Old Orchard Beach/Saco Adult and Community Education

Experience Food as Medicine

Study the guidelines and explore techniques for gathering wild plants for use in food and herbal preparations. Get an introduction to local foraging and some benefits of wild plants. Discuss foraging ethics, sustainability, safety, how to prepare for foraging journeys, plus tips and techniques for harvesting. Class two will focus on foraging herbs for wellness by walking a local nature preserve trail, identifying herbs, and applying what we have learned. Briefly cover preserving and extracting wild herbs with preparations such as tinctures and salves, including sample recipes for each plant discussed. Come away equipped with the knowledge to start your foraging journey, engaging with wild plants in a safe and sustainable way for nutrition, wellness, and enjoyment. 

Intro to Blending Herbs for Health is a great to take as a foundational class for this course but not required.

Wear appropriate outer gear for our foraging walk.

As of 3/9/2022: 3-foot distancing required, masks optional.

Paula Kersch, trained herbalist, and owner of Botanically Curious offers boutique herbal experiences and products. She can be found formulating herbal blends and tending to her gardens, admires sustainable foraging and wildcrafts through modern and ancient herbal practices. Her focus on herbal actions and energetics allows her to bring the best in holistic health and wellness.