plant connection and nature immersion while fostering deep ecology, systems thinking, and ecological principles. It involves an in-depth study of medicinal plants, foraging skills, medicine-making, and case studies.
The course is designed as an evolving spiral, deepening with each training session. We meet online weekly for an engaging session, introducing you to new content and plant experiences.
The program involves spending time in small and significant groups, learning and supporting each other in the natural world. The learning and support continue through the seasons through small group tutoring sessions, buddy check-ins, and one-on-one educational materials with Shantree.
It is essential that participants attend all sessions to build harmony and trust for our collective experience and deepening journey. You should also expect to spend time between sessions in peer coaching and engaging in program projects on your own time. You will be given research programs designed to empower your life and work. Please consider your capacity to participate fully before applying to the program.
“True education does not consist merely in the acquiring of a few facts of science, history, literature, or art, but in the development of character.” ~David O. McKay
** Certificate of Completion in Practical Herbalism is granted upon completing this practical herbal course and practical herbalism correspondence course.
Medicine of the People: Path of the Herbalist
Foundational Two-Day Weekend Workshop (Optional Extra)
May 3 – 5, 2024
This hands-on foundational workshop is for those ready to begin this exploratory journey. An integration of edible and medicinal plants, local living nutrition, permaculture fundamentals, wholistic energetic medicine, herbalism principles and deep ecology of forest gardening. Learn more>
Herbalism’s ecological roots are for those interested in exploring and deepening into herbalism, those desiring to gather the information to care for their families naturally, and those wishing to pursue herbalism in a professional setting. This is foundational Training in the incredible world of plants and their medicinal uses. It provides a practical study of herbalism through an in-depth understanding of medicinal plants and an analysis of herbal medicine for the body’s systems. Knowledge and experience will enable you to assist family and friends in crafting wholistic, healthy lifestyles.
Our planet’s health, communities, and bodies are inextricably connected. The first step is to approach plant medicine from an ecological perspective, cultivating a regenerative practice that focuses on our bioregion’s medicinal plants. A hands-on approach is the best for learning and working with the plants directly to build our knowledge. Herbalism is a wholistic study, recognizing that nutrition, exercise, stress management, and other natural modalities offer a complete health experience. We encourage individuals to integrate their investigation into a personal practice to benefit daily and master the material through first-hand experience.
Some of the possible topics included in this are:
- Plant Botany
- Herbal Actions & Properties
- Study of Body Systems
- Plant Formulations & Administrations
- Herbal Medicine-Making
- Regenerative Medicine
- The Herbalist Lifestyle
Module I
The Essential Dozen:
Be Your Own Herbalist
May 9 – 30, 2024
Thursday Evenings
7 – 9:30 pm.
Explore the diverse aspects of herbalism by focusing on the “essential dozen” plants. These plants grow in our medicine wheel herb garden, wildflower meadows, and forest gardens. This course will examine the healing properties of these plants from various perspectives, including botanical, native, therapeutic, energetic, historical, and sacred.
This workshop was one of the first courses offered at The Living Centre in the early 1980s and was later taught at Fanshawe College for 12 years. After 45-years, it remains an essential and foundational study of plant medicine.
This course covers plants that grow around us and can be used as food, spice, and medicine. Many of these plants are safe for pregnant people, infants, and the elderly. We will also discuss some of the most common health ailments and how these plants can be used daily to prevent disease and promote overall health. Come and discover the gifts of these plants and be empowered by their healing properties.
Some of the possible topics included in this are:
- Plant Identification
- Herbal Therapeutics
- The 12 Essential Herbal Families
- Ancient and Modern Applications
- Using Plants Internally & Externally
- Creative Hands-on Medicine-Making
Curriculum
Week 1 –
Week 2 –
Week 3 –
Week 4 –
Module II
The Family/Community Herbalist:
The Art of Medicine-Making
June 6 – 27, 2024
Thursday Evenings
7 – 9:30 pm.
The Family Herbalist path is a beautiful way to incorporate the benefits of herbal medicine into your life. This program introduces students to the fascinating world of plants and their medicinal uses across various cultures. You will learn about the history of plant-based therapies, how to identify and apply herbs, how to use plant-based foods to maintain health, and how to make and apply herbal remedies to restore vitality.
In each session, you will be able to discuss medicinal plant cultivation, including seed gathering, harvesting, drying, preserving, and preparing medicinal plants. You will get to interact one-on-one with Shantree about the wild herbs and learn about the principles of being an ethical herbalist.
This course promises to be a unique and intimate herbal experience! Expand your knowledge of medicinal herbs to help your family and friends.
Some of the possible topics included in this are:
- The Essential Foundations
- Fresh Juice Extracts
- Herbal Formulations
- Medicine-Making from the simple to the complex
- The Essentials of a Herbal First-Aid
- Case Studies
Curriculum
Week 1 –
Week 2 –
Week 3 –
Week 4 –
“Every single cell in the human body replaces itself over seven years.
That means there’s not even the smallest part of you now that was part of you seven years ago.”
~Steven Hall
“Until man duplicates a blade of grass, nature can laugh at his so-called scientific knowledge. Remedies from chemicals will never stand in favour compared with the products of nature, the living cell of the plant, the final result of the rays of the sun, the mother of all life.” ~Thomas Edison
Module III
The Ecological Herbalist:
The Roots of Plant Medicine
June 6 – 27, 2024
Thursday Evenings
7 – 9:30 pm.
Curriculum
Week 1 –
Week 2 –
Week 3 –
Week 4 –
Celebrating & Sharing Our Passions – Going Forth
Date to Be Determined
Our final weekend prepares the way to re-weave ourselves back into modern culture, making our vision and purpose a reality. This time focuses on supporting you in clarifying, shaping, energizing and fulfilling your vision. We spend plenty of time exploring how our unique service can help craft positive cultures of connection in an increasingly chaotic and unstable world. Identifying essential inner and outer resources, creating a supportive community, and following the herbal guidelines will allow us to confidently anchor and nurture the passion you bring to our community’s healing. This final weekend will let you share your love and creativity with our community.
As we grasp new conceptual frameworks by applying practical herbalism and regenerative design techniques, you will learn essential skills for replenishing and regenerating ourselves, our ecological biospheres, and our human communities back home.
“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and do it.
Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
~Howard Thurman
Includes:
- 12 Evening sessions
- Integrative Home-Study Research Projects
- 3-One-on-One Hour Sessions (spaced out between each module)
- Handouts and articles
- Practical Herbalism workbook
Engaging Practices
- 28-Day Transformation Process in Each Module
- Living the Essential Keys
- Reflections & Insights
- Interactive Format
- Group Processes
- Buddy Mate for Change
- Key Lessons
- Q & A
- Recorded Sessions for Future Viewing
It also includes numerous herbal articles, plant medicine charts and reference material.
For recommended herbal textbooks, please see the Practical Herbalism Correspondence Courses.
What Will You Experience?
“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” ~Benjamin Franklin
The course offers a beautiful blend of modern science and trans-disciplinary knowledge essential to becoming an herbal educator, with a wide range of hands-on experience in the meadows, fields, forests, and herbal apothecary.
You will come out of this engaging course with a unique compendium of specific skills, practices, and approaches to improve your well-being and effectiveness as an herbal educator. Topics include visioning, project development, and stewardship. We will also explore aspects of inner leadership, such as cultivating gratitude, balance, and ‘inner resilience,’ and exercises to root and ground your leadership in the heart, in nature, and partnership with a community of other leaders.
Through this herbal regeneration design program, you will learn a new way of thinking and being. You will experience what is naturally yours – an intimate relationship with the wild and native plants. You will discover how to source your leadership from this connection and stay attuned to the patterns in your own life, creating a new level of success and awareness in your stepping forth – empowered!
- Explore the correlation between ecological design thinking and the related disciplines of bioregionalism and ecology and their application to herbal design;
- The foundation of an ecological worldview (deep ecology, systems thinking, Gaia theory) and the application of living systems principles to the design of systems, objects, and places;
- Develop personal and group inquiry practices to raise awareness of the interdependent relationship between the individual, society, and nature and between theory, experience and practice;
- Develop and enhance your design, communication, and facilitation skills in support of communities of place and interest;
- Co-create participatory, hands-on practices and theoretical principles for new approaches to the regenerative ecological design process of projects and apply these in class and your community projects. Learn how to assess the connection between the environment and behaviour, well-being and resource consumption using research indicators and case studies.
“All the beauty that’s been lost before. Wants to find us again.”
Ecological Regeneration article>>
The Leadership Pathway
“To become a true herbalist, means to be sensitive to the being of the herbs, to commune in receptive awareness with the plant-light of the universe. It is to listen when the plant speaks, to speak to the plant as to another human being, and to look upon it as one’s teacher.”
~Dr. David Frawley and Dr, Vasant Lad, The Yoga of Herbs
We are looking for enthusiastic agents-of-change who are ready to co-design new approaches to the way we live that are socially just and ecologically regenerative. We are looking for those prepared to take risks and stand on the cutting edge of a new practice in this area.
We intend to work with inspired and self-motivated individuals who want to move their herbal and ecological education beyond bookwork into an experience. To support individuals who desire to build a long-term and deep relationship with medicinal plants.
For 45-years Shantree has been weaving and sharing his passion for practical herbalism and plant medicine. Synthesizing experience and ancient herbal wisdom to support you on this pragmatic plant journey. He has developed an integrative system of philosophies, personal transformation strategies, and primordial understanding to expand and deepen your journey into the powers of plant medicine.
With the wild and native plants as our guides, you will see through eyes of connection and oneness. To live rooted in the cycles and laws of the natural world is to yield a strategy for crafting joyful cultures of inter-relationship.
“The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.” ~Plutarch
This mentorship program is an excellent adjunct to any self-directed studies. It complements those trained in or interested in ecological wholistic nutrition, herbalism, forest gardening, or permaculture experience. Throughout the course, we work together to accelerate growth in your studies. This course offers simple yet effective processes, systems, and structures to resolve personal and ecological challenges.
This action-learning program is process-oriented, learner-directed, and focused on designing and implementing real-life projects. It engages students in the fundamentals of ecological design through real-life situations. The ‘action learning’ methodology allows students to learn professional design skills to balance inner and outer regeneration. Each participant will research and document their project of choice while maintaining regular one-on-one sessions.
The objective is that all participants take action in their communities. Envision being the catalyst that brings positive change to your family and community – a herbal practice that not only heals and nourishes but awakens in others the joy and empowerment that comes as we remember our deeply rooted connection with the plants of our bio-region.
Testimonials
“I am loving listening to your sharings and your enthusiasm for the plants. I am soo wonder filled hearing you talk about permaculture, forest gardening and herbal plants and your land your articulation and wisdom is awe inspiring. Much Thanks!” ~Natalie Krueger
“From start to finish this herbalism and energetic medicine mentorship program has been amazing. It has opened my eyes to new paradigms and my heart to new possibilities. I feel like the 7-Day Living the Experience Intensive was vital in making lasting community.” ~Stacey
“I loved it! It was a great mix of learning new material and lined me time and space to work on my own. Small is beautiful! I loved the small group format. Had a great time. It was what I needed. I felt great each time I came and always left feeling inspired motivated and strong.” ~Rita
“It was high-quality, the smaller and more advanced group the more I took from the weekend. I enjoyed going very deep with tastes and case studies working from patterns to details to come up with formulas. The one-on-one guidance really supported my growth my ability to bring something concrete into the world. Thank you! So Excellent!” ~Simon
“Shantree has vision and a special way of creating a garden that seems to match the spirit of the land. He brings touches to every corner that make the whole garden such a joy to be in. Thank you for all that you have given me and for the beautiful work you are doing!” ~James
“I’ve learned so many valuable lessons. Shantree you are so wise. You are such an honorable teacher. This has been a milestone along my path. For that, I am so thankful.” ~Maya
“Honestly, I loved your teaching style, really clear and confident presentation of sometimes really in-depth material. I found your teaching style to be compassionate and patient and never once felt afraid to ask a question. That was the best workshop on soils I’ve seen. I’ve studied with a number of organic gardening teachers and that’s the first time someone has put it in a way that I can understand and see the big picture. Thank you.” ~Heather
“I wanted to further my studies with Natural Healing. I found a course through The Living Centre – Practical Herbalism. It was my Dream to do this course. Amazing course my brain was always thinking on the course and the answers to the Questions. Shantree is an Amazing Teacher and the knowledge he has he shares with you and always answers and helps you along the course. Thank you for making my Dreams come true.” ~Valerie
“The herbal medicine making intensive completely exceeded all my expectations. A perfect mix of lecturing and hands-on experience with plants and medicine-making. I highly recommend this mentorship to anyone who has any interest in medicinal plants and their benefits, whether you are new and curious about herbal medicine or have previous experience I feel confident saying you will benefit from this experiential mentorship. The Living Centre is an incredibly beautiful and inspirational place.” ~Jay
“The workshop was great for both newcomers to herbs and to seasoned medicine-makers. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, with plenty of room for questions and various comfort levels. I loved all the hands-on experience from foraging to final herbal product. I was so proud of the medicines I went home with because I had helped with the entire process from start to finish. It was a wonderful way to foster an in depth understanding of how everyday plants become powerful medicine.” ~Brenda
“As I reflect on the educational aspects of our program, I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for contributing to our internship program’s educational programming this year. As always, visiting you folks is a highlight for the interns. They always come back from this trip with a greater understanding of herbal plants and forest gardening and a respect for the diversity of food growing styles. They had this to say “A wonderful, pioneering place! They helped educate about organics and now they’re taking the next step towards forest gardening.” ~Jaye Crawford, Ignatius Farm Interns, 2012
“I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for contributing to our internship program this year. For the interns, our day at the Living Centre was a definite highlight of the internship. We left feeling inspired and full of new ideas. It was fabulous to see such a successful example of what Permaculture, herbalism and forest gardening can be and how we can go about implementing their principles in our own lives.
Field trips, workshops and farm tours greatly enhance the internship experience by exposing interns to a diversity of farming and food systems and planting ideas for directions they will choose as they move forward. Not all interns will pursue farming as a career path, but what is certain is that they all have a deepened appreciation for farming and will become advocates for sustainable food systems in their own ways.
We deeply appreciate that you have been open to sharing your time and knowledge with us this season. On behalf of the entire Ignatius Farm CSA team, thank you once again for your involvement in educating for a healthy food system for the future. With gratitude.”
~Kailea MacGillivray, Senior Education Intern and Volunteer Coordinator, Ignatius Farm CSA
Registration
2024 Dates
May 3 – 5 – Medicine of the People Workshop
May 9 – 30 – The Essential Dozen: Be Your Own Herbalist
June 6 – 27 – Family / Community Herbalist: The Art of Medicine – Making
July 4 – 25 – The Ecological Herbalist: The Roots of Herbalism
Time:
9 am to 5 pm.
Registration
Note: Only 12 Positions are available
Your Price – $1500
Early-Bird– $1250 (payment one month before starting date)
Certification Package – Register for the Practical Herbalism Mentorship & Practical Herbalism Correspondence Course Together for $2500
To maintain a high quality of learning and care, the Mentorship is limited to only 12 participants.
- Herbalism Mentorship Alumni – $1500
- Full-time Students – $1250
- A $500 deposit will guarantee your spot
- Partial work-trade positions are available.
- Partial scholarships for up to $500 off the Regular Price of $1500 are available if funds are available. Please inquire: 519-652-0230
- To maintain a high quality of learning and care, the Mentorship is limited to 10 participants.
Scholarships– Partial scholarships are available upon request (to assist promising young adults with the tuition costs of the mentorship program – please send a detailed letter of recommendation). Please see the Scholarship Application Process.
Community Supported Education Program (CSE Program) ALL Scholarship applicants and anyone interested in financial assistance with the mentorship program should consider creating their Community Supported Education Program (CSE Program). Find more info and details here.
We live in a time of significant change, and creating a new story for our world is crucial. People worldwide are reclaiming their power and responding to the cry of Mother Earth. Would your community’s young adults thrive in our mentorship program? Help transform our culture, one heart at a time, by nominating a young adult to help redefine our culture!
Includes 12 Full Day Training Programs:
- Medicine of the People: Path of the Herbalist Two-Day Workshop (Optional Extra)
- 12 -Evening Online Classes Engaging Experiences
- Ethical Foraging Herb Walks
- Study e-Manual /Handouts
- Integrative Home-Study Research Projects
- 3-One-on-One Hour Sessions (spaced out between each training)
- Click here to download the Application Form
** On specific weekends, other community members will join us.
** Upon completing the Practical Herbalism Mentorship & Practical Herbalism Correspondence Course, you will receive a Practical Herbalism: The Art of Medicine-Making Certificate.
Payment can be made through e-transfer (bank-to-bank transfer) using PayPal below or by certified check. Please make cheques payable and mailed to The Living Centre 5871 Bells Rd., London, ON., Canada, N6P 1P3.
Please note that we require a minimum number of registrants for the program. If we do not receive the minimum registration, you will be notified two weeks before the start date, and a full refund will be issued for the amount paid until that point.
For questions or additional information, please call 519-519-652-0230 or email info@thelivingcentre.com
For a list of all of our Correspondence Courses
