The Essence of Herbalism '12
8-Month Herbalist Apprentice Program
with Michael Steven Ford, MS, MA of Apollo Herbs®
offering holistic herbal education since 1991, integrating:
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Western Herbal Traditions
Scientific Studies & Botany
Nutritional Science
Cosmetic Science
Environmental Awareness
About the Program ~ Class Meetings & Cost ~ Course Schedule ~ Student Comments
About Your Instructor ~ About Apollo Herbs® ~ Other Workshops
The Essence of Herbalism Apprenticeship Program is an empowering, educational experience that enables you to connect with and honor Nature. Through studying herbalism, you are expanding your own awareness of our ecology by entering into the world of plants. Here we'll discover all the beauty and gifts that the plants have to offer including food & nourishment, beverages, seasonings, tonics, medicines, bodycare, perfumes, dyes, flowers, crafts, folklore traditions, and the list goes on. The Essence of Herbalism Apprenticeship Program invites your into this world with an open heart, following in the footsteps of our ancestors, who have used plants since the beginning of time.
The Essence of Herbalism Apprenticeship Program at Apollo Herbs® combines hands-on-experience with classroom learning and field study. This program is designed to teach you to identify plants in the wild, how to make your own herbal products & your own medicine and much more. The program is oriented towards the beginner/intermediate herbalist.
Our focus is on the plants, themselves. We come to them as our teachers, the fields and forests as our classroom. We learn by seeing, touching, tasting, smelling, and experiencing. Learning the wisdom of the plants opens one up to a whole, new, exciting part of life, the world of nature. These teachings instill within us the vitality of the wild, invigorating our spirits, nourishing our bodies, bringing radiant health and healing to our lives. The rewards are enriching and enlightening. Be prepared for the study of herbs to make some changes in your daily lives. For some the love of herbs becomes a lifelong endeavor.
The Apprentice Program includes a study of the organ systems of the body with corresponding herbal therapies, all the methods of herbal preparation, wild plant identification and plant-pressing, botany, plant chemistry, botanical nomenclature, herbal formulation, natural skin care, aromatherapy, flower essences, nutrition and disease, earth awareness, wild food cooking, and guidelines for prevention & healthy living.
OUR PRIMARY FOCUS is developing a deep, loving relationship with the Earth, so that we can walk gently, in harmony & balance with all of life. The Apprentice program is limited to 22 students and fills up quickly each year. If this is the year you wish to enter the world of herbs, register early to reserve your place.
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Class Meeting & Cost
Class meets at Apollo Herbs® one week-end each month Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
April 28, 29
May 19, 20
June 23, 24
July 21,22
August 18, 19
September 15,16
October 20,21
November 17,18
Meals are not provided. The Potluck lunch is always a welcome event.
The Essence of Herbalism Certificate Program: $1,200.00
Tuition Fee: $1,000.00
Registration Fee: $200.00
$200 non-refundable deposit is
required to register for the Essence of Herbalism Apprentice Program.
The balance is due in full on or before the first day of class.
PLEASE DO NOT REGISTER IF YOU ARE NOT COMMITTED TO COMPLETING THE SERIES
Refund Policy: 75% tuition refund if you withdraw BEFORE
THE END OF THE FIRST WEEK-END.
No other refunds will be granted. Sorry. No exceptions.
You can also contact Apollo Herbs® with specific questions about the apprenticeship program at:
e-mail: michaelford@apolloherbs.com
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Level 1 Apprenticeship
The following is a tentative schedule and gives an overview of some of what we'll be covering during the Essence of Herbalism Apprenticeship Program:
April
- Teas: Infusions & Decoctions; Herbs & Holism; Terminology
of Medicinal Herbs; Plant Identification; Herbs for the Nervous System;
Herb Quality
May - Latin Botanical Names; Plant ID; Wildcrafting; Diet-Related Illnesses; Oils & Salves; Organic Gardening; Herbs for the Urinary System; Culinary Herbs
June - Medicinal Plant Chemistry & Herb Constituents; Extracts, Tinctures & Liniments; Herbs for the Liver; Allergies & Skin Conditions; Plant ID; Wild Edible Plants
July - Anne Hutchinson Garden Field Trip; Herbs for the Reproductive System; Botany: Plant Anatomy & Morphology; Compresses & Poultices; Harvesting & Storing Herbs; Plant ID; Holistic Pet Care
August - Syrups & Elixirs; Plant ID; herbal Stimulants; Flower Essences; Herbs & the Chakras; herbs for Children; Herbs for the Musculo-Skeletal System; Aromatherapy; Steam Distilling Essential Oils
September - Safety Measures, Contraindications & Herb-Drug Interactions; Plant ID Practical; Capsules, Pills & Powders; General Nutritional Studies; Dried herb Specimens; Natural Cosmetics
October - Herbs for the Immune System and Winter Health; Herbal Formulation; Identifying Plant Skeletons & Dried Plant Specimens; Water & Fat Soluble Vitamins; Home First Aid Kit
November - Minerals & Trace Elements; The Digestive System Dried Plant Specimens; Herbs for the Holidays: Mulling Spices, Eggnog, Herbal Crafts, Potpourri; Herbal Folklore, Final Exam; Plant Skeletons; The Circulatory System; Legal Issues of Herbalism; Medicine Show; Graduation Party
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Student Comments
How to put in words all that I have learned from Michael Ford, is near impossible. I first had interest in herbal medicine back in 2003, 2004 and found that while I enjoyed all the folk history and remedies I found in books about herbal medicine, I wanted more information. I wanted to know why these different herbs worked, how specifically, so I could have answers for my doctors, friends and family. So in all of my reading I lost interest because I was not finding the answers I was looking for, when in 2009, I caught word that an herbalist, of whom's locally made products (Apollo Herbs) I already used, offered an apprenticeship program. This program for me, was the most ideal compilation of studies that I had been looking for.
Tapping into the plethora of knowledge that is Michael Ford was like striking gold for me. He has knowledge of folk herbalism, with herb lore, history and traditions, and can explain it in even more detail, breaking the herbs down to a cellular level, discussing chemical constituents, and specifically why these herbs work, also I learned nutritional health care (which is truly something that should be included in any medicinal studies, now that I know them). Yet he doesn't stop there, I am also a Master Gardner in RI, and learned more taxonomy and botany from Michael than I did in my MG program, learning Latin root words and understanding the herbs physical and chemical characteristics and actions .
His way of teaching is very down to earth and easy to understand, while I find he is a scholar in his Pharmacognosy studies, he has the unique ability to explain things so that anyone can understand them. With nothing more than a couple years of college, I'd never thought I'd be able to say that I understand phytochemistry, which I also learned from him.
My favorite part of his class other than his teaching style and choice of studies, is that we did alot of hands on, we made skin care products, tinctures, syrups, infusions, oils, and for me that is how I learn best. I currently take a tincture daily that I make for myself "Mel-tone", which has worked wonders for me, I have also been able to make tinctures for family and friends when they are sick or have a certain ailment they wish to treat.
Michael's course has not only made me a proud, well educated herbalist, but has also connected me with a community I could never thank him enough for. I consider all my classmates close personal friends now as well as colleagues I can turn to for questions, opinions or to share remedies.
Michael may never know the impact he has had on my life as a practicing herbalist, and I am proud to have studied under him. I could not have asked for a more well-rounded education in a scientific and folkloric field. I would advise anyone, established herbalist or beginner, to study with Michael to gain an understanding herbs like you will find nowhere else. - Melanie Schuetz, Rockville, RI ~ 2009 "Essence of Herbalism Apprenticeship Program"
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About Apollo Herbs®
Apollo
Herbs® is located in the Palisades
Mill building in the heart of Peace Dale, a village of the town of South
Kingstown, RI. The attractive granite buildings are the legacy of the
Hazard family, which established a woolen mill, the Peace Dale Manufacturing
Company, in the early 19th century. It is believed this was the place
where the first power looms were successfully operated in America, if
not in the world.
Peace Dale borders the neighboring village of Wakefield, the “commercial center” of South Kingstown, just ten minutes from the South County beaches. Peace Dale and the surrounding areas are a representation of 18th and 19th century architecture and fine craftmanship, retaining much of its charm and history including the original Main Street sidewalks, granite stone walls, and bridges, offering character and historical presence with many fine restaurants, small businesses and shops conveniently located nearby. According to a redevelopment feasibility analysis by Newport Collaborative Architects Inc. in 2004, “the Peace Dale Mills, the largest industrial complex in South Kingstown, is significant architecturally and historically."
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About Your Instructor
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Michael S. Ford is the owner of Apollo Herbs®, the herbal company that he founded in 1991 after training with master herbalist, Rosemary Gladstar. He has been teaching herb programs that blend scientific training with western herbal traditions, nutrition, and environmental awareness since 1993. Michael has a Bachelor of Science degree in Botany, Bachelor of Arts degrees in Classics and Biology, a Master of Science degree in Pharmacognosy/Natural Product Chemistry, and a Master of Arts degree in Education, all from the University of Rhode Island. Michael also studied Illustration at the Rhode Island School of Design. He brings over twenty years of experience and professional training to the program. |
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Email: Apollo Herbs®
Apollo Herbs®, 1080 Kingstown Road, Ste. 13, Peace Dale, RI 02879
©2007-2012 by MSF, LLC. All rights reserved.
Apollo Herbs® is a registered
trademark.
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