Winter Ethnobotany: Salves, Syrups, and Teas for Immunity and Winter Health

Join us for a hands-on journey into the world of winter ethnobotany! As the cold months stretch on, the land around us offers abundant resources for boosting immunity and supporting our health. This workshop will guide you through the process of creating nourishing salves, soothing syrups, and revitalizing teas, all using wild-harvested and locally sourced ingredients.

Dates: Saturday, February 15, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: Tyee Arts & Education Center, Mount Vernon, WA

10:00 – 10:15 AM
Welcome and Introduction

• Gather and settle in at the Tyee Arts & Education Center.
• Meet your instructors and fellow participants.
• Overview of the day’s schedule and class objectives.

10:15 – 11:45 AM
Plant Walk: Foraging and Identification

• Take a guided walk in the nearby forest or surrounding area.
• Learn to identify medicinal plants and trees in their winter state.
• Discuss sustainable harvesting practices and seasonal plant properties.
• Harvest small samples (if allowed and appropriate) for use in class.

11:45 AM – 12:15 PM
Lunch Break

• Enjoy your packed lunch and relax indoors or outside (weather permitting).

12:15 – 1:15 PM
Herbal Syrup Demonstration

• Learn how to make an immune-boosting elderberry syrup.
• Discuss the benefits of each ingredient and their roles in supporting winter health.
• Participants will prepare a small jar of syrup to take home.

1:15 – 2:00 PM
Salve-Making Workshop

• Learn the basics of infusing oils with medicinal herbs.
• Craft a healing salve using infused oil and beeswax.
• Explore the versatility of salves for cuts, dry skin, and other winter ailments.

2:00 – 2:45 PM
Custom Herbal Tea Blending

• Explore dried herbs ideal for winter health and immunity.
• Create your own unique tea blend tailored to your health needs and preferences.
• Take home your tea blend in a reusable bag or jar.

2:45 – 3:00 PM
Closing Circle and Q&A

• Reflect on the day’s learning and experiences.
• Share any insights or questions with the group.
• Receive resources and recipes for continued exploration at home.

Our Winter Ethnobotany Class is designed to be an immersive, hands-on experience that connects you with the natural world and equips you with the knowledge and skills to care for yourself and your loved ones during the winter months. Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Explore the winter landscape during a guided plant walk, learning how to identify and harvest medicinal plants and trees in their dormant states.
• Deepen your connection to the seasonal cycles of the Pacific Northwest while developing a respectful relationship with the plants around you.

• Create your own herbal remedies, including a soothing salve, an immune-boosting syrup, and a custom tea blend.
• Learn practical skills like oil infusion, salve preparation, and syrup crafting that you can continue to use at home.
• Blend a personalized tea to take home, tailored to your unique needs and tastes.

• Understand the medicinal properties of winter plants and how they support the body’s immunity and overall health.
• Discover sustainable foraging practices and the ethical considerations of wild-harvesting.
• Leave with recipes, resources, and a toolkit of skills to keep you and your family thriving throughout the winter.

• This class is perfect for all experience levels, whether you’re a beginner or have dabbled in herbal medicine before.
• Work alongside a community of like-minded participants in a friendly and engaging setting.
• Receive personalized guidance from skilled instructors who are passionate about ethnobotany and nature connection.

Whether you’re seeking to learn practical herbal skills or to deepen your connection to the winter landscape, this class will inspire and empower you to embrace the wisdom of the season.

This workshop is perfect for beginners! No prior experience is necessary—our instructors will guide you step-by-step to ensure a successful and empowering learning experience.

To make the most of your Winter Ethnobotany Class experience, please bring the following items:

• Notebook and pen for taking notes during the plant walk and workshops.

• Weather-appropriate clothing (layers, sturdy shoes, rain gear, etc.) for the outdoor plant walk.
• Packed lunch and water bottle to enjoy during the midday break.
• Reusable jars or containers (optional) if you'd like to take home extra remedies.
• Apron (optional) to protect your clothes during the hands-on workshops.

We’ve got you covered with all the tools and materials you’ll need for the day, including:

• Plant identification guides (to reference during the walk).

• Dried and fresh medicinal herbs.
• Ingredients for herbal syrup, including elderberries and honey.
• Infused oils, beeswax, and essential tools for salve-making.
• A variety of dried herbs for creating custom tea blends.
• Jars, containers, and reusable bags for remedies you’ll take home.

We’ll provide everything necessary for crafting your remedies and ensure you leave with not just your creations, but also the knowledge and confidence to recreate them at home!

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Tyee, 21301 Tyee Road, Mount Vernon, United States