Folk Herbal Immersion

This 7 month folk herbal immersion, led by Clinical Herbalist Ilana Sobo, offers a unique and transformative educational experience. Through hands on medicine making, deep exploration of plants for each bodily system, and a journey into the time honored practices of folk medicine, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills to confidently integrate herbal practices into your daily life. This journey will not only deepen your connection with nature but also provide a solid foundation for a lifelong relationship with the natural world.

Journey into the Heart of Plant Medicine.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or seeking to expand your skills, this immersion will provide the tools and mentorship needed to help you grow as a herbalist.

We offer three paths to step into the Folk Medicine Herbal Immersion

Path 1: Seeds & Roots Folk Herbal Immersion

Perfect for those just beginning their herbal studies and those returning to their roots.

Meets once a month on Sundays from 10am-5pm

Foundational teachings on the rich history and applications of folk herbalism, including folk medicine making, folklore, plant spirit medicine and integrating herbs into your daily life and work.

Includes hands-on medicine making, garden immersion, ethical wildcrafting techniques, and seasonal plant wisdom of variety (see course highlights below for details)

Also Includes field trips and guided plant walks.

Course Dates

Path 2: The Blooming Path Folk Herbal Immersion

This course path is recommended for students who seek to dive deeply into the world of folk medicine or those who want to advance their studies to become a community or clinical herbalist.

Meets one Sunday + one Wednesday evening per month + online video lessons

Includes everything in Seeds & Roots

PLUS: one Wednesday evening circle per month for embodied practices and roundtable discussions.

PLUS: a monthly 2.5-hour pre-recorded video teaching on the body’s systems and herbs blending science and folk wisdom.

Course Dates:

Nov 15

Path 3: Advanced Immersion (Year Two)

For Returning Students

Designed for students who have already completed the first year of the Folk Immersion.

Meets one Wednesday evening per month for embodied practices, materia medicas, integration of skill sets and roundtable discussion

Includes 2.5-hour pre-recorded video teaching on the body’s systems blending science and folk wisdom

Meets in tandem with the the Blooming Path Students and includes field trips and plant walks

Investment and Location

$1,450 Path 1: Seeds and Roots

$2450 Path 2: The Blooming Path

$1100 Path 3: Advanced Immersion

A $350 non-refundable deposit secures your space, with flexible payment plans available.

All 3 Paths are eligible for VSAC grants for Vermont students who have financial need.

These classes will be taking place at the lovely Railyard Apothecary in Burlington, Vermont and will also include plant walks, deep garden immersion, wildcrafting outings and other field trips.

Course Highlights

May 2026

Delve into the history of folk herbalism and the unique co-evolution of humans and plants.
Learn how to design and plant your own medicinal garden with a visit to Red Wagon Herbs in Hinesburg, VT.
Discover the power of wild spring plants, including bitters and lymphatic tonics.
Discuss essential ethical wildcrafting principles to harvest with care and respect.
Learn to tap into your intuition with a meditation with the plants

June 2026

Gain a deep understanding of herbal energetics and actions—learn how and why herbs work.
Explore herbs for the nervous system and how to support emotional resilience.
Learn the art of tea-making, including therapeutic infusions and decoctions.
Enjoy a plant walk and hands-on garden exploration.

July 2026

Craft herb-infused oils and vinegars for culinary and medicinal purposes.
Intro to Flower Essences and the Art of Creating flower essences for emotional and spiritual well-being.
Engage in a wild plant walk and practice mindful wildcrafting and harvesting techniques.

August 2026

Explore herbs for digestive health and the gut-brain connection.
Begin your journey into aromatherapy and the therapeutic power of essential oils.
Continue harvesting and applying folk herbal methods in the garden.

September 2026

Learn how to create simple, effective herbal salves for skin and wounds.
Study herbal remedies for the whole family, from children to elders.
Dive into the spiritual applications of herbs.
Receive a brief introduction to Ayurveda & its intersection with Western herbal traditions.

October 2026

Focus on herbs for cardiovascular wellness.
Create a home apothecary and herbal tools for harvesting, processing and storing herbs
Learn how to harvest medicinal roots and collect seeds for sustainable gardening.
Prepare your garden for winter and explore the world of medicinal mushrooms.

November 2026

Discover adaptogens & medicinal mushrooms and their role in immune &stress support.
Learn to make elderberry syrup, a seasonal must-have for wellness.
Create medicinal aromatic honey.
Present your final herbal project, showcasing 3 medicinal creations made with your chosen plants
Pot luck feast with your herbal friends.

Questions?

To ensure if this course is the right fit for you, we’d love to connect for a brief, friendly chat. This is simply an opportunity to get to know you, answer any questions, and share more about the experience.

Reach out to schedule your interview—we can’t wait to hear from you!

This apprenticeship is your opportunity to dive deep into the art and science of herbalism, gaining practical skills that will serve you for a lifetime. From understanding plant energetics to creating your own herbal remedies, you’ll leave this program empowered to make a difference in your health, your community, and the world.

Spaces are limited. This course filled quickly last year. So please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or secure your place today and begin your journey toward becoming a confident and knowledgeable folk herbalist!