Terra Sylva exists to meet the growing need for environmentally and socially conscious herbalists able to support their communities as healers, educators, and emissaries of the plants. Our Community Herbalism programs provide training in Western herbal medicine from a holistic and Vitalist perspective. We emphasize the foundational elements of Western herbalism: the flavors of herbs, influences and actions of plants on the body—what we can notice directly with our senses. We employ a traditional Vitalist approach to healing. Vitalism respects the intrinsic wisdom of the human body and seeks to recognize and support the healing force that exists within us all, using herbs, food, and lifestyle changes as fundamental therapies. These time-honored skills and methods are deepened by in-depth lessons in modern botany, plant chemistry, human anatomy and physiology, and the study of disease. At the same time, our program emphasizes immersion in nature and experiential learning. Whether in-person or online, we include practical embodied exercises that train our attention on the plants and on our bodies. We also cover the many techniques for making plant medicine, from the intuitive art of the elixir to quick and effective tincture percolations. We believe that attending to wellness implies recognizing the impact of structural oppression on the health of individuals and communities. Anti-oppressive practice and education is foundational to our school’s curriculum.
Terra Sylva School Of Botanical Medicine
