Frequently Asked Questions
About Our Herbal School & Programs
What types of herbal training do you offer?
We offer comprehensive herbal medicine training from foundational knowledge to advanced clinical herbalist certifications. Our structured herbalist programs include Herbal Fundamentals (Levels 1 & 2), a 75-hour Herbalist Training, and a 100-hour Community Herbalist Training, designed for both personal growth and professional development.
Are your HERBAList certifications recognized?
In the United States, there isn't an officially recognized credential equivalent to 'certification' or 'license' for herbalists. However, various schools offer programs leading to titles like Master Herbalist, Certified Herbalist, Family Herbalist, or Community Herbalist. While these titles lack formal state or federal recognition, they serve as valid means to convey your education and experience, indicating a certain level of proficiency.
Our program, which is specifically designed to meet the rigorous educational standards of the American Herbalists Guild (AHG), serves as a comprehensive foundation for further specialization, allowing you to focus on areas such as community herbalism or clinical herbalism. Graduates of our program are well-prepared to register as members of the American Herbalists Guild, obtaining a Registered Herbalist (RH) Membership. This membership serves as a way for herbalists to showcase core knowledge and experience, establishing a meaningful competency standard for themselves, their communities, and other health professionals and institutions.
We acknowledge that herbalists worldwide possess various skills, and registering with the American Herbalists Guild is just one avenue to demonstrate expertise. For those who value peer review as confirmation of their clinical skills, the designation 'Registered Herbalist' signifies a recognized level of expertise and commitment to herbalism.
Our program, which is specifically designed to meet the rigorous educational standards of the American Herbalists Guild (AHG), serves as a comprehensive foundation for further specialization, allowing you to focus on areas such as community herbalism or clinical herbalism. Graduates of our program are well-prepared to register as members of the American Herbalists Guild, obtaining a Registered Herbalist (RH) Membership. This membership serves as a way for herbalists to showcase core knowledge and experience, establishing a meaningful competency standard for themselves, their communities, and other health professionals and institutions.
We acknowledge that herbalists worldwide possess various skills, and registering with the American Herbalists Guild is just one avenue to demonstrate expertise. For those who value peer review as confirmation of their clinical skills, the designation 'Registered Herbalist' signifies a recognized level of expertise and commitment to herbalism.
Do you offer online herbalism classes or in-person programs in Sandy Hook, CT?
Yes, we offer both! You can engage in our in-person herbal programs right here in Sandy Hook, Newtown, CT, for a truly hands-on, experiential learning environment. We also provide dynamic online herbalism classes that are streamed live in real-time with our in-person sessions, offering a connected learning experience even if you're remote.
What are the prerequisites for enrolling in your herbal programs?
Our herbalist programs cater to a range of experience levels. Our foundational courses, including our Level 1 certification, welcome beginners with no prior prerequisites and those with some experience eager to explore herbal medicine. While some advanced herbalist certifications may have specific requirements, detailed information is always listed on each program's enrollment page.
What kind of career paths can I pursue after completing your herbal certifications?
Our herbal certifications prepare you for diverse career paths in the wellness industry. Graduates can work as professional herbalists, wellness consultants, herbal product formulators (leveraging our experience as a state-certified manufacturer), educators, or apply this deep herbal knowledge for personal and family health.
How is the Wise Woman tradition integrated into your herbal education?
Our herbal education is deeply rooted in the Wise Woman tradition, emphasizing nourishment, intuition, and the accessibility of medicine from common, local plants. We honor the Earth's rhythms and traditional preparations, fostering a gentle, whole-person approach to healing and self-trust.
Do you offer corporate herbal workshops and/or partner with other local businesses to give herbal workshops to the community?
Yes, absolutely! We are passionate about sharing the wisdom of plants and providing hands-on herbal education within our community and to businesses.
- Corporate Herbal Workshops: We offer customized corporate herbal workshops designed to enhance employee well-being and introduce the power of natural remedies into the workplace. These engaging sessions can cover topics like stress-reducing herbs, immune-boosting botanicals, herbal tea blending for focus, or creating simple natural self-care products, all tailored to your company's needs.
- Community Herbal Partnerships: We love collaborating with other local businesses in Newtown, CT, and surrounding areas! We frequently partner with local businesses to co-host and lead unique herbal workshops for the community. These events often include hands-on herbal crafting, learning about medicinal plants, seasonal herbalism, and creating your own natural remedies. It's a wonderful way to foster community wellness and connect people with the healing power of herbs.
Our Herbal Shop & Handcrafted Remedies
What makes your handcrafted remedies unique?
Our handcrafted remedies are unique because they're made with intention, care, and a deep understanding of traditional herbalism. All our products are formulated and made in-house by our Master Herbalist, Alyssa Mancini. We're proud to be a state-certified manufacturer, ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety. We formulate small batches using high-quality ingredients, which ensures maximum freshness and potency. Each product is crafted by skilled hands, infusing it with a unique energy and a commitment to your well-being that mass-produced items simply can't replicate.
What is the difference between an herbal tincture, tea, and salve?
These are three popular ways to prepare and use herbs!
- Tinctures are concentrated liquid herbal extracts, typically made by soaking herbs in alcohol (though we also offer non-alcoholic glycerin and/or vinegar-based options). They are potent, absorbed quickly by the body, and have a long shelf life.
- Teas (or infusions/decoctions) are made by steeping dried herbs in hot water for 15 minutes. They are gentle, hydrating, and excellent for daily enjoyment or for specific therapeutic effects.
- Salves are topical preparations where herbs are infused into an oil, then combined with beeswax to create a semi-solid balm. They are used for skin issues, muscle aches, and localized discomfort.
Why don't you sell powdered encapsulated herbs and supplements?
At our shop, we embrace the Wise Woman Tradition of herbalism, which emphasizes nourishment, gentleness, and working in harmony with the body's natural wisdom. For this reason, we primarily offer herbs in their whole, unprocessed forms or as traditional preparations like tinctures, teas, and salves, rather than powdered encapsulated herbs or isolated supplements.
We believe that traditional preparations allow the full spectrum of beneficial compounds within a plant to be utilized by the body, fostering a more holistic and balanced effect. This approach also tends to be safer, with fewer side effects and a reduced likelihood of drug interactions compared to highly concentrated or isolated compounds found in many encapsulated supplements.
As a culture, we sometimes fall into the belief that "stronger" medicine is always "more effective" medicine, but this isn't necessarily true in herbalism. Your body is constantly striving for homeostasis, and often, gentle herbs used consistently over longer periods of time yield profound and sustainable results by supporting the body's inherent ability to heal and find balance. Our philosophy centers on nurturing the body rather than forcing it, leading to amazing and lasting wellness transformations.
We believe that traditional preparations allow the full spectrum of beneficial compounds within a plant to be utilized by the body, fostering a more holistic and balanced effect. This approach also tends to be safer, with fewer side effects and a reduced likelihood of drug interactions compared to highly concentrated or isolated compounds found in many encapsulated supplements.
As a culture, we sometimes fall into the belief that "stronger" medicine is always "more effective" medicine, but this isn't necessarily true in herbalism. Your body is constantly striving for homeostasis, and often, gentle herbs used consistently over longer periods of time yield profound and sustainable results by supporting the body's inherent ability to heal and find balance. Our philosophy centers on nurturing the body rather than forcing it, leading to amazing and lasting wellness transformations.
Are your herbal remedies organic and sustainably sourced?
Absolutely! We are deeply committed to providing the highest quality herbal remedies. We prioritize sourcing organic, ethically wildcrafted, or sustainably grown herbs whenever possible. We build relationships with trusted suppliers who share our values, ensuring that our products are not only effective but also environmentally responsible.
How do you ensure the quality and safety of your handcrafted herbal products?
Quality and safety are paramount in our process. We meticulously source our herbs from reputable suppliers who provide certificates of analysis, ensuring purity and potency. Our remedies are crafted in a clean, dedicated workspace following strict hygiene protocols. We create all products in small batches to maintain freshness and control quality from start to finish, reflecting our commitment to safe and effective natural wellness.
What are your most popular handcrafted remedies for?
Some of our most popular handcrafted remedies address common wellness needs:
- For Stress & Anxiety: Our Stress and Anxiety Tea Blend and Tincture are customer favorites, featuring calming herbs like lemon balm and skullcap to promote a sense of calm and ease.
- For Sleep: Our Sleep Support Tea Blend and Tincture are highly sought after for promoting restful sleep, crafted with soothing ingredients like California poppy and passionflower.
- For Aches, Arthritis & Inflammation: Our Achey Bones, Arthritis, and Inflammation Tea Blends and Tinctures offer natural relief, formulated with powerful anti-inflammatory herbs such as turmeric, devil's claw, and ginger.
- For Immunity, Colds & Flu: Our Immunity Chai and Cold and Flu Tea Blend and Tincture are popular choices for boosting the body's natural defenses, packed with immune-supportive herbs like elderberry and mullein.
Do you offer custom herbal blends or personalized remedies?
Yes, we do! We believe in personalized wellness and offer several ways to support your unique needs.
- In our brick-and-mortar store, we offer custom tea blends made on the spot that can support 1-2 specific health concerns. We also create custom tinctures, salves, and oils for a more tailored approach.
- For a more comprehensive and personalized approach, we offer personalized herbal protocols. These involve an in-depth consultation with our experienced herbalist to create a tailored plan that addresses 3-5 of your primary health concerns with the most appropriate and effective herbal support.
How can I find your herbal shop near me?
Looking for a local herbal shop? Our handcrafted remedies and herbal wellness products are available right here in Newtown, Connecticut! You can find our physical store at 111 Church Hill Rd. Sandy Hook, CT 06482 (Entrance is in the rear of the building- look for our green door). Come visit us to explore our unique selection of natural health solutions in person. If you don't live close by, don't worry! We also ship our handcrafted remedies and herbal products to the continental U.S., so you can enjoy our offerings no matter where you are.
Herbal Medicine Usage + Storage
Do herbal remedies work?
Yes, many people find herbal remedies to be highly effective for a wide range of health concerns. Herbalism has a long and rich history across cultures, with thousands of years of traditional use. Herbs work synergistically with the body's natural healing processes to promote balance and well-being. Herbal remedies, in particular, tend to be extremely effective for supporting women's health throughout all life stages, addressing concerns from menstrual cycle balance to menopausal symptoms. While individual results can vary, we encourage you to learn more about specific herbs and consult with our herbalist to determine the best approach for your individual needs.
What is the recommended dosage for your herbal remedies?
The recommended dosage for our herbal remedies varies depending on the specific product, the form of the herb, and individual needs. However, here are some general guidelines:
- For Teas: Use 1 teaspoon of dried herbs per cup of boiling water, brewed for 15 minutes. This can be enjoyed once a day and up to three times a day.
- For Tinctures: The typical dosage is one full squeeze of the tincture bulb (approximately 30 drops) once a day and up to three times a day.
- For Oils and Salves: These are applied topically as needed, usually daily, to the affected area.
How long does it take to see results from using herbal remedies?
The natural healing timeline for herbal remedy effectiveness can vary greatly from person to person and depends on the specific herb, the condition being addressed, and individual body chemistry. Unlike some conventional medicines, herbs often work gently and synergistically with your body to promote balance over time.
While some people may notice shifts immediately, in general, people often start to see changes occurring after one month of daily use. We like to think of it as building a relationship with our herbs – the more consistently you use them every day, the more they show up for you, fostering deeper, more foundational changes for lasting well-being. Consistency is truly key, and we encourage patience as your body integrates the herbal support.
While some people may notice shifts immediately, in general, people often start to see changes occurring after one month of daily use. We like to think of it as building a relationship with our herbs – the more consistently you use them every day, the more they show up for you, fostering deeper, more foundational changes for lasting well-being. Consistency is truly key, and we encourage patience as your body integrates the herbal support.
How do I properly store my herbal tinctures and dried herbs?
Proper herbal remedy storage is key to maintaining their potency and extending their shelf life.
- Herbal Tinctures: To ensure you're storing herbal tinctures correctly, keep them in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat.
- Dried Herbs: For preserving herbs in their dried form, store them in airtight containers, away from light, heat, and moisture. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids are excellent for this.
How can I learn more about specific herbs and their benefits?
We love helping our community learn more about natural wellness! To explore herbal benefits and expand your herbal education, we offer several resources. You can browse our website's blog for articles on various plants. Additionally, our Master Herbalist is available for consultations where you can learn about herbs tailored to your specific health interests and needs. We also host workshops and educational events, as well as our 6-week Herbal Fundamentals series, at our Newtown shop.
Online + Ordering
Do you ship your handcrafted remedies nationwide?
Yes, absolutely! Even if you're not in Newtown, you can still experience the benefits of our handcrafted remedies. We proudly ship our herbal products nationwide, so you can buy herbal remedies online directly from our online herbal shop and have them delivered right to your door, anywhere in the United States.
What is your return policy for herbal products?
Your satisfaction with our natural remedies is very important to us. Due to the nature of our handcrafted herbal products and for reasons of health and safety, we do not accept returns. However, if there is an issue with your order or if a product arrives damaged, please contact us within 7 days of receipt. We're committed to ensuring a positive experience and will work with you to find a satisfactory solution.
What if I don't see an herbal product I'm looking for on your website?
Don't worry if you can't find exactly what you're searching for! We're happy to help. Please contact us with your request. We love creating personalized solutions and are often able to custom blend a product specifically for your needs.
Do you offer gift certificates for your products and services?
Yes, we do! A gift certificate from our Newtown, CT herbal shop makes a wonderful present for anyone interested in natural health, holistic wellness, or our handcrafted remedies. They can be used for any of our products, consultations, or classes, offering a thoughtful way to share the gift of well-being with loved ones.
Yoga & Mindful Movement Classes
What styles of yoga do you offer for beginners in Newtown, CT?
We offer a truly welcoming and accessible environment for all levels, especially beginners, right here in Newtown, CT. Our hatha yoga classes are designed to be very gentle, focusing deeply on mindful movement, conscious breathing, and profound relaxation, with an emphasis on regulating the central nervous system. We also infuse our classes with somatic movement, helping you build a deeper connection to your body's sensations and inner wisdom. We are the perfect local yoga studio for those starting their yoga journey or looking for a nurturing and restorative practice.
Do I need to bring my own mat or props for class?
No, you don't need to bring a thing! We want to make your experience as convenient and comfortable as possible. We provide mats, blocks, bolsters, straps, and blankets free of charge for all our classes. These are included in the price of your class, so you can simply show up and enjoy your practice.
Why should we come to your yoga studio when there are many other yoga studios near me in newtown, ct?
While there are many yoga studios near me, we believe our studio offers a truly unique and enriching experience that fosters deep connection and well-being. We intentionally keep our class sizes small (maximum of 8 students), allowing for personalized attention and a truly tight-knit community atmosphere. Each class begins and ends with a sound bath component, designed to enhance relaxation and prepare you for a deeper practice. During the final Savasana, we guide you through a community meditation, further strengthening our collective energy. To complete your holistic experience, we serve handcrafted, house-made herbal tea at the end of every class, included in your class price, allowing you to relax and integrate your practice in a nurturing environment.
Is your yoga suitable for all ages and fitness levels?
Absolutely! Our yoga classes are designed to be truly accessible yoga for everyone. We welcome children ages 7 and up when accompanied by a parent. While we cater to all fitness levels, participants should be able to comfortably get up and down from the ground. We offer gentle Hatha yoga and incorporate somatic movement, making our classes ideal for yoga for beginners, senior yoga, and anyone looking for a supportive and non-intimidating environment. Our experienced instructor provide clear modifications and variations for every pose, ensuring that you can practice safely and comfortably at your own pace. We encourage listening to your body, making our studio truly welcoming for all levels of yoga practitioners
How can mindful movement reduce stress and anxiety?
Mindful movement is a powerful tool for stress reduction and anxiety relief. By integrating breath with gentle movement, practices like yoga help to calm the nervous system, quiet the mind, and increase self-awareness. This focus on the present moment shifts your body out of a "fight or flight" response, promoting relaxation and emotional balance. Many find it to be a profound form of meditation in motion, fostering overall mental wellness.
Do you offer private yoga classes or sessions for groups and businesses?
Yes, we do! For those seeking a more personalized experience, we offer private yoga classes tailored to your individual needs and goals. We also provide private small group classes, perfect for friends, families, or specific communities who wish to practice together in a more intimate setting. Additionally, we bring the benefits of mindfulness and movement to the workplace through our corporate yoga programs, designed to enhance employee well-being, reduce stress, and boost productivity. Contact us to learn more about scheduling your private or corporate session.
Reiki Sessions & Training
What is a Reiki session and what are its potential benefits?
A Reiki session is a gentle, non-invasive form of energy healing that promotes relaxation and well-being. During a session, a certified Reiki practitioner places their hands just above your body, channeling universal life force energy. Many individuals experience deep relaxation, stress relief, improved mood, and a sense of balance. The benefits of Reiki often include reduced anxiety, enhanced sleep, and support for the body's natural healing processes, contributing to overall holistic well-being.
What can I expect during an in-person Reiki session at your Newtown, CT studio?
When you book an in-person Reiki session at our studio in Newtown, CT, you can expect a serene and comfortable environment. You'll lie fully clothed on a massage table while our Reiki practitioner gently places their hands in various positions on or above your body. The session typically lasts 30 or 60 minutes, and clients often report feeling warmth, tingling, deep relaxation, or a peaceful meditative state. It's a wonderful opportunity for deep rest and energy balancing right here in your local area.
What are the different levels of Reiki certification you provide?
We offer Reiki training through various levels of Reiki certification. Our programs typically include:
- Reiki Level 1: Focuses on self-healing and introductory practices, providing your first Reiki attunement.
- Reiki Level 2: Expands your practice to include healing others, distance healing, and advanced techniques.
- Reiki Master (Level 3/Master-Teacher): The highest level, preparing you to teach Reiki to others and deepen your personal mastery of the energy. Each level builds upon the previous, offering a comprehensive path to becoming a skilled and confident Reiki practitioner. Learn more here.
What can I expect during Reiki certification training?
When you enroll in our Reiki certification training, you can expect a comprehensive and immersive learning experience designed to empower you as a healer. Our Reiki certification courses are conveniently scheduled on Saturdays from 12 PM - 5 PM, making it accessible for many schedules. In this intensive one-day certification course, you will receive personalized instruction and learn a truly hands-on approach to channeling and applying Reiki energy. We'll cover foundational principles, techniques for self-healing, and practical methods for applying Reiki to a wide variety of circumstances, preparing you to confidently share this powerful healing modality.
Why should I choose your Reiki certification program in Newtown, CT?
Choosing our Reiki certification program in Newtown, CT, means becoming part of a supportive and thriving Reiki community near you. Beyond receiving comprehensive Reiki training, our students are actively invited to deepen their skills and connect with peers at our monthly Reiki share, offered completely free of charge. This provides invaluable ongoing practice and mentorship. Furthermore, when you graduate from our Reiki Level 3 certification program, you are welcome to utilize our dedicated Reiki healing room to see your own clients, providing a professional and supportive space to launch or grow your practice right here in Newtown. We truly invest in our graduates' success and continued development.
Holistic Herbal Consultations & Personalized Wellness
What is a holistic herbal consultation and how can it support my well-being?
A holistic herbal consultation is a personalized session with our experienced Master Herbalist designed to explore your health concerns comprehensively, looking beyond symptoms to address root causes. It's an opportunity to receive natural health advice and develop a personalized herbal plan tailored specifically to your unique body and lifestyle. Our goal is to empower you with plant-based strategies for sustainable wellness consultation, promoting balance and vitality for your overall well-being.
What can I expect during an herbal consultation with your Master Herbalist in Newtown, CT?
During an herbalist consultation at our location in Newtown, CT, you can expect a compassionate and in-depth discussion about your health history, current concerns, diet, lifestyle, and goals. To ensure we make the most of our time together, you'll receive an intake form a week before your appointment. Please set aside about 20 minutes to mindfully fill it out; this helps us prepare and allows us to truly listen to your needs. Based on this thorough assessment, our Master Herbalist, Alyssa Mancini, will create a customized personalized herbal plan, which may include recommendations for specific herbal remedies (teas, tinctures, salves), dietary suggestions, and lifestyle adjustments, providing you with practical steps towards natural health.
Do you offer online herbal consultations for those not in the Newtown, CT area?
Yes, we do! While we love seeing clients in person at our Newtown, CT herbalist studio, we understand that not everyone lives locally. To make our services accessible, we offer online herbal consultations via secure video conferencing. This allows you to receive expert remote herbalist guidance and a personalized wellness plan from the comfort of your home, ensuring that quality virtual wellness consultation is available wherever you are in the country. Contact us to set up an appointment.
Free Monthly Full Moon Circle: Plant Talk, Sound Bath, & Guided Meditation
Do I need to bring anything to the Full Moon Circle in Newtown, CT?
You don't need to bring anything specific to our Free Monthly Full Moon Circle! We provide everything you might need to fully experience the plant talk, sound bath, and guided meditation. Just bring yourself and an open heart. We do ask that patron take their shoes off in the yoga area so if your feet tend to get cold wear socks ;) This event is a wonderful opportunity for community wellness and holistic healing right here in Newtown, CT. We welcome all to join us for this unique spiritual gathering and mindful experience.
