My First Week of Herbal School 

My first week at the American College of Healthcare Sciences is officially complete, and I already feel like I’m beginning to look at herbs, essential oils, and everyday wellness a little differently.

I’m studying Integrative Health Sciences with a focus in Herbal Medicine, and this semester I’m taking classes that include both herbal medicine and aromatherapy. Going into the program, I knew I was interested in herbs and natural wellness, but I’m realizing very quickly how much there is to learn beyond simply knowing that one herb is “good for” one thing.

Learning to Experience an Herb

One of my first herbal medicine exercises involved preparing rosebud and rose petal tea.

The exercise wasn’t just about making tea. It was about slowing down enough to actually observe the herb.

The infusion had shades of pink, yellow, and orange with a fragrant, floral, earthy aroma. The flavor was floral and slightly sweet, with a little earthiness and tartness. I also noticed that my mouth felt slightly dry afterward. Which I later found out is because rose has tannins, which cause dry mouth...like a cabernet sauv would (haha).

What stood out most to me while learning about rose was its traditional association with supporting stress and tension. It made the experience feel much more meaningful than simply reading a list of properties in a textbook.

Rethinking Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy surprised me this week too.

Before starting the class, I mostly thought of aromatherapy as healing through the sense of smell, relaxing scents, spa environments, candles, diffusers, and things that create a calming atmosphere.

I’m already learning that there is much more behind it.

For one of my first labs, I created an aromatic spray using lavender, geranium, and Roman chamomile essential oils.

Lavender and Roman chamomile are commonly associated with calming and emotional support, while geranium is also often used in blends centered around emotional balance.

I sprayed the blend around my home office, which is where I do most of my schoolwork. It’s a quiet, organized space where I can focus. Interestingly, instead of simply making me feel sleepy or relaxed, the blend actually made me feel more alert and ready to focus.

That was one of my first reminders that working with aromatic plants is much more nuanced than I originally thought.

Starting My Materia Medica

I’ve also started building my Materia Medica + Formulary, which I have a feeling is going to become one of my favorite parts of school.

A materia medica is essentially a personal collection of information about medicinal plants, their properties, uses, preparations, observations, and other information gathered through study and experience.

Over time, mine will grow alongside everything I’m learning.

There’s something super cool about knowing that the binder sitting on my desk right now is only the beginning.

Only the Beginning

One week in, my office already has jars of herbs, essential oils, notebooks, tea strainers, a mortar and pestle, and an ever-growing pile of notes.

And I love it.

I started this program because I wanted a deeper understanding of herbal medicine and integrative health...not only for myself, but because I’m curious about how this knowledge may eventually influence the direction of Prairie Coast as well.

I don’t know exactly what that will look like yet.

For now, I’m learning, experimenting, taking lots of notes, and letting the path unfold.

Week one down. A whole lot more to learn!