Hard to believe but summer is almost over, and Innisfree Farm in Royston is busy preparing their lineup of exciting fall classes.
If you've wondered why you haven't heard much from the farm recently, it's because Chanchal Cabrera, internationally recognized medical herbalist and clinical aromatherapist, and Innisfree Farm chef-in-residence Joseph Forest have both been away this summer honing new skills they are delighted to share with the community.
To kick things off, they will be offering a delicious and eclectic array of classes and workshops in September and October.
First up is an evening Herb Walk with Chanchal on Sept. 18 to explore the many medicinal trees at Innisfree Farm. From familiar native species like Pin Cherry and Cottonwood to exotics like Sweet Gum and Black Walnut, the barks, buds and leaves of many trees offer potent medicines. Learn to identify trees and how to use them for healing.
For anyone dealing with cancer in the family, don't miss the Cancer Fighting Kitchen on Friday, Sept. 20 (evening) and Saturday, Sept. 21 (all day). Combining Chanchal's expertise in holistic cancer care with Joseph's deep understanding of healing foods, you will learn to prepare a wide variety of powerful medicines from simple foods and kitchen herbs. With lectures on the process of cancer and using natural medicine for healing, as well as hands-on demonstrations and kitchen practicum, this dynamic weekend will empower you to help yourself and others with easy and delicious cancer-fighting foods.
On Friday, Oct. 4 tempt your tastebuds and keep the vampires at bay with A Garlic Lovers Feast. From mouth-watering appetizers, to sizzling entrees and, yes, even a garlic themed dessert; you'll be boggled by the versatility of this justifiably famous bulb.
If you love the scents of rose, lavender, patchouli and orange blossom you won't want to miss the Introduction to Aromatherapy full-day workshop with Chanchal on Saturday, Oct. 5. Learn about the science and art of this ancient healing practice and how to use essential oils to benefit both mind and body. With numerous recipes, practical tips for safety and of course dozens of delightful oils to revel in, this is a one of a kind sensory experience.
The final Food as Medicine workshop of the season is Eat Well, Age Well on Friday, Oct. 25 (evening) and Saturday, Oct. 26 (all day). With informative lectures on super foods, anti-oxidants and promoting longevity, plus hands-on kitchen demonstrations and tips for building your repertoire of practical cooking skills, this workshop will introduce you to delicious and powerful foods that can help you live longer and healthier. For all ages and all kitchen abilities, this workshop will provide you with abundant recipes, tips, techniques and ideas to take home to use in your own kitchen.
And lastly, just in time for Christmas, is the Christmas Gifts and Scented Treats workshop on Saturday, Dec. 7. In this one-day program you will learn to make seasonal gifts like mulled wine, potpourri, bath salts, aromatherapy spritzers and more. Give them away or keep for yourself – delightful herbal treats for all the family.
For times, costs and more information please visit the website www.chanchalcabrera.com or call 250-336-8767.
— Innisfree Farm