The Herbal Apothecary: Making Tinctures, Salves, and Teas from Your Garden

Discover the simple joy of the botanical harvest.

For generations, gardeners have looked to their backyard plots not just for food, but for the traditional plants used in home-brewed teas, soothing salves, and botanical extracts. Join Mark Gostkiewicz of Tri Gable Lea Farm for a practical, down-to-earth introduction to the craft of the home apothecary. This class is about the simplicity and ease of growing your own herbs and processing them into useful, high-quality products for your home.

In this workshop, Mark shares the step-by-step techniques for "closing the loop" on your garden harvest. You’ll learn how to grow versatile plants, safely forage for local mushrooms, and master the basic methods of preservation and extraction—all with a focus on tradition, safety, and the satisfaction of a handmade lifestyle.

What will I learn in the Workshop?

• The Apothecary Garden: A common-sense guide to the most versatile and easy-to-grow herbs for the Northeast, from fragrant mints to bright calendula.

• Simple Extractions: Master the basic "folk method" for creating botanical extracts and alcohol-free glycerites using garden-fresh ingredients.

• The Dual-Extraction Method: A technical look at processing mushrooms. Mark will demonstrate the traditional water-and-alcohol extraction used to get the most out of foraged or home-grown fungi like Reishi or Lion's Mane.

• The Art of the Tea Blend: Learn how to properly dehydrate and store your herbs to create flavorful, aromatic tea blends that capture the essence of summer all year long.

• Traditional Salves: How to infuse oils with garden botanicals to create simple, soothing balms and topical salves for your own home use.

• Resources for the Journey: A guide to the best books, safety considerations, and reputable organizations for those who want to dive deeper into the study of plants and fungi.

Whether you are a gardener looking for new ways to use your herbs or a curious enthusiast wanting to learn traditional processing skills, this class offers a clear, streamlined path to getting started.

Disclaimer: This class is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Mark Gostkiewicz is a farmer and educator, not a medical professional. The information provided is based on traditional uses of plants and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified physician or healthcare provider before using herbal products, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition.