Foundations of Plant Medicine: Water Infusions and Plant Journals

Water Infusions and Plant Journals

Plants and humans have always had a special relationship. The process of evolution created a synergistic partnership where plants create compounds that work to heal and support human body systems, and humans help propagate plants through seed dispersal and ecosystem interaction.

Over time the use and understanding of plants as medicine was forgotten by more and more people until the knowledge was held by very few. As many of us turn towards learning skills of resiliency and methods of subsistence, we can share the information within our communities and help each other learn how to connect with the wisdom of the plant world again.

Natasha has found that the single most helpful tool in learning about plants and their medicinal characteristics is a simple plant journal created to keep track of plants and herbs, your own personal observations about medicinal uses and plant behavior, and other people’s experiences with the same things. The plant journal becomes both a living reference book, and a recipe book, tailor made to the herbalist/ student who has created it.

In this 2 hour class, Natasha will share her technique for starting and keeping a plant journal based on the simple practice of direct observation and the sampling of water based infusions. 

In other words, this course is about learning to transform the ancient art of making a cup of tea into the basis of your plant studies and research.

While not required, participants are encouraged to have a mug, hot water, and one dried herb they know the name of (can come in the form of a teabag from the grocery store) to sample during the class. It can be an herb you’ve used many times, or one you’ve never tried before.

Please note, this class will be held in a semi-outdoor space due to COVID-19.  Please dress appropriately for the weather. The class will be held in the Horn Farm Corn Barn, which is an aerated space meant to infiltrate wind for drying corn. 

About the Instructor

Natasha Herr has spent most of her adult life immersed in her love of the natural world. That love has led her on many adventures over the years, from owning an ecological landscaping company, to teaching at a nature based kindergarten, to practicing herbalism, to becoming a published author. Currently she runs Black and Green Press with her husband and fellow writer Kevin Tucker, homeschools two of their four children, takes her doggies for romps in the woods, makes herbal medicine, and writes. One of her most recent professional projects was working for Earthbound Artisan, an ecological earth care company based in Ephrata, PA, as their Operations Manager and Director of Land Management. You can find out more about Natasha and read her work at natashatucker.org.

Health and Safety

The Horn Farm Center is offering on-site educational programming with some modifications due to COVID-19. Multiple hand sanitizer stations are available. We will adjust as needed as time passes and things change.

In order to ensure the health and safety of our visitors, volunteers and staff, participant expectations are as follows:

• Participants are required to bring a mask and wear it when indoors, unless you are fully vaccinated. 
• Do not attend if sick or recovering.

*Registration closes August 20, 2021.

*All programs are subject to change based on unforeseen circumstances including inclement weather. Participants will receive an email and phone call if there are any program changes or cancellations.  

*Parking is along the field above the farmhouse. Meet on the farmhouse lawn.

*All payments for single day classes & workshops are non-refundable. Canceled registrations or no-shows will be considered donations unless Horn Farm Center cancels the program. Thank you for supporting regenerative farming and educational programs at the Horn Farm Center.