Hi there! Alicia Roskind Dearing here! I just love learning about everything really, but lately I’ve found myself called to learn about herbalism and plants. Herbalism to me is the beginning of a conversation and relationship with plants. There are so many ways you can begin this important conversation, but because it’s winter, herbs feel like the coziest jumping off point that will lead to a lifelong relationship of growing, healing, and playing. So weather you are steeped in the wisdom of plants and herbs and want a refresher or you don’t know a darn thing, this is an invitation to develop skills, knowledge, and a relationship with herbs. You have to start somewhere and this is me starting.

To me, plants are our greatest healers and teachers. They grow abundantly all around us, even in the harshest environments. Often times the ones that grow the most pervasively, and are seen as weeds, like dandelion, are our greatest healers. Just outside our front door. Not only can they heal us through ingesting, emulsifying, and extracting them, but I also believe the energy of plants have a profound ability to heal as well. By delving into herbalism, we not only get to learn about the healing and useful aspect of herbs and plants, but we deepen our relationship and respect for the Earth, and in turn, ourselves and the natural world of miracles around us. We begin noticing new things, spending more time in nature, being more present with the world around us, and connecting with our community right outside our door. Doesn’t that just sound amazing??!

Well, if you can’t tell already, I am so excited to see where this course takes us all!  If you have found yourself here, then maybe you too are interested in learning more about herbalism!

I have decided to endeavor on a 6-units, self-guided course by The Herbal Academy called Introductory Herbal Course. I have looked at a number of beautiful herbalism courses that all look amazing and magical, but this one felt like the most comprehensive beginners program at a reasonable price, pace, and approachability with extensive materials.

This is a chance to get your feet wet and learn at your own pace while sharing the experience with a virtual community of others interested in herbalism. We will each do the course at our own pace, although for those that need structure, we will be moving at a 3-week per unit pace so that we can end by May 10th, 2026. We will meet every other week virtually to discuss what we are learning, discovering, and creating while share in our experiences. We all have something to offer by just being ourselves. 

If 3-weeks is too fast paced for you, no problem, our bi-weekly meetings will be more focused on what we are learning generally, rather than each specific unit, although certain aspects of that unit may be discussed, which could be helpful for those not yet on that unit. Also, if you are in the North Carolina area or a number of people in a certain area, I encourage people to try to meet in-person during this experience! Face to face is so necessary right now.

This is my first time doing this, so we truly are all in this together. If we get into it and every other week is too much, we can change to every 3rd week or maybe some want to meet every week? Who knows! This truly is a learning process and I’m excited to be part of this with you! 

Interested in joining this fantastical herbal journey? Complete the form below to register for this group. You will need to register and pay with The Herbal Academy for your actual course. The 6-unit course is either $39 per month for 9 months or pay upfront $349. Please use this link or the links below to register and purchase materials and courses with The Herbal Academy.

*If you sign up by December 31st, you also get a bonus class from Herbal Academy: 30-Day Herbal Reset Workshop.*

There are also printed materials you can purchase, if you prefer physical pages in your hand. You order directly through The Herbal Academy. Please use the link provided here to register with The Herbal Academy.

If you have a bit more to spend, I’m excited about offering Herbal Startup kits from a real-life herbalist, Holly Hoops. These are extensive kits created just for this experience. They are all ethically sourced, organic herbs curated specifically for the Introduction to Herbalism course. Click here to learn more about the Starter Kit and purchase! This kit is not necessary to be successful in the course. It is an added bonus to help you get herbs and materials into your hands.

I'm also asking for a small donation of $10 to cover the expense of paid Zoom account and administrative tasks and time. No worries at all if you’d rather not contribute. If you’d like to donate, please venmo me at @cvlzdsavage. Again, this is not required nor expected to join.

I am just happy you are here!

The meeting times will rotate between days and times to try to accommodate everyone’s schedules. I will be sending out a survey to assess which days and times work best for most. Please tell me the best days and times for you to meet when you complete the registration form below.

Be sure to complete the registration form on this page below AND purchase your materials directory from Herbal Academy using the links on this page.

I am honored to facilitate this community of budding herbalists and every day plant people to share in this crazy little thing called life.