The Sylvan School of Botanical Medicine promotes plant-based medicine through classes and workshops designed for herbal enthusiasts of all levels of experience and training.

The Sylvan School of Botanical Medicine strives to facilitate the expression of herbal medicine in homes and clinical settings alike. Our classes are geared toward plant lovers, gardeners, parents, community-based herbalists, acupuncturists, and other medical professionals.

We provide in-depth information about medicinal plants and their therapeutic applications, reflecting both traditional and scientific perspectives. We connect students to herbs through hands-on learning about the cultivation of medicinal plants from around the world and the respectful exploration of native West Coast plants. Students learn how to formulate and prepare effective herbal remedies using time-honored methods. We also emphasize the role of food as medicine, and teach about the incorporation of herbs and spices in dietary therapy. The diverse training and background of our teachers provides a bridge between Western and Chinese systems of herbal medicine.

The Sylvan School of Botanical Medicine is a continuing education provider for California licensed acupuncturists (CEP#538). At this point we do not offer a comprehensive training program in clinical herbalism.

"Sylvan"

A sylvan is a mythical forest creature; the term also refers to the language used by forest creatures. “Sylvania” and “selva” both mean “forest.” We see the forest as a complex ecosystem that is home not only to trees, but also to medicinal plants, animals, insects, fungi, bacteria, and people. We aspire to bring this holistic ecological perspective to the study and practice of herbal medicine. 

We dedicate the Sylvan School of Botanical Medicine to our son Sylvan, born September 19, 2008. He provides endless joy and inspiration to our work as herbalists, teachers, and healers.