The Herbalist's Journey | Hybrid O‘ahu Apprenticeship
Learn the foundations and explore the various paths of working with medicinal plants to approach the vast field of herbalism with clarity. This is hybrid online and in-person course on O‘ahu, designed for those fairly early on in their herbalist journey.
We will discuss common herbs through both an eastern lens of flavors & temperatures, as well as the western lens of actions & constituents, integrating the two for a cohesive theory. Our framework is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, with a focus on applying the theory to locally accessible & bioregional botanicals. The academic aspects of the course can be completed virtually in segments, and will include diagnostic theory, herbal safety, and formula building.
We will also cover plant identification, harvesting & processing fresh herbs, and making various types of herbal preparations including infusions & decoctions, tinctures, infused oils, salves & balms, hydrosols & natural perfumes through interactive sessions at our private Honolulu apothecary in Mānoa and at various locations on the island of O‘ahu (including farms & clinics).
The Herbalist's Journey is currently in development, with plans to launch in 2027. If you're interested, please fill out the survey below to help us tailor the offering to potential students!
Each session consists of 2 separate class days that are 2-3 hours in duration.
Session 1:
• Preparing infusions & decoctions
• Herbal flavors & energetics
Session 2:
• Plant identification
• Herb hike with local foraging expert
Session 3:
• Farm tour with local herb grower
• Harvesting & processing fresh plants
Session 4:
• Crafting tinctures & infused oils
• Introduction to Hawaiian medicine with la‘au lapa‘au practitioner
Session 5:
• Making herbal salves & balms
• Natural soapmaking with local soapmaker
Session 6:
• Hydrosol distillation with experienced distiller
• Essential oils & botanical perfumery
Session 7:
• Herbal formula building
• Clinic tour with TCM herbalist & acupuncturist
Session 8:
• Student project presentations & potluck
The Herbalist's Journey will be led by Deanna Rose Ahigian, L.Ac & Dipl.Om, founder of Indigo Elixirs and licensed clinical herbalist. Deanna has spent the past 15+ years immersed in the study of botanical formulation, advanced herbal medicine, and holistic wellness. She holds a Masters of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and is passionate about weaving together modern phytochemistry and ancestral wisdom.