How does an herbalist take all the information gathered from one’s own experience
+ readings, classes, workshops, conferences, round tables, webinars and blogs and actually apply it to a real life situation with a client who comes asking for help?

This stage of herbal learning and doing is Clinical Herbalism.
It is working 1:1 with a person:
~first gathering information
~then devoting thoughtful time to assessing what is happening for the person
~and finally, sharing a plan that is used to help bring the person back to a healthier, more balanced state.
Being a clinical herbalist draws upon every experience and bit of information the herbalist has acquired over the years.
Like every Craft and Art, it is an ongoing learning process that is both deeply rewarding and challenging. Doing clinical work is an lifetime learning experience. Becoming a Clinical Herbalist is the foundation to this lifetime journey.

The idea of practicing clinical herbalism can be daunting, even overwhelming at first.
In this class, we will move step by step through the stages of doing an herbal consult
+ provide demonstrations of each step
+ include extensive written notes
+ do complete consults in class.

The goal of this program is to provide you with the resources, information, notes, experience and confidence to begin doing herbal consults on your own.
This program is designed to get you started doing clinical consultations – safely and effectively. 

At the end of the course, you will have:
+ a 55 page workbook written from my personal clinical experience. It is written as a step-by-step guide and an ongoing reference
+ step by step knowledge to move through the consult process
+ know how to perform a productive intake
+ create a workable plan for the client
+ know how to do the follow-up (Follow Ups are often missing in herbal education yet are an essential skill to have)

My Background as a Clinical Herbalist

My practice of clinical herbalism is a combination of studying with Dr. Tieraona LowDog, MD and Paul Bergner, mixed with my own clinical experience.
In 1995, I completed the Clinical Herbalist program with Tieraona at her herb school/clinic in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Her approach was a combination of a lifetime as a traditional herbalist + her medical knowledge.
At the time, there were few herb programs in the US that offered clinical training and this was a rare and special opportunity.
Since then, I have studied extensively with Paul Bergner in both a wide range of advanced clinical topics + his specific approach to performing an herbal consult.

2026 marks my 31st year of practicing and teaching herbal medicine and offering herbal consults to the herb community in the Southwest.
My bio is here

Schedule 
Weekend 1 – 
Saturday

The Herbal Consult is addressed in detail, using the format in the class workbook.
Sunday
Herbal Consults are demonstrated with the group with time for feedback, discussion and Q&A

Homework

Each person commits to do at least one complete consult outside of class during the month between weekends 1 & 2.
1:1 email or phone guidance with me is offered as needed to do this consult.

Weekend 2 –
Saturday

Herbal Round Table – People will share their consult experience, their challenges and the Final Plan that was given to the client.
There is time for discussion and Q&A.
Sunday

The Follow Up stage of an herbal consult is demonstrated with the group.
These Follow Ups will be done with the same client from the previous month.
Throughout the weekend, one or more clinical/advanced topics will be presented depending on the time available.

Homework

Each person commits to do a complete Follow Up outside of class during the month between weekends 2 & 3.
1:1 email or phone guidance with me is offered as needed to do this consult.

Weekend 3 – 
Herbal Round Table – Discussion of the follow ups, more Q&A + one or more clinical/advanced topics will be presented depending on the time available and topics from the consults. 

How to Apply
First, send an email to mmasek@theforagerspath.com with the following info:
~Your name, city and state and phone number
~Your formal herb education including specific teachers and name of the herb schools and conferences.
~Your actual experience working with healing plants – growing, wildcrafting, medicine making, formulas you’ve used, health conditions you’ve worked with, etc.
The more details you include, the better.

Next, we will schedule a phone interview.
My goal is to ensure you and this program are a good match and that everyone involved understands the expectations.

Cost
The total cost is $TBD
A discounted price of $TBD is offered if payment in full is received by TBD.

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An installment plan is offered at $
The installment payments are due on 

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Topics Presented:
Cardiovascular Health
*Supporting a healthy heart v treating disease
*The role of cortisol, inflammation and blood sugar
*Understanding the concept of “Deficient Blood” and when to use blood tonics
*Using herbs for the emotional and spiritual heart
*Heart tonics in TCM, Ayurveda and Western Herbalism
*Flavonoids and the circulatory system

Brain, Memory and Cognitive Health
*Introduction to the anatomy & physiology of the brain
*Challenges to healthy brain function in the modern world
*Materia medica of Nootropics – herbs and supplements that support healthy brain function
*Use & abuse of Nootropics
*Beyond herbs: holistic approaches to brain health

Pain
*The TCM & Ayurvedic views of pain
*The physiology and causes of pain
*Other therapies to use in addition to herbs
*Materia medica categories for chronic pain
*How to build an herbal formula for pain

Inflammation
*Understanding what inflammation is and its role in healing the body
*Important differences between acute & chronic inflammation
*Causes of systemic inflammation
*Managing v resolving inflammation
*Healing potential of micronutrients
*Materia medica for inflammation
*How to build an herbal formula for inflammation

Leaky Gut Syndrome (LGS)
*Understanding the science and physiology of LGS
*Common causes of LGS
*Food intolerances and inflammation
*The role of digestion in auto-immune conditions
*How to successfully guide a client through the food elimination process
*Pre & Pro-biotics
*Ayurvedic and TCM views of digestion and LGS
*Materia medica categories

When: This program meets one weekend a month over a three month period in xxxx:
January xx
February xx
March xx
This course is offered Live – In Person only. There are no recordings.

Time: 9:00 – 3:30

Where: Flagstaff, Arizona

Pre-requisites are required for attendance in this course.
Interested students need to contact the school prior to registering.

Cost:
The total cost is $xxx
A discounted price of $xxx is offered if payment in full is received by January 1, xxxx.

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An installment plan is offered at $xxx.

The installment payments are due on January 1, February 1 and March 1, xxxx.

The post Three Weekend Intensive: Advanced Topics in Herbal Medicine 2026 first appeared on The Foragers Path | Flagstaff, Arizona.

The term working knowledge means experience with actually applying these concepts while using herbs with oneself and other people. It goes beyond theoretical or book knowledge.

Having working knowledge in the following areas allows you to benefit from the Advanced Topics in Herbal Medicine program:

– Basic Ayurvedic concepts – Agni, Ama, Ojas, Prana, the three Doshas and the Five Elements
– Basic concepts of TCM – Chi, Jing, Shen, Yin and Yang
– Energetic Herbalism, specifically Hot-Cold, Wet-Dry, Lax-Tense and how these ideas relate to people, herbs and disease.
– Several ways to prepare herbal medicine, for both internal and topical use.
– Basic botany, specifically Family, Genus and Species.
– Common imbalances and materia medica for the tissue and organ systems of the body

If you are interested in this program, you are invited to contact us to see if this training is a good fit for you. Another program, Family Herbalist Program is the course designed for folks who are relatively new to the herbal medicine community.

The post Pre-requisites for “Advanced Topics in Herbal Medicine” first appeared on The Foragers Path | Flagstaff, Arizona.

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What They Are
Herbs that support and open the channels of elimination in the body.
Our bodies need to eliminate both outside toxins and normal metabolic wastes such as hormones, cellular debris and immune system waste products.

Five Primary Organ Systems Involved in Moving Wastes from the Body
Lungs – remove carbon dioxide from the blood
Kidneys – remove water soluble waste from the blood through urine. Some of the waste come from compounds broken down by the Liver
Bowels – remove physical waste – fat soluble waste is broken down by bile in the Liver/GallBladder system and excreted through the bowels
Liver – a hugely important organ for elimination of wastes. Works on both fat and water soluble waste. Works in partnership with the bowels and kidneys.
Skin – secretes fat and water soluble waste. Many skin issues such as eczema and psoriasis are signs of an overall congested system that needs help with elimination and a general ‘detox’.

The Alterative category includes herbs that support these widely varying body systems. Without an understanding of this category, one sees herbs that have no obvious connection being placed in the same category; this results in confusion.

The term Alterative was given to herbs that alter or adjust the metabolism of the body. Metabolism has two parts:
-Anabolic – the building process which involves digestion, absorption, circulation and utilization of nutrients
-Catabolic – the process of breaking down and eliminating what is no longer needed by the body

As these are both broad and involved processes in the body, the Alterative herb category is also broad which is one reason why it can be confusing.
In practice, Alteratives focus more on the catabolic processes of breaking down, detoxifying and eliminating. Traditionally, there is a small group of herbs that are used for additional nutrition but these are less important than the detox plants.

Compared to Modern Detox
In more recent times (post 1900), the idea of detox refers to outside chemicals such as environmental toxins and heavy metals polluting the body.
The body is seen as dirty and needs to be cleaned.

Modern detox is usually short term and very strong – one week of fasting with frequent strong laxatives, colonics, coffee enemas or some other extreme cleansing method.
Alterative therapy aligns more with traditional views of health and Energetics.
It is more about breaking up congestion and stagnation and gradually strengthening the organs of elimination.
It is gentle and happens slowly over time – a one month duration is a good start.

When to Use Alteratives
When there is…
Excess dampness – edema, congested lymph nodes, general puffiness
Excess heat that can result from stagnation
Congested digestion – constipation
Many skin conditions that show an overheated system (boils) or a stagnant system (eczema) or acne
Low immunity – long term or lingering infections – acute conditions that haven’t fully resolved – cough, flu, low grade fever that can’t quite do what it needs to do.
Alteratives are often helpful to complete the healing process at the end of a cold or flu.

Use Alteratives for:
Metabolic Congestion
Seasonal Congestion, especially in the spring
Doshic Balance – excess heat and/or dampness
Overburdened Immune system

The Energetic View of Alteratives
As seen above, many of the conditions are connected to congestion, stagnation, lack of Flow and excess dampness.
Excess dampness and stagnation can eventually lead to heat (sinus or lung congestion become infected).
So the primary energetic picture of a person who benefits from alteratives is either dampness or “damp heat”.
– In Ayurveda, this is considered excess Ama
-TCM, this is damp accumulation or damp heat
-In Greek medicine, this is known as humors in the blood
-Physiomedicalists or Traditional Western Herbalism refers to this tissue state as damp/stagnation

Ayurveda
From the Ayurvedic view, many Kaphas benefit from this herb group, especially if the formula is warmed up with Tulsi, Ginger, Rosemary or some other warming herb.

As alteratives are cooling, Pitta people in general benefit from these herbs.

As most of these conditions have excess dampness and/or heat, it follows that most alterative herbs are drying and/or cooling.
These herbs are generally contra-indicated for people who are constitutionally cold and dry (Vata).

For the most part, Vata people benefit from moistening herbs and a deeply nourishing diet with hearty stews as a prime example.
For these people, alterative herbs should be used short term and/or very carefully and only if the individual fits the energetic picture.
The health food store approach to detox ignores the Energetics.
Their view is that toxins are bad and everyone needs to detox – the longer and more frequently the better.
Many of the modern detox products are mostly made from traditional alterative herbs.
Dry people who detox with drying herbs feel worse.
This is incorrectly labeled a “healing crisis” or a necessary part of the detox process.
In general, healing (and detoxing) should make a person feel better, not worse.

The Alterative Season

Seasonally, in a four season climate, people tend to be less active in the winter and eat foods that are heavier, more fatty and more congesting.
The cold-wet nature of winter and the mud of early spring is the Kapha season.
By the time March arrives, these people are ready for some type of spring detox.

This is accomplished naturally by eating the spring greens that emerge then: nettles, dandelions, chickweed and many others.
Both TCM and Ayurveda encourage their own version of spring detox, especially for the liver.
Spring is a good time to use alteratives.

Materia Medica
Many books provide long lists of alterative herbs with little explanation of how to differentiate between them.
The book-dependent home herbalist is left to try a vegetable soup-approach and combine a group of herbs into a ‘formula’ with little understanding of the individual herbs or the Energetics.
It is more effective to know specific herbs for specific organs and choose on that basis.

Alterative Categories
Diuretics – These are generally cool and dry
Burdock – neutral
Cleavers
Dandelion Leaf
Elder Flower
Juniper Berry – warming
Nettle Leaf – slightly cooling
Yarrow
Many aromatic plants are diuretic

Liver 
- These are generally cool and dry
Burdock – neutral
Calendula – mildly warming
Dandelion Root
Oregon Grape
Red Root
Yellow Dock
Ocotillo Bark

Immune  – Use for lingering illnesses that can’t quite resolve on their own (a cold that lingers for weeks) and combine with lymphatics
Echinacea
Elder Berry and Flower
Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)
Yerba Manza (Anemopsis californica) – as the Alterative category is from the America of the 1800s, the herbs used are traditional ones from the East Coast and Midwest.
Many Southwest herbs that have recently become more well known, such as Yerba Manza and Ocotillo, do not show up in traditional articles about Alteratives.

Diaphoretic – These are all drying, they increase blood flow to the skin and open pores
Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) – cold
Cayenne – initially hot but cooling long term as it moves heat out of the body
Elder Flower – cool

Lymph – These are generally cool and dry
Calendula – mildly warming
Cleavers
Echinacea
Red Root
Red Clover
Ocotillo Bark – warm
Yerba Manza (Anemopsis californica) – warm

Bowels
Most of the traditional laxative herbs in Western Herbalism work by irritating the colon. While they definitely get results, they should not be used long term as they create dependency.
It is much better to use Triphala from the Ayurvedic tradition.
It is tonifying to the entire digestive system and can be used long term – months and years with occasional breaks.

Digestive bitters, mucilaginous and demulcent herbs all have laxative potential and can be used successfully in many cases.

Stimulant laxatives which should be avoided or used only short term:
Cascara sagrada (Rhamnus purshiana)
Red Rubarb (Rheum)
Senna (Senna alexandria) – active ingredient in ExLax
Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus) – used in small amounts for its affect on the liver; its primary use is not as a laxative

Skin Herbs – used internally
Burdock
Calendula
Cleavers
Dandelion Root
Oregon Grape
Red Clover
Yellow Dock

Nutrition
These provide vitamins and minerals for the eliminatory organs to function better.
This can also be accomplished by an overall healthy diet.
Nettles
Alfalfa
Sea Vegetables
Red Clover

Circulatory
These are energetically different than most alteratives as they are warming.
They open channels and increase blood flow.
Cayenne – Ginger – Rosemary – Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum americanum)

How to Build a Formula
Ideally, the formula should be based on the health condition of the individual person.
If there is lingering illness, use lymph and immune herbs.
If there is edema, use lymph and diuretic herbs
If there is constipation, use laxatives.
If there are skin issues, use liver and skin herbs.
Many herbs can be combined into an alterative formula.
The formula can address more than one system.
Burdock is a premier alterative herb/food and can be added to the diet or used as part of a daily decoction.

http://www.renewlife.com has classic OTC detox products.
These are essentially alterative formulas in capsule form.

Lifestyle Support in Addition to Alterative Herbs

Follow a Kapha reducing diet and lifestyle to reduce dampness and stagnation
.
Follow a Pitta reducing diet and lifestyle to reduce excess heat
.
Move!
Increase the heart rate, break a sweat, breathe hard.
This is the best way to break up stagnation, congestion and reduce Kapha.
The basic yoga asana routine (side stretches, twists, forward and back bends) is excellent as are Sun Salutations

Diet
An ideal alterative food are wild greens although any greens are good.
These are cooling, slightly bitter for the liver, high in fiber for the bowels and high in nutrition.

The post It’s Alterative, NOT Alternative! first appeared on The Foragers Path | Flagstaff, Arizona.

Before you go any further, let’s have a brief chat…

This program is for sincere students. (I used the word sincere rather than serious. Levity and a sense of humor help both the learning and the healing processes.)
These are people who are committed to learning a craft and a healing tradition to improve your health and that of your family.
Becoming skilled in this craft requires time and dedication.
This includes calendar and clock time.
This includes heart and brain time.
The path of acquiring the skills of herbal medicine is life changing for many. Not just for this school but for connecting to the world of healing plants in general.


Taking the step to register for this program means you:
Have calendar time to attend classes and field study and to put into home practice the skills learned each month
Have an open mind and are committed to learning the academics of herbal healing
Have an open heart to connect with the plant world, the natural world and its rhythms and cycles

For people who are open, motivated and dedicated to learning this craft, you have my complete support to help you take this path as far as you choose.


This program is not for people:
Who already have an overbooked lifestyle and are trying to squeeze in an additional obligation (this herb course) when and if you have some free time.

Business Details
There are no refunds on this course.
You are encouraged to read through the course details and get all your questions answered before registering.
To help with questions you have before registering, I am available to correspond or meet with you by phone, email or in person in Flagstaff.
Of course, if any part of the program is cancelled due to a larger problem (virus, extreme weather or some disaster), a full refund will be made for the cancelled dates.
There is no refund for missed classes or for students who stop coming to class.
Students may not pick and choose which classes to attend and/or pay for.
Payments are made on the 1st of each month.
A student who is late making a payment will not be able to attend further class meetings until the payments are up to date.

My positive response to your application means you are welcome to enroll.
Your place in the program is promised once at least the first month’s payment is received.

The cost of this program is $2000
A discount price of $1800 is offered if paid in full by January 1, 2026

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The Monthly Payment Plan

January 1st Payment: $250

February 1st Payment: $250

March 1st Payment: $250

April 1st Payment: $250

May 1st Payment: $250

June 1st Payment: $250

July 1st Payment: $250

August 1st Payment: $250

The post Monthly Payments – 2026 Family Herbalist Program first appeared on The Foragers Path | Flagstaff, Arizona.

This trip is an optional field study opportunity for students enrolled in the Family Herbalist Program. Other herbal friends may be joining us.

Photos from previous trips can be seen on Facebook here.

Students are responsible for food, lodging (camping, Air B&B, hotel) and transportation.

The dates for the 2026 program are July 12-16.

Day 1 – Sunday, July 12
Introductions and Orientation meeting at 6 pm at the campground.
Lodging is preferred at the campground although hotels are nearby and are optional.
There is a group campfire this evening.
Elevation is 7,000′.

Day 2 – Monday, July 13
Morning:
Botany and field study through a meadow and then into in a moist, shady mixed aspen-conifer forest.
Lunch on the trail.
Elevation is ~10,000′.

Afternoon:
Either complete the plant walk or move to another area for an additional, short walk.
This depends on the time, weather + group energy and interest.
There is a group campfire this evening.

Day 3 – Tuesday, July 14
Morning:
A travel day.
Check out of the campground and drive to a local herb growing operation for a tour of how to cultivate herbs at high elevation.
Lunch in the field as part of a short plant walk.
Elevation is ~7,000′-8,000′.

Afternoon:
After the post-lunch plant walk, we will drive to our next basecamp lodging to arrive before dinner time.

Day 4 – Wednesday, July 15
Botany and field study among beaver ponds and a high elevation lake near treeline.
Lunch on the trail.
Return to basecamp in mid-afternoon.

Day 5 – Thursday, July 16
Morning:
Plant walk in a deep, shady, moist aspen forest.
Lunch in the field.

Afternoon:
Visit by a guest speaker on an herbal topic
Dinner is family picnic style outdoors where we do farewells and final wrap up.

Day 6 – Friday, July 17 
Return to your home.


Lodging
The first two nights are in a private campground with a variety of lodging choices – tent, RV space, yurt, etc.

At the second location, each person chooses the type of lodging that suits the individual.
Choices include primitive or formal camping, hotel, Air B&B, or staying with friends.
Contact me for more details on the best location for lodging.

Level of Physical Challenge
This is not a *strenuous* hiking program with long miles traveled each day.
The emphasis is on connecting to specific growing environments and the healing flora found within them.
However, some people find these days physically challenging due to the higher elevations (7,000′ – 10,000′).
The hiking distances are from 1 to 3 miles.
There are no long climbs but even gentle inclines can be challenging due to the elevation.
Feel free to contact me for more details.

The post 2026 Rocky Mountain Field Study first appeared on The Foragers Path | Flagstaff, Arizona.

Choosing the path of herbal medicine can be a life-changing event.
It was for me in 1990 when I made the decision to begin studying and using herbal medicine as a primary form of personal healthcare.
It was in the mid 1990s when I was accepted into the Clinical Herbalist program with Dr. Tieraona LowDog in Albuquerque.
It happened again when I completed that formal training and made the decision to begin teaching and offering the Gifts of the Earth (Tieraona’s quote) to people throughout the Southwest region.
The Family Herbalist program is meant to start you on that journey.
I use my 36 years of study and 31 years of teaching and practice to provide you with information and skills that are accurate, safe and effective.
More info on my background is here.

The goal of this program is to empower you as the student to have the needed information and skills to use herbs to both promote health and address health challenges when appropriate.

The Curriculum
The information shared during the Family Herbalist Program is based on the
4 Foundations of Health.
Working with these principles includes the use of healing plants in addition to making dietary and lifestyle changes.

These Principles are:
1. Being able to manage and reduce stress, getting the proper quantity and quality of sleep and creating space to be relaxed on a daily basis.
Herbally, this first principle involves plants for the Nervous System.
This category is the category of Nervines.

2. Prioritizing a nourishing and balanced diet that goes beyond simply eating organic foods.
Herbs are beneficial here by providing additional minerals and antioxidants.
I will also share my perspectives on nutrition and diet from 40+ years of study and being involved in the health food community.

3. Supporting a strong and balanced Digestive System with specific herbal approaches to the Stomach, Small Intestine and Colon.
This is an area that is often overlooked by people who make the effort to eat a healthy diet.
The body is not able to benefit from the nutritional value of food if the digestive system is not able to break down the food, absorb the nutrients and eliminate the waste products.
Herbs are especially beneficial in this category and include Carminatives, Bitters, Laxatives, Anti-Inflammatories and Aromatic Spices.

4. The fourth principle involves being outdoors and interacting with Nature, breathing fresh air, drinking clean water and being physically active in whatever way is appropriate for the individual.
For this category, we will look at herbs that have traditionally been used to increase one’s vitality and daily energy.
In Western Herbalism, these herbs are known as Adaptogens, in Traditional Chinese Medicine, they are called Tonics while Ayurveda refers to them as Rasayanas.

What Else?
Beyond the 4 Foundations of Health, we explore detailed herbal approaches to Winter Herbal Health with specific plans for:
Colds – Flu – Fever – Cough – Sore Throat – Sinus – Ear Infections.

Blended into all these topics are ways to identify plants + knowing which herbs can be grown, which ones need to be purchased and which ones can be wildcrafted.

Herbal Pharmacy
Integrated into each herbal weekend are a variety of ways to prepare your own herbal pharmacy at home.
These methods include tinctures, teas, herbal honeys and vinegars, milk, herbal balls + herbal oil infusion for topical use.

Is There More?
Each month includes detailed written Materia Medica for plants presented during class time and the optional plant walks.
50+ plants are presented during the program.

In addition to the scheduled meeting dates, I am available during the in-between weeks to respond to email questions and point you in the right direction if you have specific questions about a health topic or specific herbs.

And…
I am generous with my resource files and provide students the option to do extended independent study.
This depends on the person and the topic.
If there is an area you want to investigate more deeply or have questions that aren’t addressed in class, let me know.
Chances are, I’ll be able to help.


Family Herbalist Calendar for 2026 
The time and dates below have been worked out to allow for people who travel from out of town to benefit from a live in-person group.
The one-weekend-a-month format is offered so people from around the Southwest can fly or drive to Flagstaff once a month for the group meetings.
In past years, people have commuted from Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Tucson, Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Oklahoma and Durango.
The optional plant walks are done on Fridays before the formal herbal weekends to allow easier scheduling for traveling students.
The 9:00am start time allows for people from the Phoenix, Page and Prescott areas to readily commute for the day.

Time
Class meeting times are 9:00 am through mid-afternoon, around 3:00 – 4:00 pm.
The ending time varies depending on questions and group discussions.


2026 Dates for Weekend Gatherings and Plant Walks 
March 14-15 Weekend Herb Class in Flagstaff
March 16 Monday optional plant walk in the Sonoran Desert
April 10 Friday optional plant walk in the Verde Valley
April 11-12 Weekend Herb Class in Flagstaff
May 15 Friday optional plant walk near Flagstaff
May 16-17 Weekend Herb Class in Flagstaff
June 19 Friday optional plant walk near Flagstaff
June 20-21 Weekend Herb Class in Flagstaff
July 12-17 Optional multi-day field study trip to southwest Colorado for high elevation Rocky Mountain plants. Details are here.
July 24 Friday optional plant walk near Flagstaff
July 25-26 Weekend Herb Class in Flagstaff
August 7 Friday optional plant walk near Flagstaff
August 8-9 Weekend Herb Class in Flagstaff
August 28 Friday optional plant walk near Flagstaff
September – Due to schedule challenges, the September weekend will actually be held August 29-30 in Flagstaff.

What to Do Next?
~If you have questions, contact me here.
~If you decide this is the right program for you, fill out the application here.
You will receive a reply soon after.
~Is there homework?
~Will this program make me a Certified Herbalist?
~Are scholarships available?
~Do I need to attend every class?
~What books do I need for this program?

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The post 2026 Family Herbalist Program first appeared on The Foragers Path | Flagstaff, Arizona.

The following recipe is a healthier and more flavorful version of the canned jelly often served this time of year.
All portions are approximate – creative substitutions are encouraged.

Ingredients
*One bag of fresh cranberries
*One organic orange with the peel still on. Orange juice can be used if desired.
*One small handful of pecans or walnuts
*One apple of your choice. No Delicious apples allowed!
*A blend of spice powders: ginger, clove, cinnamon, cardamom
*Sweeten to taste with sweetener of choice

What to Do
*Grind whole orange in blender (minus the seeds). Add a bit of OJ as needed to allow the blending and get the desired consistency in the final product.
*Add fresh cranberries and blend together
*Chop nuts with a large butcher knife, set aside
*Core and cube apple, set aside
*Add all the above ingredients to a large bowl and gently stir together.
*Season with spices as desired
*Sweeten to taste

This is a completely different food from the jellied cranberries so common this time of year. The fresh berries and spices are all high in antioxidants. The nuts and apple cubes give the dish a nice crunch and texture. The tartness of the berries combined with a bit of sweetener create a balanced taste.

We enjoy this dish so much that we freeze several bags of fresh cranberries in the fall  and prepare them throughout the year.

The post Cranberry Relish Recipe first appeared on The Foragers Path | Flagstaff, Arizona.