Fundamentals of Herbal Medicine
One-day workshop
A practical introduction to herbal medicine, at the Core College campus in Castlecomer
A practical introduction to how plants are used in herbal medicine. Spend a day at the Core College campus in Castlecomer learning how herbs are selected, prepared, and combined into remedies, with a guided tour of the herb gardens and dispensary.
Available Dates
Saturday, 20th June 2026
Saturday, 5 September 2026
Duration
One day
Hours
9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Investment
€140 per person, inclusive
A day with the plants that have been used as medicine for centuries
The Fundamentals of Herbal Medicine is a one-day workshop at the Core College campus in Castlecomer. It is a practical introduction to how plants are used in herbal medicine, designed for anyone who wants to understand the tradition properly, whether you are thinking about studying further, using herbs more confidently at home, or simply curious about how it all works.
You will spend the day with herbalists who teach and practise clinically. You will see how raw plant material becomes a remedy, how herbs are selected and combined into formulas, and how a working herbal dispensary operates. The day includes a guided tour of the Core College herb gardens.
No previous knowledge of herbal medicine is needed.
What the day covers
A short introduction to what herbal medicine is and how it has been used traditionally. We will look at how plants act in the body, how different herbs are matched to different needs, and how the principles of herbal practice are applied.
You will see how teas, tinctures, oils, salves, and ointments are made, and how practitioners build balanced formulas for both internal and external use. We will work through a selection of well-known medicinal herbs and discuss how they are commonly used.
The day includes a guided tour of the Core College herb gardens and a demonstration in the herbal dispensary, where you will see how herbal preparations are made and stored in a clinical setting.
The principles of herbal medicine and how herbs act in the body
How herbs are selected for specific needs
How teas, tinctures, oils, salves, and ointments are prepared
How herbs are combined into balanced formulas
A selection of well-known medicinal herbs and their traditional uses
The difference between internal and topical preparations
A guided tour of the Core College herb gardens
A demonstration in the Core College dispensary
Who is this for?
The workshop is open to everyone. Beginners, home gardeners, people considering further study, and anyone with an interest in natural health are all welcome. You do not need any background in herbal medicine. The day is designed to be practical, informative, and useful from the first hour to the last.
Taught by working herbalists
A one-day workshop is only as good as the people running it. The Fundamentals day is led by herbalists who teach on our longer programmes and see patients at the Core College training clinic. You will be learning from current practice, not theory.
Helen Begadon
Founder and director of Core College. Helen has led the college for over 25 years and is dedicated to preserving Ireland's tradition of medicinal herbalism and to the training of professional herbalists.
Nikita Purcell
Master Herbalist, tutor, and practising clinician at Core College. Nikita contributes to the development and delivery of the college's herbal medicine programmes and also teaches on the reflexology course.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need any background in herbal medicine to attend?
1
No. The day is designed for beginners and anyone with a general interest. No previous knowledge is required.
What does the day actually involve?
2
A mix of teaching, demonstration, and discussion, with a guided tour of the herb gardens and time in the herbal dispensary. You will see how preparations are made and how herbs are combined into formulas. It is a working day in a working setting, not a lecture.
What should I bring?
3
A notebook and a pen are useful. Herbal teas are provided throughout the day. There is a break at lunchtime, and there are places nearby in Castlecomer where students can have lunch.
You will leave with a clear understanding of how teas, tinctures, and topical preparations are made, and which herbs are commonly used for which purposes. If you want to train as a practitioner, our longer programmes are the route into clinical practice.
Will I be able to make herbal remedies at home after the day?
4
Next steps ❋
A welcoming one-day introduction to healing plants, designed for anyone curious about natural health. The day explores how herbs are chosen for specific needs, and how they are prepared into teas, tinctures, oils, salves, and ointments. You will also learn how herbs are combined into balanced formulas, leaving with a clear grounding in the basics of herbal practice. Saturday 20 June 2026, 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, Core College, Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny.
A welcoming one-day introduction to healing plants, designed for anyone curious about natural health. The day explores how herbs are chosen for specific needs, and how they are prepared into teas, tinctures, oils, salves, and ointments. You will also learn how herbs are combined into balanced formulas, leaving with a clear grounding in the basics of herbal practice. Saturday 5 September 2026, 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, Core College, Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny.