THE HISTORY OF DOMESTIC MEDICINE AND ITS MODERN RELEVANCE Domestic medicine is a term which refers to healing work and self-care that took place in the home.    Historically, physicians were the province of the very wealthy and only called to most homes as a last resort. Self-care and physick work was part of the subsistence work of females dominated healing practices until the late 19th century. Women grew medicinal herbs and used them to care for their family and neighbors,

There are so many interesting and engaging things you can do this summer. Why should you come to Midwest Herb Fest? Well, here's what last year's attendees said in our survey: Midwest Herb Fest has all kinds. We have professional clinical herbalists, hobby herbalists, students, and teachers. Some people come for the community, the atmosphere, the entertainment, or to spend time with family and friends. What do people like best about Midwest Herb Fest?: This was an illumina

LABYRINTH MAKING by the KIDS & TEENS The labyrinth is used as a tool for meditation across many paths. This year's Labyrinth is no exception. To really know this year's labyrinth, we have to look back a couple years. At Herb Fest 8, in 2014, the Labyrinth build team, from kids to adults, 'planted' seeds of stone into cups of water, with the intention of sending our love out to the Community and helping it grow. The pattern of that labyrinth was a classical circuit, represe

HAPPY HERBS In this introduction to Nervines such as Passionflower, Chamomile & Milky Oat, children will learn some simple plant medicine to address some of the most common challenges children face. Kids in the modern world are not immune to stress and overwhelm, and our plant allies have ways to help. Krista Lauren Fenton, M.S., C.H., L.M.T. Krista is a graduate of Maryland University of Integrative Health's (MUIH, Laurel, MD, 2015) Therapeutic Herbalism Master's program as

Children are so very inquisitive about everything, sometimes to the complete distraction of their parents. I can only imagine what it might have been like, to be my parents, as I remember being insistently curious about the name of and reason for every plant in my general area. From tulips, to dandelions, to “that’s just a weed, honey….” I wanted to meet them all.​ My adult gardening adventures really took off when my own children were small. Spending time together planting s

MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS​ The use of mushrooms as medicine has been traced back thousands of years. This workshop will focus on the amazing health benefits and basic identification skills for common medicinal mushrooms. Through lecture and demonstration we will also cover preparing mushrooms for the most potent and effective medicine. Katherine Novotny, RH(AHG) Katherine is a herbal educator/practitioner, an urban homesteader, and an artist. She believes in accessible, and afforda

MEDICINE MAKING Making your own herbal medicines can be a cost effective way to bring herbalism from the theoretical to the practical in your own life. Handmade tinctures give the herbalist control over the ingredients, valuable for those with dietary allergies and intolerances, and the added potency that comes from infusing the energy and knowledge of the herbalist in their own medicine. This series of workshops will take the budding herbalist through the process of making h

Midwest Herb Fest is busy planning for our 11th annual conference, the success of which is credited largely to our sponsors who lend their names and financial support to the event. The support we raise each year goes to increase awareness of the use of herbs and plants in our daily lives. By participating as a sponsor, your organization will benefit from extended exposure through media campaigns and promotional efforts directed toward the supporters and attendees of Midwest H

INFECTIOUS DISEASE AND BOTANICAL INTERVENTIONS: LEARNING FROM THE PAST Before the days of antibiotics, crafting effective herbal remedies to combat infectious disease was a matter of life-and-death. Recent research has confirmed the effectiveness of many of these formulas. This class will help attendees locate and understand historical formulas which can be duplicated modernly and used in clinical practice. We will discuss confusing terminology in archaic documents and stress

HERBAL FIRST AID Alternative medicine can be handy and easy to use even when on the go. In this workshop we will discuss various types and styles of first aid kits as we explore the usefulness of herbal teas and tinctures, homeopathics, and flower essences, as well as standard first aid supplies. Learn everything you need to know to be able to put together a simple yet complete first aid kit for all your family's needs! Teri "Cricket" Owens RN, BSN, MS Ms. Teri "Cricket" Owe