Forthcoming courses available from Ross Menzies Medical Herbalist
I run regular courses on herbal medicine. These courses offer a basic introduction to those who have little or no previous knowledge. I also do more in depth classes covering general herbal practice and also looking at the energetic and spiritual properties of plants (Plant spirit medicine). These courses are experiential and help participants gain the skills and confidence to work with local native herbs.
I can also design specific courses or talks to meet the needs of particular groups (including children) and am happy to be approached for personalised bookings.
2008 Dates
The Hedgerow as Medicine Chest & Larder
Thurs 19 June, 10am – 3.30pm
An introductory course designed to give participants a good understanding of the basics of herbal medicine and the many uses of the plants that grow around us. Learn to identify and use several native herbs. Prepare an ointment to take home and discover the wonderful healing properties of plants that are often considered as ‘weeds’. Make your own herbal tincture to use medicinally. Learn how to treat minor ailments and to deal with first aid situations using local plants, ideal if you want to be better able to utilise what grows in our area. Discover how many herbs are also excellent ‘wild foods’.
This is a practical, hands on day with a great deal of useful knowledge packed in, a day of reconnecting with nature and in particular the nature we find here in Northumberland
Plant Spirit Medicine
Fri 27 June, 10am – 3.30pm
This course introduces participants to the more subtle qualities of plants.
Traditionally herbalists, shamans and wise women have developed a very deep and respectful relationship with the plants they use. In most traditions of herbal medicine, plants have been considered to be of benefit to people on account of their energetic properties and their spirits, whereas in the modern world the focus tends to be very much upon chemical composition.
This is a day of gettting to know a number of local herbs much more deeply, experiencing them as living beings with a lot more to share with us than simply the chemicals they contain. Ross has worked with author Stephen Harrod Buhner and this course will draw on some of his teachings and techniques as well as upon Ross’ own experience of working closely with herbs. Participants will prepare their own herbal essence of a plant that they have developed an understanding of during the day, which can be used to treat physical and emotional imbalances.
Tree Medicine
Fri 4 July, 10am – 3.30pm
Trees have been used as medicine for as long as people have walked upon the earth. They also have a long history of being revered as powerful and special in their own right. In the modern world trees can help us back to a deeper connection with nature and can re-awaken a sense of reverence and awe, allowing us to feel a sense of belonging and strength in nature.
Learn how to identify a number of our native trees, discover their medicinal properties, awaken the ability to feel and sense their spirit and share in their particular wisdom. There is a rich folk lore about most of our native trees and this too will be explored. Come and enjoy - and prepare your own tree essence to take home with you.
William Turner 500th Birthday Celebration - Herbal Medicine Old and New
Wed 10 Sep, 10am - 3.30pm
A fascinating and informative day celebrating the tradition of herbal medicine in Northumberland begun 500 years ago by the Morpeth physician William Turner, 'the father of English botany'. Plant historian, Marie Addyman, will explain the old medical ideas operating in Turner's time: humour theory and the degrees of herbs, plus astrology and the doctrine of signatures.
Medical herbalist, Ross Menzies, will discuss the development of modern herbalism and offer the opportunity for some practical work, such as making an ointment
Courses cost £40 each and this includes a delicious light vegetarian lunch using some of our home-grown herbs).
Further information can be found on the Dilston physic garden Website (see link below)
If you would like to receive info on the 2008 dates please contact me.
For a full list of other courses running at Dilston Physic Garden please visit the web site.
Appointments : 01434 601 577 | Queries : 01434 606 619