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 plant lover & herbalist.

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

Path 1: Seeds & Roots Folk Herbal Immersion

This course is perfect for beginners and for anyone longing to reconnect with the earth while developing a practical, lived relationship with herbs and wild plants. You will learn how to make traditional folk herbal medicine and how to work with nature as a source of wellness and vitality.

We will explore the foundations of folk herbalism, including hands-on medicine making, Aromatic Herbalism, Flower Essence Therapy, plant lore and folklore, plant spirit medicine, and simple ways to integrate herbs into your daily life and work.

Learning is experiential, sensory, and rooted in relationship with the plants themselves.

The course includes immersive garden time, ethical wildcrafting education, guided plant walks, and seasonal plant wisdom for overall wellness.

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

Also Includes field trips.

Course Dates

Investment- $1,450*

Path 2: The Blooming Path Folk Herbal Immersion

This course path is for students ready to fully immerse themselves in folk medicine and step into herbalism as a lived, daily practice that blends art, science, and tradition. It is ideal for those who wish to work towards becoming a community or clinical herbalist, create and sell herbal products, or expand their herbal practice into meaningful civic work.

This path 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.

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

Course Dates:

Nov 15

Investment- $2,222*

Path 3: Year 2 Advanced Immersion

For Returning Students

Designed for students who have completed the Roots and Seeds Program and want to continue their studies.

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- $1100*

Deposits and Location

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.

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

*All 3 Paths are eligible for a 25% scholarship for students who have demonstrated financial need.

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.

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.
Learn to tap into your intuition with a meditation with the plants

July 2026

Craft herb-infused oils and vinegars for culinary and medicinal purposes Part I.
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

Craft herb-infused oils and vinegars for culinary and medicinal purposes Part II
Explore herbs for digestive health and the gut-brain connection.
Begin your journey into aromatherapy and the therapeutic power of aromatic plants and how to safely and sustainably work with essential oils.
Continue harvesting and applying folk herbal methods in the garden.

September 2026

Learn how to create simple, effective herbal salves for skin care and wound support.
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?

We are so happy to answer them. Please feel free to use our contact form for any preliminary questions. And if you would like to register, 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 you might have, and share more about the experience.

Click here to schedule your interview. We can’t wait to hear from you!

This immersion is an 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, to growing a herb garden, you’ll leave this program feeling 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!