Advanced Apothecary: Single Class Drop-In
✴︎For returning students and experienced herbalists. Only 4 spots per class.

We're starting with just the April and May classes as a trial run to see how this drop-in option works.

We're opening up a few rare single-class drop-in spots for our Advanced Apothecary Program. Normally, this is a full 9-month commitment, but this year we’re offering a rare chance to join us for just one class at a time.

You can now drop in for the dates that speak to you most, whether you're looking to deepen a specific skill, focus on a body system, or just spend a morning immersed in advanced plant work.

This is an opportunity to deepen your herbal practice, refine your formulations, and work with more advanced medicine-making techniques.

Who Can Join?

This offering is designed for those who’ve completed our DIY Herbalism program or an equivalent foundational course elsewhere. If you're confident working with basic herbal preparations like infusions, decoctions, tinctures, oils, salves, syrups, and flower essences, this advanced-level class series is open to you.


New to Us but Not to Herbalism?

Send a quick note to Lauren@areteherbs.com describing your experience and why you’d like to attend. We’ll make sure it’s the right fit for your path.

Each class blends advanced herbal teachings, medicine-making demos, plant-centered discussions, and hands-on experience. You’ll take home a potent project crafted in class and leave with deeper confidence in your formulation skills and knowledge of complex herbal systems.

✹ Choose your class date(s) from the dropdown when adding to cart
✹ All materials included
✹ Space is limited to 4 drop-in spots per class date

What to Expect

✹ Deep dives into complex herbal topics and systems-based formulations
✹ Live demos of advanced medicine-making techniques
✹ Take-home herbal preparation crafted in class
✹ Collaborative learning and time for discussion
✹ A strong foundation in energetics, pharmacology, and herbal strategy

2025 Class Dates and Topics

April 25
Topics: Energetics and tissue states, organoleptics, intro to formulation, digestive system strategies, bitters (demo)
Take-home project: Your own custom bitters blend

May 16
Topics: Hydrosols vs. essential oils, distillation demo, ethical harvesting, formulation for the respiratory system
Take-home project: Hydrosol made in class

June 20
Topics: Double, triple, and fluid extracts, tincturing resins, formulation for pain, inflammation, and the structural system (demo)
Take-home project: Double or triple extract

July 18
Topics: Non-alcoholic medicine-making (vinegars, honeys, glycerites), herbal honey + glycerite demo, pharmacology part 1
Take-home project: Herbal honey or glycerite

August 15
Topics: Suppositories and pessaries (demo), liniments, alcohol intermediary oils, pharmacology part 2
Take-home project: Suppositories

September 12
Topics: Intro to tongue assessment, the endocannabinoid system, cannabis medicine, lymphatic system formulation, pharmacology part 3
Take-home project: Practice formulation for the lymphatic system

October 10
Topics: Cardiovascular system formulation, solids extract demo, adaptogens
Take-home project: Hawthorn solids extract

Details

Location
Areté’s renovated barn studio in Unionville, PA (near Kennett Square).
The exact address is shared after registration since this is a private residence.

Class Time
Fridays from 9 AM to 12 PM

Tuition
$120 per class
Includes all supplies and materials

Spots Available
Only 4 drop-in spots per class date

For more information about our 9 month Advanced Apothecary Program go HERE.

Please note that classes are non-refundable.

About Your Instructor:

April Coburn is a clinical herbalist living and working in southern Chester County, Pennsylvania. She has studied foundational herbalism with Rosemary Gladstar and Susan Hess, and clinical herbalism with Ashley Litecky Elenbaas, Thomas Easley, and Mel Kasting. In addition, April has completed herbal hydrosol and alchemy of menopause courses with Cathy Skipper, and advanced medicine making with Lisa Ganora. April teaches foundational and advanced herbal medicine-making courses and formulates handcrafted herbal medicine for clients through her private apothecary.

Additional Notes:

Please provide your primary email address when registering! This is how we’ll be in communication. All students will receive an email with our address and class details, so keep an eye out!

For more information or questions, contact: Lauren@areteherbs.com

By registering for this class, you consent to possible photo and video use in our marketing and social media content.

*For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the FDA. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.