Core College

Fundamentals of Herbal Medicine

One-Day Course 

Discover the art of using plants to treat common health conditions

Course Overview

This course, called the Fundamentals of Herbal Medicine is a welcoming and accessible introduction to the world of healing plants. This engaging one-day course is designed for anyone curious about how herbs can be used to support everyday health and common ailments in a gentle, natural way.

Throughout the day, you will learn how herbal medicine works, how different herbs are selected for specific needs, and how they are carefully prepared into remedies. We will explore a range of traditional preparations, including teas, tinctures, syrups and creams, and look at how practitioners combine herbs into balanced formulas for both internal and external use. By the end of the day, you will have a clear understanding of the foundations of herbal practice and feel more confident about the role of herbs in supporting wellbeing.

 

Choose your Date!

9:30 am – 5:00 pm

€140 per person, inclusive

Book — Saturday 20 June 2026

Book — Saturday 5 September 2026

Course Highlights

 

You will gain a clear and practical understanding of how herbs are used in everyday herbal medicine. We begin with the foundations, what herbal medicine is, how it has been used traditionally, and how herbs support the body in a gentle and holistic way.

You will learn how raw plant material is transformed into effective remedies. Demonstrations will include preparing simple infusions and decoctions, as well as an introduction to tinctures, oils, salves and ointments. We will explore how herbs are combined to create balanced formulas for both internal and external use.

Throughout the day, we will look at a selection of well-known medicinal herbs and discuss how they are commonly used to support everyday health concerns. There will be time for questions and discussion.

We will also have a guided tour of the herb gardens and the demonstrations will take place in Core College herbal dispensary, where you will see how herbal preparations are made and stored in a professional setting. 

Core College offers courses in medicinal herbalism ranging from one to four years in duration for those who wish to continue their studies.

  

Suitable For

This course is open to beginners and anyone with an interest in natural health. Whether you are simply curious about herbal medicine, considering further study, or looking for practical knowledge you can use at home, you will find the day welcoming, informative and accessible. No previous experience is required, just an interest in learning about the healing potential of plants.

 

Learning Highlights

By the end of the course, you will understand the basic principles of how herbal medicine works and how different forms of preparation influence the way herbs act in the body. You will know the difference between teas, tinctures and topical preparations, and when each might be appropriate.

You will leave with a clearer understanding of how herbal formulas are created, greater confidence in discussing common medicinal herbs, and a strong foundation for further exploration in herbal studies.

Teachers

Iain Tolhurst

Nikita Purcell

Nikita is a Master Herbalist, tutor and practising clinician at Core College. She contributes to the development and delivery of the College’s herbal medicine programmes and also teaches on the Reflexology course.

 

Leonardo Piervitali

Helen Begadon

Director of Core College for over 25 years, Helen is dedicated to preserving Ireland’s tradition of medicinal herbalism and to providing excellence in the education of professional herbalists.

Course Fee

Course fees are €140, inclusive.

Your place is secured as soon as payment is received. Questions before you book? Call us on +353 56 444 0254 or email [email protected].

 

Reserve Your Seat

Small group — limited to 15 participants per session.

JUNE
20
Saturday
2026
9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Book Now
SEPTEMBER
5
Saturday
2026
9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Book Now
 

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