Using Herbs for Natural Healing
One-day Conference
A practical introduction to growing medicinal herbs organically, at the Core College campus in Castlecomer
A practical introduction to growing medicinal herbs at the Core College campus in Castlecomer. Spend a day in the herb gardens learning how to cultivate, care for, and harvest the plants used in herbal medicine.
Available Dates
Saturday, 12 September 2026
Duration
10.00 am – 5.00 pm
Hours
Avalon House Hotel Castlecomer, County Kilkenny, Ireland
Cost
€150 per person.
A day in the medicinal herb garden
Join five experienced medical herbalists for an inspiring day exploring how medicinal herbs and plant-based living can support health and wellbeing. Whether you are new to herbal medicine, looking after your family's health, or already working in the field, you'll leave with practical knowledge, fresh ideas and a deeper understanding of the healing power of plants.
What the day covers
Herbs for Bone Health
Nikita Purcell
Discover how medicinal herbs, nutrition and exercise can help maintain healthy bones throughout life. Learn how the body metabolises calcium, why bone flexibility is just as important as bone density, and practical ways to support skeletal health naturally
Thyroid Health with Herbal Medicine
Rachel Kelly
Gain a deeper understanding of how medicinal herbs can nourish the thyroid and support healthy hormonal function. Rachel explores practical herbal approaches to supporting the thyroid, including the herbs traditionally used to help maintain healthy energy levels and metabolism.
Healing Stress with Medicinal Herbs
Helen Begadon
Explore the medicinal herbs traditionally used for anxiety, poor sleep, nervous exhaustion, chronic stress and mental fatigue. Learn why different patterns of stress call for different herbal approaches.
Living Plant-Based Food for Healing
Donna Weir
Discover how medicinal herbs, nutrition and exercise can help maintain healthy bones throughout life. Learn how the body metabolises calcium, why bone flexibility is just as important as bone density, and practical ways to support skeletal health naturally
Women's Reproductive Health with Medicinal Herbs
Jackie Keane
An introduction to herbal medicine for women's health across different stages of life. Topics include menstrual wellbeing, hormonal balance and traditional herbal support for reproductive health.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need any background in gardening or herbal medicine to attend?
1
No. The day is designed for beginners and anyone with a general interest in growing medicinal herbs. No previous knowledge is required.
What does the day actually involve?
2
A mix of teaching, hands-on garden work, and demonstrations, with a guided tour of the Core College medicinal herb gardens and the herbal dispensary.
What should I bring?
3
Comfortable clothes and footwear suitable for outdoor garden work. 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.
Will I be able to start growing medicinal herbs at home after the day?
4
Yes. You will leave with a clear understanding of how to prepare the ground, choose suitable plants, propagate, and care for medicinal herbs through the seasons. The day is designed to give you confidence to start.
Next steps ❋
Conferece fee
Choose your ticket below and complete your secure online payment to reserve your place.