Level 1: Online

The Level 1 Herbal Foundations Certificate Program is our most popular program.

• As an online course,  you can register at any time, and move through the course material on a schedule and pace that work for you.
• The course is 1 hour per week for 6 months
• Herbal Foundations Online is organized as a series of twenty classes grouped into five sections, focused on the how-to of Western Herbalism, and taught by Farmacy’s own Mary Blue.
• If you are interested in an in-person version of this course, please click here.

This program offers:

Section 1: “Mastering the Basics” covers key herbal fundamentals, including terminology, energetics, dosage guidance for tinctures, teas, and infusions, proper herb storage, herbal constituents, herbal actions, regulatory considerations, and contraindications.

Section 2: “The Art of Herbal Crafting” delves into the art of herbal medicine making, encompassing solvency, herbal constituents, and crafting herbal tinctures using alcohol and glycerin. It also explores the preparation of herbal infusions, decoctions, teas, poultices, compresses, linaments, oil extractions, salve production, herbal syrups, vinegar-based extracts, honey-based extracts, and precise herbal dosages.

Section 3: “Exploring Herbal Actions” covers a diverse range of over 20 herbal actions, providing examples of tonics, nervines, adaptogens, cholegogues, digestive aids, emmenagogues, and pectorals. It also delves into herbal first aid, herbal constituents, an overview of the digestive, immune, and endocrine systems, and introduces the four foundational elements of Western herbalism.

Section 4: “From Seeds to Solvency” explores plant profiles, seed starting, techniques for composting and soil enrichment, various harvest methods, the art of wildcrafting, summer solstice plant walk, discovering woodland plants and trees, crafting sacred smoke sticks, and the methods for extracting fresh herbs using honey. It also covers preparations for preserving herbs through the winter.

Section 5: “Profiles of Medicinal Plants” provides in-depth insights into more than 50 medicinal plants, offering comprehensive video presentations and detailed notes on over 30 individual herbs. Each plant profile includes an overview of its herbal actions, the best extraction methods, and tips for successful herbal cultivation.

This program comes with:

Live phone support

Access to 60 herbal instructional videos

A PDF copy of Mary Blue’s Herbal Foundations book to advance your herbal education

In-depth coverage of herbal actions and herbal terminology, regulatory and legal guidelines, local plant identification, herbal first aid, and herbal body system support

The how-to of solvency and medicine-making, formulating decoctions/infusions, tincturing, syrups, salves, liniments, creams, poultices, infused oils, and flower essences

Everyday uses of over 50 plants and an introduction to concepts of nutritional healing

Plant walks and herbal garden activities that you can follow along with at home

A certificate of herbal education

Level 1 Online is offered as a series of free-standing classes, totaling $1,500 USD when taken individually. As a complete package, Level 1 Online is offered at a discounted price of $500.00 USD when paid up-front. If you would like to enroll with a one-time payment of $500.00, please register here.

Farmacy Herbs also offers a payment plan for Level 1 Online. Through this plan, automated charges of $83.33 USD are made monthly for 6 months, for a total of $500.00 USD. If you would like to enroll with the payment plan, please register here.

Each section of Level 1 Online can be accessed individually as a free-standing program. Prices and registration links for each section can be found below:

Our classes are organized with social justice and health justice principles in mind. We strive to make the space safe,  comfortable, and accessible for everyone who is interested in learning about herbalism. We request that all teachers and participants treat each other with respect, inclusive of gender, class, race/culture, sexual orientation, religion, immigration status, political views, age, ability status, and appearance.

For more information, FAQ and Testimonials, click here.