“Herb Salon on the MOVE!” takes one of our favorite long-time offerings (Herb Salon) to the streets! In this series of urban plant sits, we will get to know our botanical neighbors by highlighting one local plant and discuss their many virtues. We may also help to develop relationship through experiencing flower essence, herbal extracts, and plant meditations.

Herbalism Workshop at the BRN Nursery: Medecine of Place in the Sky Islands and Plant Walk with Carla Vargas-Frank of Yerba Nomadica on Saturday, September 28th 9am-1pm. $40 sliding scale. Email horticulture@borderlandsrestoration.org to sign up. @ Patagonia, Arizona

Spring Herbalism Workshop: Medicine of Place for Spring in the Sky Islands with Carla Vargas-Frank of Yerba Nomadica

Saturday, April 6, 9am-1pm
At the Borderlands Restoration Native Plant Nursery
$40, materials included
Nobody will be turned away for lack of funds
Contact horticulture@borderlandsrestoration.org to RSVP and to inquire about details and sliding-scale options

In this class we will look specifically at what spring in the desert brings forth; the shifts, the blooms, the bursts of new energy and how those environmental changes affect our physical and energetic bodies. The practice of herbal medicine is a study of relationships between plants, people, and environments. What are our bodies telling us about our mental, emotional, physical needs? What are the plants telling us about their uses? How can the anticipation of seasonal patterns help us to keep our balance throughout the year? In this class we will approach these questions (and hopefully inspire new ones) by focusing on the following areas of exploration:

+ Medicine of Place: Sustainability and the healing potential of engaging with our environment. We will discuss and demonstrate the process and potency of flower & environmental essences.
+ Herbal Bitters & Intro to Taste as Teacher: We can read about herbal constituents in books, but we can also deduce a great number of medicinal actions and value from our highly accessible sense of taste. What are the five main flavors and what can they tell us about a plant’s therapeutic potential? *Emphasis on the seasonal relevance of bitters. We will also be making an herbal bitters in class for home use.
+ Spring Ailments: The old herbal adage goes that the medicine you need is growing around you. Don’t curse the flowers for your seasonal suffering! Often the cause is also the remedy. Herbal allies for southern Arizona allergies.
+ Native Medicinals for Home Gardens: We will highlight a few popular native plant remedies who deserve protection in the wild and a spot in your yard.

Carla Vargas-Frank is the herbalist behind Yerba Nomadica and has been in immersed in the study and practice of herbal medicine for over a decade. Born and raised in the Sonoran desert, it was the familial lineage of the use of botanical medicines from Arizona's diverse bioregions that first inspired her to pursue a greater understanding of the interaction between plants, place and people. Carla studied formally with Nicole Telkes of Wildflower School of Botanical Medicine in Austin, TX as well as Karyn Sanders and Sarah Holmes of Blue Otter School of Energetic Herbalism in Fort Jones, CA and informally with many other influential instructors, not least of all the plants themselves. Currently she is in private practice, teaches, and is a a co-founder of Nepantla Healing Arts Community in Tucson, Arizona. (www.yerbanomadica.com)

"I view my work with the herbs as an extension of my activism towards environmental, social, and health justice"
-Carla Vargas-Frank

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Annual Heritage Days events draw a broad local attendance plus visitors from across southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico interested in learning about the animals, landscapes, history and culture of the region. This year’s presentations will continue to showcase the essential co-dependence that wildlife, open space, cultural heritage and private lands management all must have in order to preserve true community health. 

 “The best thing about Heritage Days,” says Program Director, Kim Vacariu, “is that the topics and events attract a strong cross-section of people who might have different viewpoints, but who are together celebrating the opportunity we have to protect this world-class region’s natural and cultural heritages.”      

- Official Press Release

Join Rachel Burgos from Snakeroot Apothecary and I this Saturday the 26th, when we will be talking about herbs for soothing the effects of late capitalism in Joshua Tree, California. We'll discuss some of the personal effects of disempowerment, entitlement, and comparing yourself to others in addition to addiction (including blue screen addiction), and how to own your power in these absurd economic times. 💥

We will be streaming this class live on the Yerba Nomadica Facebook page AND the Snakeroot Apothecary Instagram for those outside of Joshua Tree wanting to attend. A recording of the class will be made available afterwards by donation.

All profits from this event will be donated to #Blacklivesmatter

SPECIAL SUMMER HOURS 11am-12pm

Deepen your herbal knowledge and relationship with healing plants, one herb at a time.

Join us every third Saturday of the month at Tucson Herb Store for an informative and intuitive herbal hour, discussing the traditional and local uses of one very special medicinal plant ally.

Donation based as always, for the love of community! Suggested $5-$10, but any amount welcome and no one will be turned away for lack of funds!

Held at Tucson Herb Store at 228 N 4th Ave in Tucson, Arizona

Botanically infused oils have been used since ancient times to anoint, heal, flavor, and beautify.

There are a number of ways to imbue oils with the fragrance, flavors and medicinal properties of plants. In this hands on class we will touch on them all, including fresh and dry methods of infusions, solar extraction, and essential oils.

We'll also discuss different types of oils on the market and which varieties are best suited for various situations.

A Salve is a preparation of oil and wax. Often there may be essential oils added for extra preservation and scent. Salves are somewhat more stable and its solid texture makes it much easier for travel. A wonderful addition to a beauty regiment or first aid kit, salves are simple to make and their uses and potential combinations know no end.

Each participant will go home with their own botanical balm, crafted in class from a combination of the methods mentioned above.

[This class requires pre-registration through the link below to ensure that there is enough for everyone to go home with a medicinal salve of their own. *Spaces limited]

 REGISTRATION NO LONGER AVAILABLE