STUDY HERBAL MEDICINES WITH 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.

NEW FALL CLASSES COMING UP! We are offering several exciting on-site herbal study opportunities for you this fall, during October and November! Look for our new class schedule to be posted very soon.

We're very pleased to offer our students the natural comforts of a beautiful new School House built this past spring entirely from locally grown and milled woods. The School House will serve as a space for indoor classes and will house our student library.

We have space for one FULL TIME APPRENTICE - Summer of 2011 - Must be willing to dedicate her/himself to working and learning here on the farm from May through mid-October.

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 two books; Opening Our Wild Hearts to the Healing Herbs 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, constituents and actions of the healing herbs, introduction to case study work.

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."

3 YEAR COMMUNITY HERBALIST TRAINING PROGRAM - New Class begins May, 2011

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 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 on-site three day weekend intensive is required for second year students in the Community Herbalist Program. (2011 dates to be announced.) There will be several other guest herbalist/instructors during this 3 day 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. Students who are entering their third year as well as graduating students are expected to attend this session to make their presentations.


WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT DURING THE 3-DAY COMMUNITY HERBALIST WEEKEND 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."

Brenda Lynn Gould will join us for an 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 on Saturday.

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 weekend that I feel will last for the rest of our lives."

"Our time 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! It was 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 time with you."


The third year of the Community Herbalist Program consists of practical field work. 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 during Community Herbalist Weekend and you will be required to deliver a one hour presentation to those in attendance. Your 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 on-site 3 day weekend study session during the summer of the second year, 1 weekend during the summer of third year, one week end the following year (total time on-site is three weekends or a total of seven days.)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


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 and be encouraged 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...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. Our programs are 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 our medicine making classes, all of which will be yours to keep. You will 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
If we're planning to go on a wildgathering adventure together 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 may 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/Wild Heart 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/Wild Heart 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
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 seventeen 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 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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