Vervain’s 2026 Fundamentals of Herbalism Course

Fundamentals of Herbalism

Join Vervain for a 10-month introduction to the art and science of herbal medicine.

Designed for beginners, this classroom-based program blends engaging lectures with hands-on demonstrations to help you build a strong foundation in herbal practice. Through small-group learning and mentorship, you’ll explore herbal energetics, plant identification, and the ethical use of herbs for wellness and care.

Cost: $1,600 (includes tuition and herbs)
Location: In-person at The Vervain Collective or virtual via Zoom.
Time Commitment: One 4-hour class each month + 5–10 hours of self-study and practice between sessions.

Each class includes:

• 3–4 hours of lecture and discussion
• Herb and tea blend samples
• Printable e-book/slides
• Access to recorded lectures for 60 days
• Private Facebook group and bonus resources
• Ongoing email and text support

Instructors & Topics

Dr. Dana Mockenhaupt, NMD
Anne Anderson, Fundamentals of Herbalism Program Manager
Guest speakers may include Dr. Joan Haynes, NMD; Krista Willsmorth; Lauren Howell, LAc; and others

Topics include:
Kitchen Apothecary • Global Traditions • Botany • Herbal Applications • Heart • Lungs • Digestion • Adaptogens • HPA Axis/Enteric Brain • Womb Service • Legal Herbalism • Immune Support • Herbal First Aid • Flower Essences • Plant ID • Ethical Wildcrafting Theory

Student Work

Outside of class, students are encouraged to deepen their learning at home by making their own infusions, decoctions, tinctures, glycerites, syrups, oxymels, oils, salves, poultices, and pastilles.

This is a lecture-based program—there are no required field sessions or group wildcrafting outings.

Suggested reading: Botany in a Day by Thomas J. Elpel (optional).
Recommended home supplies: glass jars, strainer, high-proof alcohol, olive oil, beeswax, cocoa butter.

Schedule & Cohorts

Classes: 12–4 PM on the first or third Saturday of each month, February–November 2026

Choose Your Cohort:

First Saturdays (In-Person)
Third Saturdays (In-Person)
Virtual Cohort (Online participation available on either Saturday)

Tuition & Registration

Tuition: $1,600
Payment Options: Pay-in-four installment plans via PayPal
Apothecary Discount: Available on class days
Payment Deadline: February 6, 2026

Bring your curiosity—and join us for a year of learning, connection, and herbal exploration.

Refund & Withdrawal Policy

• Full Refund: Requests received by January 1, 2026, minus $50 administrative fee
• Partial Refund: Requests received January 2–February 6, 2026, eligible for 50% refund
• After Classes Begin: Tuition is non-refundable. Students may transfer registration before the second class or request deferral to the next year (subject to approval and space).

Students using PayPal installment plans remain responsible for all scheduled payments.

If minimum enrollment is not met, all tuition and fees will be fully refunded.