Herbal Medicine Making
0 modules · 0 lessons
HerbWoman™ Herbal Medicine Making
A complete, practical training in the craft of preparing herbal medicines — designed to build real competence in method selection, extraction logic, quality control habits, and consistent, repeatable results.
Pace
Guided, method-by-method
You learn each preparation clearly, then practice until your results become consistent.
Focus
Extraction logic + craft
Solvents, ratios, time, temperature, plant parts, and how choices affect outcomes.
Outcome
A reliable home apothecary
A documented set of preparations you can reproduce safely and refine over time.
Best for: students who want to actually make herbal medicines well — not just read about them.
Important scope note: This is education in preparation methods and responsible herbal craft. Students learn safety awareness, realistic boundaries, and documentation habits. This does not replace medical care.
This course is actively maintained and updated. Enrolled students automatically benefit from improvements as the school evolves.
Course identity
Herbal Medicine Making is the “craft core” of HerbWoman™. You learn how to choose the right method for the right plant and purpose — and how to produce consistent preparations with clear labels, notes, and quality habits.
What this course is
This is a hands-on, practical training in herbal preparation methods. You will build competence in making and evaluating common preparations, understanding extraction trade-offs, and developing disciplined apothecary routines. The goal is repeatable quality and responsible use — not random experiments.
Who it is for
- Beginners who want a real, practical apothecary skill set.
- Herbal students who want clear methods, not vague instructions.
- Homesteaders who want reliable preparations for a home apothecary.
- Wellness professionals who want disciplined preparation and documentation habits.
- Formulation students who want strong extraction and plant-prep foundations.
Who it is not for
- Anyone looking for miracle claims or irresponsible shortcuts.
- Students who want “inspiration only” without making, testing, and documenting.
- People who want to skip safety, labels, and method precision.
Entry expectations
- No prior herbal education required.
- Willingness to measure, record, and practice method consistency.
- A responsible mindset: safety awareness, boundaries, and honesty in claims.
Competency promise
By completing the course, the student can:
- Choose an appropriate preparation method based on plant part, goal, and constraints.
- Make consistent infusions and decoctions with correct handling and storage habits.
- Prepare tinctures and extracts with clear ratio logic and documentation.
- Create simple topical preparations with clean process habits and reproducible results.
- Label, store, and track versions using professional apothecary discipline.
Course learning outcomes
Outcomes are stable even when lesson content evolves.
Hot water preparations outcomes
- Make infusions and decoctions with method clarity and repeatability.
- Understand time, temperature, and plant part choices that shape extraction.
- Build consistent daily practice habits and realistic expectations.
Tincture and extract outcomes
- Choose solvent strategy: alcohol, glycerin, vinegar, oils, and combinations where relevant.
- Work with ratios, maceration logic, and filtration methods.
- Document extraction decisions and adjust methods with intention.
Topical preparation outcomes
- Make infused oils, salves, balms, and compress-style preparations responsibly.
- Understand stability basics: oxidation awareness, cleanliness, and storage strategy.
- Build repeatable methods and document changes between batches.
Quality and documentation outcomes
- Label properly and keep clean batch notes for every preparation.
- Develop a consistent workflow: tools, sanitation habits, and storage systems.
- Evaluate your preparations with simple sensory and observation checkpoints.
Curriculum map (stable spine)
This map is the stable “spine” of the course. You can refine lesson titles and add better material without changing the academic integrity.
Foundations layer
- Apothecary setup, tools, and clean workflow habits
- Plant parts and how they influence method choice
- Basic extraction logic: solvent, time, temperature, and ratio thinking
Hot water layer
- Infusions and decoctions with consistency
- When to use which method, and why
- Storage, shelf awareness, and realistic use windows
Extracts layer
- Tinctures and alcohol-based extracts
- Glycerites and vinegar preparations (where relevant)
- Filtration, pressing, and clarity habits
- Labels, ratios, and version tracking
Topicals layer
- Infused oils and extraction choices for topical use
- Salves, balms, and basic stability awareness
- Compresses, rinses, and preparation selection by goal
- Quality control habits: cleanliness, storage, and reproducibility
Learning design
Demonstration-led craft
You see the method clearly, then repeat it with discipline — so your results improve through skill, not luck.
Repeatable outcomes
The course trains consistency: ratios, time, temperature, and notes that make your preparations reliable.
Apothecary discipline
Labels, storage strategy, cleanliness, and change logs — the habits that turn “making” into professional craft.
Assessment approach
Competence is proven through real builds, clean documentation, and consistent results.
Formative assessments
- Preparation logs: method, ratio, time, notes, and observations.
- Short checks to confirm extraction logic and safety awareness.
- Method comparison tasks: why this method fits this plant and goal.
- Clean labeling and storage routines reviewed for clarity.
Summative assessments
- A small apothecary set with documented, reproducible preparations.
- Method rationale notes demonstrating correct selection and boundaries.
- A final reflection showing improvement through iteration and documentation.
Capstone project
Herbal Medicine Making Portfolio
A strong capstone can include:
- One hot water preparation set (infusion and decoction) with notes and handling plan.
- One tincture or extract with ratio logic, timeline, and filtration notes.
- One topical preparation based on infused oil work, with consistent process notes.
- Clear labels and batch logs suitable for future repeatability.
- A reflection on what you would adjust and why, based on outcomes.
Portfolio signal: This capstone becomes proof of real craft competence — not just theory.
Update policy
Living curriculum, stable outcomes: Lesson titles, sequencing, and resources may evolve as the course improves. The curriculum spine and learning outcomes remain stable so students always know what they are building toward.
