Exciting and Fun Herbal Talks This Summer!!

Herbalism, plant-based medicine, is a health model that supports you in learning about your body and what makes you well. That reconnection with yourself is something to be shared! I am excited to be able to share my knowledge and experience on this topic. Here is the line up of classes, demonstrations, and events I'll be involved with this summer -- something for everyone:

June 21st, 3-6 pm
Healthy, Happy Hormones! Supporting your teen, pre-teen or self through hormonal highs and lows

Location: Boston Martial Arts Center, 161 Harvard Ave, #4E, Allston

More info here.

July 12th, 3-6 pm
A Sensory Introduction to Western Herbalism: Reclaiming your health and getting to know healing plants

Location: Boston Martial Arts Center, 161 Harvard Ave, #4E, Allston

(Easy municipal parking behind the building; down the street from the B-line.)

You are your own best expert on your body, in health and in illness, and how something (medicine, food, stress, etc.) impacts you. However, our culture and medicine tells us we don't know ourselves, trains us to ignore our body's cues and communications. In this interactive class, we will use our sensory interaction with healing plants to reconnect to our innate knowledge and practice a mindful awareness of our own sensory responses. We will also discuss how these body-cues can show us a great deal about the plants we are working with. Plants and people have evolved together and share a language. We will use Western Herbalism to put this information into words and make it accessible.

Cost:

Reduced Price: $40 for the talk and tastings

To register: email kerry_kokkino@yahoo.com or online here.

July 19th, 10-2 pm

Kitchen Magic at the Farmers Market: Topical first aid preparations you can make at home

Location: Egleston Square Farmers Market, 45 Brookside Ave, Jamaica Plain

Wouldn't it be nice to neutralize poison ivy? Sooth a bruise or sprain? Wash away stress? Working with herbs from Blue Vervain Farm, we will prepare easy home remedies for mild first aid situations. Come by and learn how to make a variety of simple-yet-effective medicines for yourself and your family!

No cost, no registration

August 5th, 6:30-8 pm
Avoid the Sneezes: Herbal immune support and allergy relief

Location: Faneuil Branch, Boston Public Library, 419 Faneuil Street, Brighton

(Easy on-street parking; near #57 and 64 bus routes.)

The sun is shining! The birds are chirping! The flowers are out -- Aaaaachoo! Hay fever making you sneezy, sniffly, drowsy and at least two other of the seven dwarves? (And none of them Happy?) Do you expect it to come back this fall? With a little herbal support, you can head off your allergies before they hit, or take the edge off them and feel better soon. We will also cover stronger herbal remedies and acute attacks, their benefits and disadvantages, and overall immune support, to keep that hay fever from letting in a cold fever. A great way to enjoy the beautiful plants of summer, while preparing for the changing seasons.

No cost, no registration

August 11-15th and 18-20th, 10-3 pm
Wild Herbs for Kids of All Ages!

Location: Littleton, MA (address provided upon registration)

Bring your children, and/or your inner child and explore healing herbs all around us, waiting to be part of your health and awareness! With Meridians of Health, we will learn to identify, harvest and prepare at least 10 herbs you see every day to include in your diet and first aid kit. We will use play, drawing, hands-on harvesting, preparing, eating and crafting to get to know each herb personally and practically. Each family will leave with several herbal medicines and crafts, and the knowledge of how and why to make and use them. This fun week-and-a-half (by last year's popular demand) will engage your senses, imagination, and mind!

Cost:

Registration until July 28th: $300 (including materials and fees for all 8 days!) 

**$75 family discount**

To register: email meridiansofhealth@gmail.com or call 857-600-2TEA

August 30th, 3-6 pm
Herbs for the Athlete: Preventing and healing sports injuries

Location: Boston Martial Arts Center, 161 Harvard Ave, #4E, Allston

(Easy municipal parking behind the building; down the street from the B-line.)

Whether your athlete is training for a marathon, engaged in a contact sport, or just climbing trees, herbs can help you prevent many related problems (dehydration, fatigue, suppressed immune function, etc.) and treat many others (sprains/strains, broken bones, etc.) This class will help you get on, and stay on, target with all your sports ventures!

Cost:

Pre-registration: $40

At the door: $45

To register: email kerry_kokkino@yahoo.com or online here.

Coming soon:

Herbs for the Perinatal Year: A workshop for birth professionals

What to eat?? A guide for navigating diet fads and how herbs can (maybe should?) play a part