Wild Edible and Medicinal Mushroom Class

A new class at the Herbal Bear School! -

Wild Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms

Date & Time:
Saturday, October 3, 2009;
10am - 5:45pm

Location:
The Herbal Bear House
11 Old Ferris Farm Road,
Grand Gorge NY 12434

Cost: $175.00 (includes lunch)
Register Here

Learn the skills needed to utilize wild edible and medicinal mushrooms! Spend an exciting day at the Herbal Bear Catskill Cabin with our instructor Bob Beyfus, learning about wild mushrooms and their many uses.
The course provides an introduction to wild mushroom identification. Emphasis is on basic identification skills of wild mushrooms, including edible mushrooms, medicinal mushrooms and their poisonous look-alikes. Students will learn how to use a key to identify mushrooms and the terminology used to distinguish common mushrooms and relatives. Basic fungal biology and ecology will be discussed.
The class covers mushroom foraging fundamentals, including:
· Where to look for different species: habitat preferences
· When to harvest different species: seasonal growth patterns
· Non-edible look-alikes and poisonous mushrooms to avoid
· Mushroom cultivation
· Storing and preserving wild mushrooms
· A review of useful resources: books and websites on mushrooms
The course begins with a slide show presentation that explains how to identify a wide variety of mushrooms found in the Northeast. The course continues with a mushroom foraging hike. The afternoon is spent practicing identification skills with the mushrooms gathered on the foraging hike, learning mushroom cultivation techniques, and ends with a presentation on the use of medicinal mushrooms. Hand-outs are provided with resources for further learning.



Each Student must have:
A copy of the Audubon Field Guide to mushrooms.
A hand magnifying glass.
Hiking shoes suitable for walking in the woods.
Rain gear - in case on inclement weather.
You may bring your own copy of or purchase one at the time of registration for this class. Your purchased copy will be given to you at the class.



Each student will receive a mushroom kit that they can take home and grow their very own mushrooms. Tuition includes lunch. Supper is served after the class lecture and is available to students for an additional $20.00.





Lodging is not included. If you wish to stay in the area – we can recommend several local motels or inns.



Register Here
The registration fee will include a non-refundable $35.00 fee that can not be applied to any other class. No refunds will be made for missed classes or cancellations that are made less than two weeks before the class begins. We will not make refunds or offer make-up sessions for classes missed by the student.
NOTE: All students must be pre-enrolled and paid in order to attend the classes.We will not accept walk ins.

Learn about Medicinal Plants!

The Herbal Bear 2009 Botanical Medicine Program 
We are currently accepting applications for the 2009 Botanical Medicine Program.
The 2009 Botanical Medicine Program offers a 6-weekend program, June through October, for those who desire an in-depth herbal program. The program is held one weekend a month (twice in October). This course is very special. It offers students the opportunity to learn about herbs by placing the classroom right in the garden! The program is at the Herbal Bear, Grand Gorge, NY location - a beautiful private 30 acre property in the Northern Catskills - just 2 hours and 45 minutes from NYC.

Each weekend we learn about the plants that grow around us, studying their healing properties upon different body systems, gathering and harvesting the local medicinal plants which grow on the property, and developing a systematic approach to herbal formulations. By the end of the program you will be able to identify and know how to use well over 100 different herbs. Our classes are informal and relaxed - however we take pride in the fact that our instructors are among the top in their fields and include experienced herbalists, research scientists, and authors who have published in their field of botanical expertise.
Our small class size allows accessibility to our instructors both during lessons and after class.

Our instructor's enthusiasm for their topics shows in their willingness to share both their time and knowledge with students - in class and one-on-one.
No one enjoys a boring classroom lecture - this is why we have designed this program to be an interactive and hands-on experience. Learning about herbal remedies takes on a whole new dimension when you have a chance to see, smell, touch and use the plants that grow right in the Northern Catskills.

The 2009 Botanical Medicine will be the 17th year our program has been running. Each year I have the pleasure to meet wonderful people who come to learn about plants and botanical medicine. The program is a unique experience, bringing together professional instruction in an informal setting which provides a relaxing environment in which to learn.

The Botanical Medicine program offers course material that is often offered in college level classes. An applicant should have a minimum of a high school diploma and be comfortable with scientific topics.

Please see our web page for the full course description.

Ursula Basch

Director and Principal Instructor

http://www.herbalbear.com/

The Herbal Bear School of Botanical Medicine
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Over the course of the program, you will learn: 

• Spring Herb Identification
• Spring Herb Identification Herbal Terms and Resources
• Wild Food Gathering
• Herbs for the Digestive System
• Making Herbal Teas
• Plant Meditation
• Herbal Harvesting, Drying and Storage
• Herbal Vinegars
• Making Herbal Tinctures Medicinal Herbal Oils
• Herbs for the Nervous System
• Making a Herbal First Aid Kit
• Herbs for Women’s Health
• Herbs for The Circulatory System
• Making Herbal Salves
• Understanding Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Herbal Energetics and Diagnostic Techniques
• Developing Herbal Formulations
• Making Herbal Cosmetics, Body Creams and Herbal Bath Salts
• Herbal Case Studies
• Herbs for the Immune System
• Sacred Herbs and Ceremonial
• Uses Medicinal and Edible Mushrooms Field Identification of Mushrooms
• Mushroom Propagation
• Harvesting Autumn Roots and Barks
• Herbs for Colds and Flu
• Making Herbal Brandies and Elixirs and Syrups
• Exploring Healing Modalities (i.e. Reiki, Reflexology)
• Planting a Herb Garden

As a participant you will learn the gentle cycles and rhythms of the plants as they develop and change through the seasons. Together with the plants, we will discover our own rhythms and connection to the Mother Earth. The Botanical Medicine Program meets at Herbal Bear Cabin in the Northern Catskills. Located on 30+ acres of woods and field, Herbal Bear Catskill location is a beautiful place to learn. The land is home to deer, bear, turkeys and an incredible assortment of wild edible and medicinal plants. We have a pond suitable for swimming, planted herb gardens, a water lily gardens and many paths to explore through the woods.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Program Dates

The 2009 Botanical Medicine Program meets for all of the following dates:

• Saturday, June 13th – Sunday June 14th, 2009
• Saturday July 11th – Sunday July 12th, 2009
• Saturday August 8th – Sunday August 9th, 2009
• Saturday September 12th – Sunday Sept 13th, 2009
• Saturday Oct 3th – Sunday October 4th, 2009
• Saturday October 24th – Sunday October 25th, 2009

We strongly encourage you to arrange your schedule to be able to attend all the scheduled weekends.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Location

Grand Gorge, NY 
Click HERE for Public Transportation from NYC 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Our Instructors

• Ursula Basch
• Susan Pell, Ph.D.
• Bob Beyfuss
• Kelly Martin
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meals are Included

Delicious vegetarian meals are included in the Program.

We use organic produce and local products as much as possible.
We serve 5 meals per weekend - starting with breakfast on Saturday morning. Our meals are vegetarian and may include dairy and eggs. If you are strictly vegan or have religious limitation for your diet - you may have to bring some food to supplement what is served. We do not serve soy or rice milk. All meals are served buffet style. We ask that you assist in clean-up after each meal.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Daily Schedule

Saturday:

8:00am - 9:00am - Breakfast

9:30am - 12:30pm - Class

12:30pm - 1:45pm - Lunch

1:45pm - 4:30pm - Class

4:30pm - 4:45pm - Break

4:45pm - 6:30pm - Class

6:30pm - 7:30pm - Dinner

Sunday:

8:00am - 8:45am - Breakfast

9:00am - 12:15pm - Class

12:15pm - 1:00pm - Lunch

1:15pm - 2:45pm - Class

Our Early Registration has been extended to April 30th
Program Cost: Early registration cost: $2650
Registration after April 30, 2009, cost: $2850.00 (required at once)

Registration:

Register online

Refund Policies: We will make no refunds after April 30th, 2009. We will not make refunds or offer make-up sessions for any classes missed by the student.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lodging:

The program costs do not include lodging. Each student is responsible for their own lodging arrangements. Please click click here for infomation about local motels and inns in the area - as well as lodging offered at the Herbal Bear. We are offering lodging information to assist you in finding accommodations. If you need further assistance, please feel free tocontact us.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Recommended Reading: There are a few books that I recommend that each student purchase.

National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Wildflowers : Eastern Region

Complete Guide to Medicinal Herbs by Penelope Ody

The Herbal Handbook : A User's Guide to Medical Herbalism by David Hoffman

Stinging Nettle - A spring medicinal plant.

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)

By Ursula Basch
Herbal Bear School of Botanical Medicine

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb. In medieval Europe, it was used as a diuretic and to treat joint pain.
Stinging nettle gets its name from the fine hairs on the leaves and stems which contain irritating chemicals that are released when the plant comes in contact with the skin. The stinging action of nettle has been used as a counter-irritant and can actually decrease the pain of arthritic joints. Scientists think nettle does this by interfering with the way the body transmits pain signals. The stinging action of the plant is eliminated if dried, cooked or brewed as a tea.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
In Europe, stinging nettle root is used to treat BPH, or enlargement of the prostate. An enlarged prostate gland presses on the urethra (the tube that empties urine from the bladder) causing symptoms such as: reduced urinary flow, incomplete emptying of the bladder, post urination dripping, and the constant urge to urinate. Studies suggest that stinging nettle, in combination with other herbs (especially saw palmetto), may be effective at relieving BPH symptoms. Laboratory studies have shown stinging nettle to be comparable to finasteride (a medication commonly prescribed for BPH) in slowing the growth of certain prostate cells. However, the herb does not decrease prostate size. It is important to work with a doctor to treat BPH, and to make sure you have a proper diagnosis to rule out prostate cancer.1
Hay Fever
Stinging Nettles also been used for relieving the symptoms of hay fever. People use nettles to reduce the sneezing, itchy and watery eyes associated with plant based allergies. People with allergies are best advised to start drinking nettle tea at the beginning of the allergy season.2
Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar
Nettles has also been used traditionally for it hypotensive and diuretic effects. Studies suggest that Nettles may lower blood sugar and blood pressure, however, these studies were conducted on animals and have not been proved for humans. 3

1 Efficacy and safety of a combination of Sabal and Urtica extract in lower urinary tract symptoms--long-term follow-up of a placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicenter trial.
2 Nettle extract (Urtica dioica) affects key receptors and enzymes associated with allergic rhinitis.
3 Maintaining a physiological blood glucose level with 'glucolevel', a combination of four anti-diabetes plants used in the traditional arab herbal medicine.
The protective activity of Urtica dioica leaves on blood glucose concentration and beta-cells in streptozotocin-diabetic rats.

Other Studies:
Koch E. Extracts from fruits of saw palmetto (Sabal serrulata) and roots of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica): viable alternatives in the medical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and associated lower urinary tracts symptoms. Planta Med. 2001;67(6):489-500.
Konrad L, Muller HH, Lenz C, Laubinger H, Aumuller G, Lichius JJ. Antiproliferative effect on human prostate cancer cells by a stinging nettle root (Urtica dioica) extract. Planta Med. 2000;66(1):44-7.
Krzeski T, Kazon M, Borkowski A, Witeska A, Kuczera J. Combined extracts of Urtica dioica and Pygeum africanum in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: double-blind comparison of two doses. Clin Ther. 1993;15:1011–1020.

New Classes from the Herbal Bear

The Herbal Bear offers classes in Herbal Studies


Classes are offered in NYC and the Catskills
Visit our webiste for full information - http://www.herbalbear.com/

Here are our Spring Classes

• Herbal Soap Making - Saturday, April 25, 2009 NYC
• An Introduction to Herbal Medicine - Saturday, April 25, 2009 NYC
• Introduction to Soap Making - Saturday, May 2, 2009 Grand Gorge, NY
• Medicinal Plant Preparations Workshop - Saturday, May 9, 2009 Grand Gorge, NY
• An Introduction to Herbal Medicine - Saturday, May 16, 2009 Grand Gorge, NY
• The 2009 Botanical Medicine Program - 6 weekends - June through October Click on any of the above courses to see a full description. For our full schedule - click here

Starting Herbs from Seeds

By Ursula Basch

Herbal Bear School of Botanical Medicine

Starting herbs from seeds is easy, fun and can allow you to grow medicinal plants you might not ordinarily find in your local plant nursery. To grow plants from seed, all you need are a few simple items: a sterile growing material, a few containers, plastic wrap or plastic covers to maintain moisture, light, seeds and a warm place to grow your seedlings.

Plastic pots or containers which retain moisture are preferable to clay pots when starting seeds. Choose a container wide enough to prevent overcrowding of seedlings. Plants that dislike transplanting are best sown into small, individual containers like cell packs or plug trays. There is no need to buy fancy containers. Recycled plastic containers, like empty food containers, are just fine. Remember to poke holes in the bottom for drainage. No matter what type of container you use, it must be clean and free of disease and molds. To sanitize a container, soak in 10%bleach solution for 10 minutes, rinse and let it air dry.

Sowing Seeds

Commercial seed-starting mixes are usually composed of vermiculite and peat. They offer a weed-free sterile medium in which to start your seeds. Fill your containers three quarters full with the seed-starting mix. Water well and allow for proper drainage. Next, spread your seeds thinly over the top of the growing mix. Follow seed package directions for the correct spacing and planting depth. Very small seeds and seeds that require light to germinate should lie directly on the surface. Each seed must be in firm contact with the moist surface to begin germinating. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to gently tamp down the seed into the growing mix.. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of fine vermiculite. Vermiculite can be found in garden supply stores. It is a soilless material which allows light to penetrate yet keeps the growing medium moist enough to encourage seed germination. If your seeds require darkness for germination, place the growing tray in dark plastic bags until seeds sprout. Water your seeds with a spray mister, to prevent them from being flooded or washed out of place. Cover with a clear plastic to retain moisture, making sure the cover is at least 1-2 inches above the plants.

Warmth

Most seeds germinate more quickly in warmer soil than cool soil. A sunny window may be warm during the day, but grow cold at night. If you set your seed flats on "grow mats" you can maintain an even bottom heat of 70ºF. Setting your seed trays on top of a refrigerator will also provide enough warmth to speed germination. Once seeds sprout, move the trays to a bright growing area.

Light

If you're starting only a few plants and have roomy window sills, a south-facing window may be all the growing space you need. But it's often easier to grow seedlings under lights where you can insure the proper amount of light needed. Grow lights are designed to provide light in the specific ranges required by plants, but you may also use standard fluorescent shop lights. Keep lights no more than 4" above the tops of your seedlings as they grow; lack of light is the major cause of elongated, skinny stems. Most plants need 12-16 hours of light daily. Using a timer may help you regulate the amount of light used. Don't leave lights on continuously. Plants need some dark period each night to develop properly.

Fertilizing

Seedlings draw energy for germination from food stored in the seed. They don't need fertilizer until they have several sets of true leaves. Seedlings grown in a soil-less mix need a weak fertilizer such as fish emulsion fertilizer mixed 1/4 strength. Fertilize only once a week. Water as needed the rest of the week with plain water. Drain excess water that accumulates in the tray, to prevent root rot.

Transplanting

Transplant seedlings that outgrow the cell packs into larger containers. Larger peat pots or clean plastic pots with holes in their bottoms are excellent. Lift seedlings by a leaf and support the rootball from below with a spoon when transplanting. Don't pull or hold the seedling by its stem, as you damage the new plant.

Moving Outdoors

A week or two before planting outdoors, start hardening off seedlings. An easy way to harden plants off is to place them in a coldframe and adjust the lid of the coldframe every few days. If you don't have a coldframe, find a sheltered spot where you can put the trays of plants. Once hardened off, seedlings can be set out in the garden. Transplant you seeds in late afternoon or early evening, when the sun has passed its peak. Starting seeds isn't difficult. You will be rewarded with young starter plants that will flower or produce earlier in the garden.

Easy to Grow Herbs

Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia or Purpurea)
Perennial. Sow seeds in very early spring or fall. Prefers full sun, with well drained, limey soil and regular watering. Used for its immune enhancing properties.

Elecampane (Inula helenium)
Perennial. Sow seed in early spring or sow directly in garden in mid-spring. Light-dependent germinator. Grows in full sun or partial shade. Cough and lung remedy, bitter and antiseptic. Elecampane is used for bronchial infections.

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)
Perennial. Seed is easy to germinate. Prefers full sun. This mildly anti-viral and expectorant herb used to treat the common cold. May be propagated by seeds, sown in early spring, or by dividing the plants in spring and autumn. Thrives in normal garden soil and minimal water. Established plants can easily be divided and replanted. Plant 1.5 feet apart.

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)
Perennial. Start in flats indoors, transplant out in spring or late summer. Harvest in early flower, at least twice a season. Used as a emmenagogue and a cardiac tonic.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Perennial. Seed is easy to germinate, and will grow prolifically. Prefers full sun to part shade. Thrives best in a fairly warm, preferably moist climate, and in deep soils rich in humus. Mature plants can be easily divided and transplanted to 1 1/2 ft. apart. Used as a carminative to aid in digestion.

Here are our Spring Classes
Herbal Soap Making - Saturday, April 25, 2009 NYC
An Introduction to Herbal Medicine - Saturday, April 25, 2009 NYC
Introduction to Soap Making - Saturday, May 2, 2009 Grand Gorge, NY
Medicinal Plant Preparations Workshop - Saturday, May 9, 2009 Grand Gorge, NY
An Introduction to Herbal Medicine - Saturday, May 16, 2009 Grand Gorge, NY
The 2009 Botanical Medicine Program - 6 weekends - June through October
Click on any of the above courses to see a full description.
For our full schedule - click here

The Herbal Bear 2009 Botanical Medicine Program
We are currently accepting applications for the 2009 Botanical Medicine Program.
The 2009 Botanical Medicine Program offers a 6-weekend program, June through October, for those who desire an in-depth herbal program. The program is held one weekend a month (twice in October). This course is very special. It offers students the opportunity to learn about herbs by placing the classroom right in the garden! The program is at the Herbal Bear, Grand Gorge, NY location - a beautiful private 30 acre property in the Northern Catskills - just 2 hours and 45 minutes from NYC.

Each weekend we learn about the plants that grow around us, studying their healing properties upon different body systems, gathering and harvesting the local medicinal plants which grow on the property, and developing a systematic approach to herbal formulations. By the end of the program you will be able to identify and know how to use well over 100 different herbs. Our classes are informal and relaxed - however we take pride in the fact that our instructors are among the top in their fields and include experienced herbalists, research scientists, and authors who have published in their field of botanical expertise.
Our small class size allows accessibility to our instructors both during lessons and after class.

Our instructor's enthusiasm for their topics shows in their willingness to share both their time and knowledge with students - in class and one-on-one.
No one enjoys a boring classroom lecture - this is why we have designed this program to be an interactive and hands-on experience. Learning about herbal remedies takes on a whole new dimension when you have a chance to see, smell, touch and use the plants that grow right in the Northern Catskills.

The 2009 Botanical Medicine will be the 17th year our program has been running. Each year I have the pleasure to meet wonderful people who come to learn about plants and botanical medicine. The program is a unique experience, bringing together professional instruction in an informal setting which provides a relaxing environment in which to learn.

The Botanical Medicine program offers course material that is often offered in college level classes. An applicant should have a minimum of a high school diploma and be comfortable with scientific topics.

Please see our web page for the full course description.

Ursula Basch

Director and Principal Instructor

http://www.herbalbear.com/

The Herbal Bear School of Botanical Medicine
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Over the course of the program, you will learn:

• Spring Herb Identification
• Spring Herb Identification Herbal Terms and Resources
• Wild Food Gathering
• Herbs for the Digestive System
• Making Herbal Teas
• Plant Meditation
• Herbal Harvesting, Drying and Storage
• Herbal Vinegars
• Making Herbal Tinctures Medicinal Herbal Oils
• Herbs for the Nervous System
• Making a Herbal First Aid Kit
• Herbs for Women’s Health
• Herbs for The Circulatory System
• Making Herbal Salves
• Understanding Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Herbal Energetics and Diagnostic Techniques
• Developing Herbal Formulations
• Making Herbal Cosmetics, Body Creams and Herbal Bath Salts
• Herbal Case Studies
• Herbs for the Immune System
• Sacred Herbs and Ceremonial
• Uses Medicinal and Edible Mushrooms Field Identification of Mushrooms
• Mushroom Propagation
• Harvesting Autumn Roots and Barks
• Herbs for Colds and Flu
• Making Herbal Brandies and Elixirs and Syrups
• Exploring Healing Modalities (i.e. Reiki, Reflexology)
• Planting a Herb Garden

As a participant you will learn the gentle cycles and rhythms of the plants as they develop and change through the seasons. Together with the plants, we will discover our own rhythms and connection to the Mother Earth. The Botanical Medicine Program meets at Herbal Bear Cabin in the Northern Catskills. Located on 30+ acres of woods and field, Herbal Bear Catskill location is a beautiful place to learn. The land is home to deer, bear, turkeys and an incredible assortment of wild edible and medicinal plants. We have a pond suitable for swimming, planted herb gardens, a water lily gardens and many paths to explore through the woods.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Program Dates

The 2009 Botanical Medicine Program meets for all of the following dates:

• Saturday, June 13th – Sunday June 14th, 2009
• Saturday July 11th – Sunday July 12th, 2009
• Saturday August 8th – Sunday August 9th, 2009
• Saturday September 12th – Sunday Sept 13th, 2009
• Saturday Oct 3th – Sunday October 4th, 2009
• Saturday October 24th – Sunday October 25th, 2009

We strongly encourage you to arrange your schedule to be able to attend all the scheduled weekends.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Location

Grand Gorge, NY
Click HERE for Public Transportation from NYC
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Our Instructors

• Ursula Basch
• Susan Pell, Ph.D.
• Bob Beyfuss
• Kelly Martin
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meals are Included

Delicious vegetarian meals are included in the Program.

We use organic produce and local products as much as possible.
We serve 5 meals per weekend - starting with breakfast on Saturday morning. Our meals are vegetarian and may include dairy and eggs. If you are strictly vegan or have religious limitation for your diet - you may have to bring some food to supplement what is served. We do not serve soy or rice milk. All meals are served buffet style. We ask that you assist in clean-up after each meal.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Daily Schedule

Saturday:

8:00am - 9:00am - Breakfast

9:30am - 12:30pm - Class

12:30pm - 1:45pm - Lunch

1:45pm - 4:30pm - Class

4:30pm - 4:45pm - Break

4:45pm - 6:30pm - Class

6:30pm - 7:30pm - Dinner

Sunday:

8:00am - 8:45am - Breakfast

9:00am - 12:15pm - Class

12:15pm - 1:00pm - Lunch

1:15pm - 2:45pm - Class

Our Early Registration has been extended to April 30th
Program Cost: Early registration cost: $2650
Registration after April 30, 2009, cost: $2850.00 (required at once)

Registration:

Register online

Refund Policies: We will make no refunds after April 30th, 2009. We will not make refunds or offer make-up sessions for any classes missed by the student.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lodging:

The program costs do not include lodging. Each student is responsible for their own lodging arrangements. Please click click here for infomation about local motels and inns in the area - as well as lodging offered at the Herbal Bear. We are offering lodging information to assist you in finding accommodations. If you need further assistance, please feel free to contact us.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Recommended Reading: There are a few books that I recommend that each student purchase.

National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Wildflowers : Eastern Region

Complete Guide to Medicinal Herbs by Penelope Ody

The Herbal Handbook : A User's Guide to Medical Herbalism by David Hoffman