Herbal Apprenticeship Program

"Everyone has a doctor in him or her, we just have to help it in its work. Our food should be our medicine. Our medicine should be our food.”
Hippocrates

Herbs and medicinal plants are steeped in rich tradition and history throughout the world. Plants are our food and medicine - many are high in nutritional and pharmacological properties. Our very survival depends on the plant kingdom for oxygen, dietary requirements, and healing properties. Herbs encourage and activate the body’s own healing mechanisms. The practice of herbalism empowers us with a sense of sustainability, self-reliance and confidence.

Candice standing in a bed of volunteer dill. (They don't call it dill-WEED for nothing!)

Candice Chaffee, Master Herbalist, will offer a 42-hour intensive program spanning three (3) consecutive weekends in May and June, 2007:

Saturdays and Sundays:
May 19-20
May 26-27
June 2-3

This comprehensive course offers classroom as well as experiential learning in the gardens. Participants will receive a certificate of completion on the last day of the program. It will be helpful to have some knowledge about anatomy as a prerequisite for the course.

Topics include:
*herbal types and properties
*formulary and blending
*how herbs cleanse, nourish, regulate and energize body systems
* how to make a wide range of internal and external preparations
*herbal therapies and when to use them
*growing, harvesting and cooking with herbs
*medicinal properties of culinary herbs
*aromatherapy-the use of concentrated essential oils

Click here to read a Kankakee Journal article on Candice and this program.

The cost for the 42-hour course is $1300. This includes course instruction, materials and healthy meals using organic and local ingredients whenever possible. This course will be held at the Greenhouse Bed and Breakfast (www.greenhousebed.com) 2 miles from Stelle.

Echinacea - an example of a common flower with medicinal properties.

The only additional course expense (if you are coming a distance) is lodging. Lodging is available at the Greenhouse Bed and Breakfast (please call 815/253-9020 for reservations.) Limited lodging is also available in Stelle locations and residents’ homes. Overnight guests will have use of the Stelle community swimming pool, hot tub and steam room, and access to the community gardens, pond and orchard. Enjoy the stunning sunsets and experience “living in community.” Camping space is also available.

Overnight stays will cost $150 - $250 for the three combined weekends, depending upon accommodations (minimal costs if camping). If reservations are needed, please let us know so we can help you plan your stay.

A $100 deposit is required to reserve your space. Please mail your registration form with deposit or payment-in-full (check or money order). The balance is due by May 1, 2007.

Please send to:

Candice Chaffee
c/o Center for Sustainable Community
123 Crescent Lane
Stelle/Cabery, Illinois 60919

Enrollment is limited to 15 participants, so don’t delay your registration!

For more information, email us or call (815/256-2230).

Sponsored by Center for Sustainable Community

CANDICE CHAFFEE, MH, CNHP
Candice is certified as a Master Herbalist and Natural Health Professional. She has studied and practiced holistic health for 25 years, enabling her to bring a wealth of experience and wisdom. She defected from the corporate world 16 years ago to pursue her lifelong passion for natural healing. Candice now divides her time between teaching, public speaking, conducting live blood cell analysis and natural health consulting.

Candice moved to Stelle two years ago from Richmond, VA. She is actively involved with her community and has served as a Board member and volunteer for the Center for Sustainable Community.

Candice has been featured and interviewed in a variety of publications. She has guest-lectured at numerous conferences as well as the Medical College of Virginia, School of Pharmacy/Virginia Commonwealth University and Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.