Curious to hear what our herbalism training is like from one of our intensive herbalism course students in her own words? Toni joined the journey for year one of our intensive herbalism course - Awaken Herbal Wisdom - in 2024. Along the journey, she embraced ancient knowledge and made connections with a community of fellow budding herbalists. Read on to hear more of her experience.
What inspired you to want to undertake your herbalism training?
I have always been interested in the older ways of healing. Having a phobia of medicine, I've always looked towards alternatives to support when ill. It led me to wanting to understand how they work and how I can apply it in everyday life.
Why did you choose to enrol in the herbalism training we offer?
Meghan’s herbalism training felt like a community, sharing wisdom that should be shared with everyone in a more traditional way, a lot of other courses felt very rigid and intimidating. Meghan’s course felt like stepping Into ancient knowledge in a way which is comforting and not overwhelming.
What did you most enjoy about your journey on our herbalism course?
The thing I enjoy the most is community building and sharing of information. Making connections with people who care about the same things.
What most surprised you about your herbalism training?
How much we know instinctively and how a lot of the learning is learning to trust ourselves.
How has taking our intensive herbalism course impacted your life?
It's allowed me to be able to assess my health and the health of those I love and be able to support them with illnesses.
What's the one word you would use to describe how you feel having completed one year of Awaken Herbal Wisdom?
Awakening
If you could share one piece of advice to someone considering joining Awaken Herbal Wisdom, what would you tell them?
To go in with an open mind and open to listening to your intuition.
What's the next step for you on your herbal journey?
I am continuing with Meghan to complete all three years to support the first year of learning.
Meghan’s reflections on Toni's journey
Toni’s journey is a wonderful example of how herbalism training goes beyond learning which herb for which ailment. Each step of the way, she’s tapped into her intuition to resurface the ancient knowledge that’s been deep within her waiting to be brought to the forefront of her mind again. She’s also called on her other interests and trainings to contribute fresh perspectives to our cohort conversations, which have been enlightening for all of us. Although I’m guiding the group in developing their knowledge and skills regarding their herbalism training, I love it when we all get to learn something new from each other. Sharing knowledge is how we all grow - both as a community and as individuals - and that’s just what Toni’s found in her first year. I’m thrilled she’s planning to join us for all three years of our herbalism training and cannot wait to see how her journey continues to unfold!
If you’re feeling inspired by Toni's experience on our intensive herbal medicine course, you’re very welcome to take the next step on your journey learning herbal medicine with us. The course - Awaken Herbal Wisdom - spans all four seasons and gets herbalism both deep into your bones and your daily life. Registration for our herbal medicine course opens each autumn to the waiting list first, so click here to make sure your name is on it. You’ll receive updates on the current year’s cohort as they go on their own journeys and then first access when enrolment opens. For more details about the structure, content and energy of our intensive herbalist course, you can learn more here.
Whatever your next step is in uncovering the importance of herbal medicine to you, I hope you enjoy the journey!
At Rhodes Roots & Remedies School of Herbal Medicine, our practice of herbalism is rooted in the belief that we must remember, reclaim and relearn our knowledge of our bodies, our autonomy and how to work with plant medicine in order to bring control of our own health back into our families and homes for a sustainable future for ourselves and the planet. Through our intensive herbalism course, we facilitate the development of confident, empowered herbalists, attuned to the messages of their bodies and the natural world. Living the deep wisdom of herbal medicine within themselves, their homes and their communities, they uplift themselves and others, creating a stronger society organically. We do hope you'll join us on your journey!
