There are two primary ways to view herbal medicine and diet: Energetics and Chemical-Nutrition. Energetics uses three continuums to describe a food or herb’s affect on the body: Hot – Cold, Wet – Dry and Lax – Tense. These continuums form the foundation of many traditional diets and health care systems such as Traditional Chinese… Continue >>>
Category Archives: Miscellaneous
Using Aconitum Medicinally
Aconitum is a part of our local flora and a plant that has long fascinated me. This plant, commonly known as Monkshood, is found in only a few places locally. It requires extra moisture so it prefers riparian habitats. It is a beautiful deep blue flower that strongly resembles the hood of a medieval monk… Continue >>>
Herbal Actions & Categories
Herbs work in very different ways than modern pharmaceutical drugs. This difference is rarely well explained in books and is the source of much confusion for folks who are new to using herbal medicine. This article comes from my desire to explain and provide some clarity in this area. These Herbal Actions & Categories are… Continue >>>
Recent Herb Publications
Here is a list of books that have been published recently and that I have either read and recommend or that I am eager to read because they look great. 1. Adaptogens in Medical Herbalism: Elite Herbs and Natural Compounds for Mastering Stress, Aging, and Chronic Disease by Donald Yance The author, Donald Yance is… Continue >>>
My Herbal Library
Most herbalists I know love books. We spend hours in used bookstores, surfing Amazon and exploring local libraries. There is a tremendous amount of knowledge and insight to be found in the written word. Like so many areas of our lives these days, the vast number of choices of herb books can be overwhelming and… Continue >>>
Sponsoring A Class
Sponsoring an Herb Class People interested in studying herbal medicine may receive free class tuition by sponsoring a course, either in your town or at our school in Flagstaff. Guidelines for the complimentary course are: A minimum of six students pay full price, in advance, by the agreed upon deadline. The host attends the class… Continue >>>
How Much Herb Do I Use?
Plants are alive. They are intelligent beings that respond to, and interact with, their environment. In this way, they are similar to humans. When two forms of intelligence interact, each relationship is unique. Relationships develop and change over time. This is why the amount and frequency of herb usage varies depending on the person, the… Continue >>>
Active or Passive Healthcare?
A key difference between mainstream and herbal medicine is the concept of passive vs. active consumers. Many people I know who choose to use mainstream healthcare pay little to no attention to their diet, lifestyle or stress level. They go through life until they get sick, then go to the doctor with the attitude the… Continue >>>
Using Herbs with Children: Where is the “Line”?
Every parent has a “Line” when using herbs with children. Crossing the Line means that outside help is required, whether it be a professional herbalist, a naturopath or an MD. It is important to acknowledge the Line and to think about where it is. Various factors effect the position of the Line and it is… Continue >>>
Latest Courses
2025 Rocky Mountain Field Study
This trip is an optional field study opportunity for students enrolled in the Family Herbalist Program. Other herbal friends may be joining us. Photos from previous trips can be seen on Facebook here. Students are responsible for food, lodging (camping, Air B&B, hotel) and transportation. The dates for the 2025 program are July 13-17. Day… Continue >>>
2025 Family Herbalist Program
This course is full and registration is closed.Registration opens on September 1, 2025 for the 2026 Family Herbalist Program.Send your contact info to mmasek@theforagerspath.com to be notified when registration opens. Choosing the path of herbal medicine can be a life-changing event. It was for me in 1990 when I made the decision to begin studying… Continue >>>
Educational Resources
A Master Herbalist?
The word Master often gets thrown around in regards to different occupations and skills. Master carpenter, chef, teacher, herbalist, etc. Everyone want this title but few have earned it. It is usually applied more for ego or marketing rather than actual skills and experience. It’s an issue in the herb community where there are no… Continue >>>
Protected: Colorado Herb Trip 2025
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It’s Alterative, NOT Alternative!
This category includes herbs that are well known and frequently used in Western Herbalism. The definition of this category is poorly understood. These herbs are often misused because the energetics are ignored. These herbs are often grouped under the vague terms of Detox or Blood Cleanser. What They Are Herbs that support and open the… Continue >>>
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