Herbalism Intensive: The Herbs of Self Compassion

What if nothing is wrong with you? 

What if your body, despite your  diagnoses, pain, scars, or aging, is actually just right?  

Please join Urban Growers Collective for a four day herbalism intensive to celebrate the goodness of who you are. An herbalism of self compassion works to eradicate narratives of negativity about humanity, human bodies and the relationship between humans and the living Earth. Because despite all that we know, and all that we have seen, Nature continues to be kind to us all. The seasons and cycles keep bringing us plants to sustain our lives; and if we learn to listen, those plants are sending us messages of encouragement. What if we are not violent, sick creatures living on a dying planet? What if you don’t need a ‘cleanse’,  but instead you simply need a different perspective? 

This intensive offers two online classes and two days of onsite exploration at the South Chicago farm. Each online class will focus on re-aligning the body, mind, and spirit with a sense of peace and a spirit of self-kindness through the use of herbalism.

Please be advised this intensive is not offer to the workshare reduced costs tickets.

Info: Thursday, July 24th- Many of us have heard or perhaps have proudly said “I am my ancestors wildest dream.” But who were those ancestors and who are you? In this class we will discuss the ways in which our ancestors used herbs and food to support wellness. There is a dichotomy between what may have been our ancestors' dreams for health and vibrancy, and current perceptions of our vulnerabilities. How can we center ourselves between two realities: Many humans are living in a time where we have unprecedented access to food and clean water, and yet these industrial era innovations bring with them new diseases and illnesses.

This class offers a map for participants to
-Think about their ancestral definitions of health
-Examine personal feelings about their own health
-Decide what might be missing in their own self care plan
-Learn easy cooking methods and recipes to improve their sense of well being
-Learn methods for using herbs to support health and an overall sense of wellbeing

Info: Friday, July 25th- This class offers a fun deep dive into an herbalism that makes life feel more beautiful. While considering major body systems, the exploration will mainly highlight the ways in which herbs can be used to delight the spirit! The herbs discussed will include the following:

Mugwort Motherwort

Mint (2-3 varietals) Lavender

Yarrow Hyssop

Feverfew Tulsi

Comfrey Chamomile

Dandelion Calendula

Info: Saturday, July 26th- Participants will gather for a day of meeting the plants live and in person. The layout of the day will include:
A farm tour
An herb walk with a focus on plant identification
A plant/nature meditation
Hands on plant stewardship (gardening instruction)
A time for fellowship, questions and debriefing the online portion of the course

Info: Sunday, July 27th- Participants will gather for a day of utilizing the plants for remedy making. Each person will create and take home the following:
One oil based remedy, with directions for using
One vinegar based remedy, with directions for pressing it out
A small collection of self-harvested plants and directions for drying and saving them

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

South Chicago Farm, 9000 South Mackinaw Avenue, Chicago, United States