- Herbal Vinegars - Thursday, Feb. 27 @ 6 pm- Using vinegars as a menstruum for herbal preparations is a traditional method that effectively extracts beneficial properties from herbs while preserving their flavors. The acidity of vinegar draws out vitamins, minerals, and essential oils, resulting in potent and flavorful infusions. Herbal vinegars can be used in cooking, as salad dressings, or as health tonics, making them versatile and a natural way to incorporate the healing properties of herbs into daily life. Discover the unique ways herbal vinegars interact with different herbs and learn effective techniques to harness their full potential. By the end of this class, you will have the knowledge and skills to confidently incorporate herbal vinegars into your medicine-making practice. You will have the chance to create your own personalized herbal blend and participate in a group blending activity.
- Glycerites- Thursday, July 10 @ 6 pm- Organic vegetable glycerine, or glycerol, is an effective alternative to alcohol-based tinctures for extracting and preserving beneficial herbal constituents. It extracts both water-soluble and some fat-soluble compounds, offering several advantages, such as a long shelf life, a pleasant sweet taste, and suitability for those avoiding alcohol. To prepare glycerites, herbs are macerated in glycerin (sometimes mixed with water) and steeped for several weeks before straining. Master the art of glycerites and discover their unique interactions with herbs, gaining the skills to confidently incorporate them into your herbal medicine practice. You will have the chance to create your own personalized herbal blend and participate in a group blending activity.
- Infused Oils - Thursday, October 16 @ 6 pm- Infused oils are herbal preparations made by steeping plant material in a carrier oil, such as olive or jojoba, to extract the beneficial compounds from the herbs. This method captures the essential properties of the herbs, including their aroma and therapeutic benefits. Infused oils are commonly used in herbal medicine for topical applications, such as treating skin conditions, providing moisturizing effects, and delivering the healing properties of the herbs directly to the skin. They can also serve as a base for salves, balms, and other formulations. Master the art of infused oils as a menstruum! Discover the unique ways infused oil interacts with herbs and learn effective techniques for harnessing their full potential. Gain the knowledge and skills to confidently incorporate infused oils into your medicine making practice. You will have the chance to create your own personalized herbal blend and participate in a group blending activity.
- Alcohol Extractions- Friday, November 7 @ 6 pm- Alcohol extractions, or tinctures, are a concentrated and effective way to harness the healing benefits of herbs by soaking plant material in high-proof alcohol. This method captures a wide range of compounds, including essential oils, alkaloids, and flavonoids. Tinctures are favored in herbal medicine for their potency, long shelf life, and ease of use, allowing for direct consumption or dilution in water. Master the art of alcohol extractions and learn how they interact with herbs, gaining skills to confidently incorporate them into your practice. You’ll also have the chance to create a personalized herbal blend and participate in a group activity.
Ruth Glass's Bio
Ruth Glass is a clinical and folk herbalist, as well as an instructor at Traditions School of Herbal Studies. She holds two degrees in education and is a graduate of Traditions, having completed both the Chinese Herbal Program and the Western Herbal Program. Ruth also serves as a supervisor for the Western and Chinese student clinic.
Her teaching focuses on herbal medica, herbal medicine making, herbal first aid, and bioregional herbalism. A former president of the local chapter of the American Herbalists Guild, Ruth still has an active role coordinating all chapters of the Guild across the country.
In addition to her herbal work, Ruth created Forest and Hearth, where she offers nature programs for children and elders, along with creative writing classes that integrate herbalism, writing, and music. You can find her seeing clients at Acupuncture and Herbal Therapies, volunteering with various organizations, handcrafting herbal and art projects, or hiking the beautiful trails around Tampa Bay!
Check her out at at the following social media handles:
Forest and Hearth on Instagram
Forest and Heart on Facebook
Personal Instagram
Personal Facebook Page
