Medicine Making Workshop
From Soil to Soul
The Essentials of Herbal Medicine Making
in The Hague
Achula's Medicine Making Workshop offers you the hands-on experience of crafting your own herbal remedies using some of nature's most powerful healing plants. In this workshop, you'll learn how to harness the therapeutic benefits of herbs, gaining skills that can help you achieve self-sufficiency in natural healthcare, just like our ancestors did.
And here's just a glimpse of what you will discover
Known for its ability to purify the blood and support liver health, burdock root has been used for centuries to treat a wide range of ailments. Native American tribes would often use it as a tonic for digestion and skin disorders. Burdock is also rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a perfect addition to your herbal medicine chest. And this incredible herb grows wild all around us!
Introducing Herbalist Dave Achula, an expert in medicinal plants and their healing properties.
Dave understands the value of ancient knowledge passed down through generations. At a young age, he was making his own herbal concoctions and experimenting with different plants to find effective solutions for common ailments.
His curiosity and passion led him to pursue formal education in herbalism, becoming a certified herbalist after completing rigorous studies in the field. The Native Americans and his own grandfather were well aware of the power of healing plants, but unfortunately, this knowledge has been lost to many in modern times. However, by acquiring these skills, you can set yourself apart from the rest and become a guide or even a savior for those around you in need of natural healing remedies.
.jpg)
His career started when he spent time with the indigenous Khoisan tribe in South Africa, where he continued to learn about the incredible healing properties of local plants.
And here's a peek of what you'll create
You may be surprised to learn that you have a homegrown pharmacy right under your nose. Most of these plants are edible and can provide you with precious nutrients while supporting the bodies natural healing process.
I'm sure you recognize this common weed:
Dandelion root has been celebrated for its ability to support liver function and aid digestion. It’s been used for centuries as a natural diuretic and to help the body detox. You’ll learn how to transform dandelion root into a nourishing herbal tea or tincture that can be used to cleanse and strengthen your body.
By joining Dave in this Medicine Making Workshop, you'll discover how to identify, harvest, and prepare herbal remedies from the wild plants around you. From making milk thistle extract, known for its remarkable ability to regenerate liver cells, to creating tinctures and poultices that can relieve pain and inflammation, you'll leave with the skills to treat a variety of everyday ailments.
Plus, you'll get free access to the Herbal Library, featuring recipes for over 60 additional herbal medicines. Whether you're an experienced herbalist or just starting out, the Medicine Making Workshop offers something for everyone. Not only will you leave with herbal products you crafted yourself, but you'll also take home knowledge that has been passed down through generations, ready to be shared with your family and community.
Here’s another remedy you’ll make:
Blue lotus, a sacred plant revered by the ancient Egyptians, was considered a symbol of spiritual awakening and was used extensively in religious ceremonies for its calming effects and ability to induce lucid dreaming. This beautiful flower was also used to promote relaxation, relieve anxiety, and deepen meditation. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to prepare a blue lotus tea or tincture that can help ease tension, calm the mind, and enhance your dream experiences, just as the Egyptian priests and healers once did.
At the end of the workshop, you'll have a set of herbal remedies, including syrups, teas, tinctures, and vinegars, all made from plants like burdock and yellow dock, which have been used for centuries to detoxify the body and heal various ailments.
For example, did you know:
Milk thistle, cherished by the Greeks and Romans, has been used for centuries to protect and regenerate the liver? Known as a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, milk thistle has been employed by healers to counter the effects of toxins, aid in digestion, and support liver health.
You’ll be amazed to discover that elderberries have been used for millennia by Native American tribes as well as in European folk medicine for their immune-boosting properties. Elderberries are packed with antioxidants and vitamins and were traditionally used to ward off colds and flu during the harsh winter months. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to craft an elderberry syrup, a powerful remedy that has been relied upon by countless cultures to support the immune system and keep illness at bay.
In Ayurveda, the root of this plant is considered a cooling herb that helps to balance Pitta dosha, the Ayurvedic principle of fire and heat. Pitta imbalance is associated with anger, irritability, and inflammation, and this root's cooling properties are thought to help soothe these symptoms. One clinical study conducted in 2011 found that an extract of this root inhibited the growth of colon cancer cells in vitro.
You’ve probably seen this common weed before:
It's name is comfrey and it heals bones and tissues like magic. It's been called "knitbone" for centuries due to its ability to speed up bone and tissue repair. You can make a poultice with comfrey leaves and apply it to a broken bone or sprain to reduce pain and inflammation and accelerate the healing process.
This is just a taste of what you will experience during the Medicine Making Workshop. Space is limited to keep the experience intimate and hands-on, so book ahead to secure your spot!
What we will cover
History of Herbal Medicine
Explore the sacred traditions of medicinal plants, blending together the ancestral wisdom of indigenous cultures, TCM, Ayurveda, and shamanic practices to connect with the healing knowledge passed down through generations.
Medicine Making
Learn to prepare tinctures, syrups, vinegars, and decoctions with easy, at-home methods. We’ll engage in a hands-on crafting experience
Herbal Actions & Energetics
explain how herbs affect the body and embody qualities like warming or cooling, guiding herbalists in choosing the right plants for holistic healing.
Herbal Formulation
Master herbal formulation by understanding its purpose and goals, key considerations like effects, safety, and dosage, and the basics of plant chemistry, including active constituents like alkaloids and flavonoids.
Heart Perception & Talking to Plants
Deepen your herbal practice by rooting into a spiritual understanding of herbal medicine. Learn how to sit and connect with plants from a place of humility and respect.
Responsible Herb Craft
Learn the ethics of herbalism, including responsible sourcing, wildcrafting, and nurturing wild stands. Empower the herbal medicine community and infuse your practice with reciprocity and respect for the environment.
Together, we’ll explore:
-
Foundations of Herbal Formulation
-
We’ll start with the essentials—understanding the principles that guide us in creating balanced and effective herbal formulas.
-
You’ll learn the basics of plant chemistry and how to choose the right medium for your herbs, whether it’s alcohol, water, or oil.
-
We’ll discuss the importance of intention, safety, and proper dosage in herbal practice.
-
-
Crafting Tinctures, Decoctions, and Syrups
-
I’ll guide you through the art of making tinctures—those potent herbal extracts that are a staple in every herbalist’s toolkit.
-
You’ll learn the process of decoctions, unlocking the deep medicinal properties of roots, barks, and seeds.
-
Together, we’ll create delicious, healing syrups that marry the power of herbs with the soothing sweetness of honey.
-
-
Making Herbal Vinegars
-
Discover the magic of herbal vinegars, and create your own custom blends to enhance your meals and support your well-being.
-
What You’ll Take Home:
-
A tincture, syrup, and herbal vinegar that you’ll craft with your own hands.
-
Detailed guides and recipes so you can continue exploring and creating at home.
-
A solubility chart that will be your companion in choosing the right methods for extracting the best from your herbs.
Why You Should Join:
-
Hands-On Learning: This isn’t just a class; it’s a hands-on experience where you’ll get to work directly with the plants, learning by doing.
-
Guided by Experience: With years of practice in herbalism, I’ll be by your side, sharing tips, tricks, and stories from my journey.
-
Connect with Community: This is a space to meet others who share your passion for plants and natural healing, to learn from one another, and to form lasting connections.
-
Empower Your Healing: Walk away with the skills and confidence to craft remedies that are uniquely yours, tailored to your own health and wellness needs.
And you'll receive
Holistic Herbal Blending
This e-book guides you through the essentials of herbalism, plant chemistry, and the creation of personalized herbal remedies. Perfect for both beginners and seasoned herbalists, it offers practical insights, detailed instructions, and proven methods to help you craft effective and safe herbal formulas. Dive into the wisdom of plant-based healing and start blending your own remedies with confidence.
Unit 1: The Foundation
Lesson 1: Introduction
-
Overview of herbalism and the holistic approach
-
Understanding sustainability and quality in herbal practices
Lesson 2: The Holistic Approach of Herbalism
-
The Four Qualities and Six Tissue States
-
Energetics in Action: Applying herbal energetics to your practice
Lesson 3: Herbal Actions
-
Herbal "Cleansers" and their roles: Alteratives, Diuretics, Laxatives, etc.
-
Specialized herbs for the respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems
-
Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, and Antioxidant herbs
Lesson 4: Herbal Energetics, Affinities, and Specific Indications
-
Moistening vs. Drying Herbs
-
Understanding energetic contradictions and specific indications of select herbs
Lesson 5: Herbal Preparations
-
Detailed guides on making infusions, decoctions, tinctures, and more
-
Step-by-step instructions on creating your own herbal remedies
Unit 2: Plant Chemistry
Lesson 1: Introduction to Phytochemistry
-
Basics of plant chemistry and safety
-
Primary and secondary plant metabolites
Lesson 2: Plant Constituents
-
Detailed study of Polysaccharides, Flavonoids, Alkaloids, and more
-
Understanding the solubility of plant constituents
Unit 3: Formulation Considerations
Lesson 1: Asking the Right Questions
-
Key questions to guide your herbal formulations
-
Understanding constitution, body systems, and energetics
Lesson 2: Formulation Techniques
-
Methods for creating transdermal, transmucosal, and inhalation preparations
-
Safety considerations and using local herbs effectively
Lesson 3: Formulation Step-by-Step
-
Step-by-step guide to developing and adapting herbal formulas
-
Practical examples and formulation practices
Lesson 4: The Triangle Method
-
Applying a balanced, three-part approach to herbal formulations
Lesson 5: Special Considerations for Topical Formulas
-
Tailoring formulas for topical use, with a focus on specific conditions
