Herbs for Health: Healing Physical and Emotional Wounds
The Course
A day about historical attitudes to skincare and healing will lead us to consider factors in how we treat our skin today. We will explore the role of the skin as the body’s largest organ and the ways in which we can support it with both internal and external medication. From diet and hydration to addressing stress, mental and emotional health, recipes will reveal the involvement of circulation, digestion, nerve and immune responses which result in chronic skin disorders. Managing such conditions as eczema and psoriasis in history and today and treating burns and wounds with a recommended herbal first aid kit involve familiar native herbs.
Phototoxic plants and their effects will be contrasted with many soothing and healing plants such as cleansing burdock, figwort, fumitory, dock and goosegrass. Anti-itch herbs, peppermint, liquorice, chickweed and lavender will be included as well as anti-histaminic chamomile. Calendula, Saint John’s wort, cowslip, rose and plantains have a major role.
The Tutor
Christina Stapley BSc (Hons) MCPP is a retired qualified medical herbalist with a degree in Phytotherapy (plant therapy). She has grown, studied and used over 300 herbs and has written three books on cultivating and using herbs in cookery, fragrant recipes, wines and liqueurs, crafts and home remedies. She has also edited and interpreted a 17th century book of cookery and physic recipes.
Christina now lives in Wiltshire and teaches History of Western Herbal Medicine, Pharmacognosy and Materia Medica for the School of Herbal Medicine.
Participant Information
Please bring with you a pen and paper and suitable clothing footwear as you will spend part of the day outside. The course may take place in an historic building which can be cool, it is advisable to wear warm layers.
Fee & Refreshments
£80 per person, including tuition, teas and coffees. Please let the Museum know in advance of any dietary requirements. The Museum café will be open for lunch or alternatively participants can bring their own packed lunch.
Please read our Adult Day Courses terms & conditions.
Book courseCourses at our Museum
Lifelong learning has been at the heart of the Museum’s mission since its founding over 50 years ago. We are dedicated to promoting the preservation of historic buildings and architectural heritage, as well as keeping alive the traditional crafts, trades, and industries of the Weald & Downland region.
We offer a rich programme of day schools, longer courses and evening talks that celebrate Historic Building Conservation, Traditional Rural Trades, and Crafts. Each course is led by experienced practitioners who are passionate about their field and generous in sharing both their knowledge and hands-on skills.
Whether you’re seeking a rewarding new hobby, aiming to develop practical expertise, or considering a career change, our courses provide inspiration and opportunity in equal measure. We invite you to explore our programme, discover what excites you, and join us in keeping these valuable traditions alive.
