Herbalism 101

Curious About Herbs—but Unsure What to Do With Them?

Perhaps you grow a few medicinal plants, keep herbs in your kitchen, or have a shelf of herbal books. You’re interested, but you want to put what you’re learning into practice.

Learn to extract herbs in alcohol (tinctures), glycerin, and vinegar. We’ll grind up herbs and take them in capsules.

What should you look for when buying herbs? When would you choose an infusion rather than a decoction?

Herbalism 101 gives those questions a place to land.

Through live demonstrations, explanations, and conversation, you’ll explore the foundations of Western herbalism in a casual, supportive setting. Bring your curiosity—and the questions you’ve been wanting to ask.

What You’ll Learn

Over six weeks, you’ll explore how to:

• Choose and store herbs: Recognize what to look for when purchasing herbs and learn how to store them properly.

• Prepare herbal teas: Understand infusions, decoctions, cold-water infusions, and herbal syrups.

• Make herbal extracts: Learn how herbs are extracted in alcohol, vinegar, and glycerin.

• Work with powders: Explore how herbs are powdered and prepared for capsules.

• Create oil-based preparations: Learn about infused oils, salves, balms, lotions, and creams.

• Explore external applications: Discover poultices, plasters, compresses, soaks, and washes.

• Begin identifying medicinal plants: Develop your familiarity with plants used in herbal practice.

• Continue learning: Find useful herbal references to support your studies beyond the classroom.

You’ll begin connecting the plant, the preparation, and the process—building a foundation you can return to as you continue learning.

See the Process. Ask the Questions.

A recipe can tell you what to do. A live demonstration gives you the opportunity to understand how—and ask why.

Watch preparations take shape. See how the ingredients are handled. Ask about a step that isn’t clear while the process is still in front of you.

That exchange is central to Herbalism 101: an experienced teacher helping you make sense of what you’re seeing.

Meet Your Instructor: John Finch

More Than 40 Years of Herbal Teaching Experience

John Finch received his formal training with Rosemary Gladstar, the world renowned folkloric herbalist who instilled in him a connection with the spirit of plants and the natural world.

He has spent more than four decades teaching people how to work with herbs and make herbal preparations for themselves, their friends, and their families.

He brings that experience into a welcoming classroom where beginners can ask questions, observe demonstrations, and develop their understanding.

At Self-Heal School, herbal education is rooted in working with plants—and sharing that knowledge in ways students can understand and use.

What’s Included

• Six live, interactive classes with John Finch

• Fifteen hours of instruction across six weeks

• Demonstrations of herbal preparation methods

• Opportunities to ask questions during class

• Course handouts and booklets, with PDFs for online participation

• Access to class recordings for registered students

Attend in San Diego or Join Us on Zoom

In Person

Join the class at Self-Heal School in San Diego for live instruction, demonstrations, and conversation.

Location: 961 Orma Drive, San Diego, CA 92106

Live Online

Participate through Zoom, watch demonstrations, and ask questions from wherever you’re joining us.

Both options follow the same class schedule: Tuesday evenings, 7:00–9:30 p.m. Pacific Time.

This is a scheduled live course. Class recordings let you revisit lectures and demonstrations or catch up if you miss an evening.

What Students Say

John makes it fun to learn the basics of herbal medicine-making. John rocks!

— Peter M.

The classes here are fun and informative. We meet one night a week and learn stuff our ancestors used to take care of their families… This is important training everyone should take.

— Lanny T.

My mom was suffering from insomnia, and the tincture I learned to make in class has her sleeping and feeling better during the day. I highly recommend this course.

Questions Before You Begin?

Do I need previous herbal training?

No. Herbalism 101 is designed as an introduction. You can begin without previous coursework or experience.

Can I take this course without enrolling in a certificate program?

Yes. Take Herbalism 101 as a stand-alone course or as a starting point for further study at Self-Heal School.

What if I miss a class?

Classes are recorded and made available to registered students so you can review a lesson or catch up.

Are course materials included?

Yes. Tuition includes course handouts and booklets. Online students receive PDF materials.

Will I need to purchase herbs, equipment, or other supplies?

No, all materials are provided.

How will I receive my class information?

After registration, we’ll email your confirmation and the information you need to attend, including Zoom access details for online participation.

A Foundation You Can Keep Building On

Herbalism 101 can be a complete learning experience in its own right—or the beginning of a deeper relationship with herbal study.

Self-Heal’s broader curriculum includes practical and therapeutic applications of herbs and herbal preparations, plant identification, aromatherapy, holistic nutrition, and additional training.

You don’t need to choose your entire path today. Begin with the foundations, then see where your interests take you.

Turn Your Curiosity Into Practice

One evening a week. Six weeks. An experienced teacher and room for your questions.

If you’ve been wanting to move from reading about herbs to understanding how to work with them, we’d love to welcome you to Herbalism 101.

Next course begins: September 29, 2026

Tuesday evenings: 7:00–9:30 p.m. Pacific Time

Attend: In person in San Diego or live online via Zoom

Tuition: $200 for the six-week course – Text “installment plan” to 619-993-0997 to save your spot today for a $40 deposit.