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Foundations in Herbalism Certificate Program
South Caribbean of Costa Rica
10 night, 11 Day Immersion
November 4-14, 2024
Join us in the abundant Talamanca region of Costa Rica for our Foundations in Herbalism Certificate Program. Join us in our tiny beach village exploring herbal medicine and local foodways, where the jungle meets the Caribbean Sea!
At Wild Ginger Herbal Center our work centers around relationship, with the plants, the land, and with each other. This program focuses on building a solid foundation in herbalism and the skills learned can be utilized globally. While we will be working practically with the local abundant tropical herbs, what you learn here will translate back to your respective bioregion where you can learn in relationship with those plants more closely. Please note this is not a clinical herbal training program and is not meant to provide enough training to begin doing herbal consultations, however is an excellent foundation to begin your path as an herbalist, whether that leads to work as an herbal clinician, farmer or grower, medicine maker, or practitioner of any kind. There are many many paths or ways to be an herbalist.
In addition to the foundational classes taught by Molly Meehan Brown, founder of Wild Ginger Herbal Center, this experience in an amazing opportunity to truly immerse yourself in the South Caribbean of Costa Rica. Together we will explore plant medicine while surrounded by the infamous natural beauty. Our immersion program focuses on providing a strong foundation in folk food herbal medicine, and includes an engaging balance between field studies to local Black and Indigenous traditional herbalists and farms, classes at our center, and time spent exploring plants with amazing teachers who have dedicated their lives to plant medicine both local from Costa Rica as well as those who have immigrated here. You will stay at our traditional wooden rustic group Caribbean Cabinas, just one block to the Caribbean sea!
The incredible Talamancan Coast of the South Caribbean of Costa Rica is where everything got started for Wild Ginger. We have been facilitating incredible cross cultural and educational programming for many years in this region home to Indigenous communities such as the BriBri, Kekoldi, and Cabecar, as well as Chinese and Afro-Costa Rican communities who came to work building railroads and working on banana plantations. Over the years this area has become increasingly diverse with residents from virtually all over the globe. In additions to the foundational skills classes our programs focus on the local foodways as well as traditional herbalism as it is practiced across the incredible cultures that inhabit Talamanca.
Foundations in Herbalism Classes
- Intro to Folk Herbalism
- Herbal Medicine Making
- Intro to Herbal Tastes
- Intro to Herbal Energetics
- Stewardship - Ethical Wildcrafting & Conservation
- Doctrine of Signatures & Observation
- Flower Essences & Plant Journeys
- Herbal Formulations
Field Studies:
We will go on field trips in the Talamanca area that will focus on local culture, history, animals, plants and natural life.
- Traditional Afro-Costa Rican Herb Walk & Medicine Making
- Jungle Hike in National Reserve with Local Naturalist
- Visit Indigenous Family to learn medicinal and dye plants
- Chocolate Making with BriBri Family
- Hike to the waterfalls
- Traditional Afro-Caribbean Cooking Class
- Traditional BriBri and Indigenous Herbal Medicine class
- Visit Organic Agro-ecological farm on Indigenous Reserve
- Traditional Coconut Oil
- Tropical Flower Essences, Medicine Making and so much more!
Schedule:
Monday November 4
2:30 Meet outside Juan Santamaria San Jose Airport and depart for Wild Ginger Herbal Center
Stop & Eat Dinner Along the Way (bring $ for dinner)
Expected Arrival 9:30 pm
Tuesday
8:30 Group Breakfast
9:30 Welcome & Opening, Town Tour & Orientation
12:00 Group Lunch & Beach Break
1:30 Intro to Folk Herbalism with Molly
4:00 pm Traditional Tamale Making over Wood Fire
Wednesday
8:00 Group Breakfast
8:30 Afro Costa Rican Plant Walk
12:00 Group Lunch
1:00 Herbal Tastes & Herbal Energetics with Molly
5:00 Group Dinner
Thursday
8:30 Group Breakfast
9:30 Herbal Medicine Making Workshop with Molly
12:00 Group Lunch & Break
3:00 Traditional Coconut Oil & Traditional Afro Costa Rican Plant Spirit Herbalism
5:00 Group Dinner
Friday
8:00am Breakfast
9:00 Field Trip Visit BriBri Indigenous Farm
Family Run Ethnobotanical Plant Tour and Chocolate Making with Lunch
5:00 Group Dinner
Saturday
8:30 Group Breakfast
9:15 Leave for Local Farmers Market
Free Day in Puerto Viejo
Group Bus Back to Wild Ginger at 1 pm (optional, can stay and return later on own if preferred).
Sunday
7:00 Group Breakfast
7:30 Jungle Walk with Local Naturalists in Gandoca Manzanillo Reserve
12:30 Group Lunch
2:30 Ethical Wildcrafting & Conservation with Molly
5:00 Group Dinner
Monday
8:30 Group Breakfast
9:30 Doctrine of Signatures, Plant Journeys, and Flower Essences with Molly
12:00 Group Lunch
1:00 Free Afternoon
5:00 Group Dinner
Tuesday
8:30 Group Breakfast
9:00 Field Trip - Agroecological Indigenous Farm and Seed Sanctuary
Group Lunch, Farm Tour, Seed Sanctuary Tour, Class & More
5:00 Group Dinner
Wednesday
8:30 Group Breakfast
9:30 Herbal Formulations and Dosages class with Molly
12:00 Group Lunch
4:00 Cooking Class & Despidida
Thursday November 14
4:00 AM Group Shuttle Leaves to San Jose Airport (estimated arrival at 9:30 am to airport - we cannot gaurantee road conditions or traffic so cannot be held responsible for missed flights. We recommend booking flights no earlier than 12:30pm that day, again the arrival time is not a guarantee due to circumstances out of our control)
We ask that everyone who registers for Wild Ginger Programs please read and agree to our Values and Agreements.
Click Here to Read and Sign!
Waiver Form to print and send signed photo
Registration Details
How to Register
1) Place your deposit above.
2) Send us an email to [email protected] with:
- Your Name
- Your Pronouns if you would like to share
- Your Location
- TWO Contacts phone numbers for you ( can be someone close to you in addition to your own)
- An attached picture of your signed waiver
Program Investment
Includes Transportation To and From San Jose Juan Santamaria Airport to Our Center, 11 nights stay at our rustic herbal center, all meals listed, and all classes included in the event. Price does not include your flight to and from Costa Rica.
Payment Schedule:
EARLYBIRD (ends June 9, 2024 ) General Registration is $1999
FLASH SALE BIPOC & Trans Community Members $1899
Payment 1: $500 Deposit (for everyone)
Payment 2: $449 or $349 Due September 1, 2023 (General $449 or BIPOC & Trans Community Members $349)
Payment 3: $950 cash payment (for everyone) onsite upon arrival at Wild Ginger Center (in clean, unripped $20 - no larger bills can be accepted). We are unable to accept electronic payments for this final payment, cash only.)
All Payments are final, non refundable and non-transferable, please be very sure you plan to attend BEFORE you register as this policy is firm.
Important Info:
11 spots available - these spots are filling quickly! Our Costa Rica programs sell out, sometimes very fast.
*After you place your deposit please download the above waiver form below, sign and return as attachment via email to [email protected]
(Shared rooms may have 3 or 4 people in them, you may choose your roomates or if you sign up as a single we will assign your roomate/s)
PLEASE let us know if you are in a partnership with another registrant when you register so we can be aware for accomodations purposes, and also please feel free to let us know if you have housing questions/needs <3
1) Place your deposit above.
2) Send us an email to [email protected] with:
- Your Name
- Your Pronouns if you would like to share
- Your Location
- TWO Contacts phone numbers for you ( can be someone close to you in addition to your own)
- An attached picture of your signed waiver
Program Investment
Includes Transportation To and From San Jose Juan Santamaria Airport to Our Center, 11 nights stay at our rustic herbal center, all meals listed, and all classes included in the event. Price does not include your flight to and from Costa Rica.
Payment Schedule:
EARLYBIRD (ends June 9, 2024 ) General Registration is $1999
FLASH SALE BIPOC & Trans Community Members $1899
Payment 1: $500 Deposit (for everyone)
Payment 2: $449 or $349 Due September 1, 2023 (General $449 or BIPOC & Trans Community Members $349)
Payment 3: $950 cash payment (for everyone) onsite upon arrival at Wild Ginger Center (in clean, unripped $20 - no larger bills can be accepted). We are unable to accept electronic payments for this final payment, cash only.)
All Payments are final, non refundable and non-transferable, please be very sure you plan to attend BEFORE you register as this policy is firm.
Important Info:
11 spots available - these spots are filling quickly! Our Costa Rica programs sell out, sometimes very fast.
*After you place your deposit please download the above waiver form below, sign and return as attachment via email to [email protected]
(Shared rooms may have 3 or 4 people in them, you may choose your roomates or if you sign up as a single we will assign your roomate/s)
PLEASE let us know if you are in a partnership with another registrant when you register so we can be aware for accomodations purposes, and also please feel free to let us know if you have housing questions/needs <3
What's included In Your Trip:
The price includes your rustic accomodations in Costa Rica, each of the classes and tours (and transportation to and from said tours) outlined on the itinerary. PRICE DOES NOT include flight to and from Costa Rica.
Please read the Disclaimer:
*COVID-19 Disclaimer - *If participants contract or test positive for COVID-19 during the trip they will be required to quarantine separately from the group. Medical costs, care, as well as the the cost of separate accommodations in nearby hotel and or separate transportation to and from airport is not covered by Twin Star Herbal Education or Wild Ginger Herbal Center, and will be the responsibility of participant. We can provide a list of local accommodations as well as trusted private transportation if needed.
Please read the Disclaimer:
**All participants must be 18 years of age or older unless with a legal guardian.
** Please note, by registering for this tour you acknowledge Wild Ginger Herbal Center acts only as agents for the various independent suppliers that provide hotel accommodations, transportation, sightseeing, activities, or other services connected with this tour. Such services are subject to the terms and conditions of those suppliers. Wild Ginger Herbal Center and their respective employees, agents, representatives, and assigns accept no liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or any other incident which may be caused by the negligence, defect, default of any company or person in performing these services. Responsibility is not accepted for losses, injury, damages or expenses of any kind due to sickness, weather, strikes, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, acts of nature, local laws or other such causes. All services and accommodations are subject to the laws and regulations of the country in which they are provided. Wild Ginger Herbal Center is not responsible for any baggage or personal effects of any individual participating in the tours / trips arranged by Wild Ginger Herbal Center. Individual travelers are responsible for purchasing a travel insurance policy, if desired, that will cover some of the expenses associated with the loss of luggage or personal effects as well as their personal health insurance policy. Wild Ginger Herbal Center is not responsible for providing your health insurance or healthcare while on the trip, are not responsible for any flight cancellations or changes to your personal travel itinerary not provided by the trip. The itinerary and schedule are available on www.centroashe.org and the exact activities may change slightly based on weather while on the trip. Occasionally weather can become an issue and we reserve the right to not participate in a certain activity if it is deemed unsafe due to weather (boat ride etc) but we will replace that activity with another of equal value.
Accomodations:
Staying onsite at Wild Ginger Herbal Center our rustic wooden cabina located in the Caribbean of Costa Rica. We live very very simple and rustic, our house has electricity, and is equipped with WIFI internet that will be slower than you are used to if you are from the US. We do not use chemicals to spray our home, thus in the tropics we have little geckos that will be indoors, they're your friends they eat mosquitos! Sometimes there are ants, etc, be prepared to be in community with nature! While there are wild insects and animals we lice amongst we are not able to accomadate pets with our guests. We provide communal rooms with single beds for our apprentices and guests, fans in each room, and bathroom. Great place for relaxing, Our classroom is right onsite at Wild Ginger Herbal Center and our humble site is home to medicinal and edible plants. You're are one block to the beach and we make sure you have lots of relax and self care time while you are here. We do not provide laundry services on site, however you can pay to do laundry at a couple locations around town during your stay here. Additionally we utilize comparable rooms at a neighboring cabina in order to accomodate our groups beyond our capacity on site at Wild Ginger Herbal Center.
Expectations & Respect:
We expect those that apply for this program to have an true interest and excitement for plant medicine. We ask that everyone show up on time to all classes and activities in order to honor each other as well as our teachers and facilitators. When coming to Wild Ginger Herbal Center openness and respect are central. All people are welcome and we celebrate life in all our beautiful manifestations and forms. We expect people of diverse paths to come here with respect for each other, we have an expectation of non-violent communication when faced with challenges that can arise when living together during intensive communal experiences in new environments. All people of varying class, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, immigration status, political ideology, race, sex, sexual orientation and religious, non-religious, or spiritual beliefs are welcome at Wild Ginger Herbal Center and we seek to build a community space for all.
Foods:
Our focus is on eating an abundant healthy and whole foods based diet rich in local fruits, veggies, rice, beans and other legumes, oats, different traditional baked goods, and plantains are central to our diet, and sometimes we get local cheese, pasta, meats, yogurt, fish, eggs. There are several options offered each meal. While we encourage everyone to participate and share in meals together, we understand some people may have special diets in which case they will need to supplement their diets with food purchased elsewhere.
Money:
Make sure to bring enough US Dollars to last you at least the first few days of the trip including stopping for a snack on your way down to us. Do not bring bills larger than $20, and make sure they are not ripped or in poor condition or folks will not accept them. Our town has no ATM, and the closes one is about 12 kilometers away. Everyone accepts US Dollars here, but again in the same town as the ATM there is a money exchange you can exchange your dollars for colones. You should expect at 500 colones to $1 exchange when using USDollars in our area. While we provide your food for all indicated meals during your time with us, and we provide drinking water during our programs, you are responsible for any extras you might need, including snacks etc etc. If you want to buy souveniers/personal care items etc you are responsible for those as well. Our town does have a few small shops "pulperias", two of which accept credit cards.
Call Your Bank!
*MAKE SURE TO CALL YOUR BANKS AND LET THEM KNOW YOU WILL BE IN COSTA RICA* - This will ensure your card does not get shut off for suspicious activity.
What to Bring:
An open mind, heart, and soul! A true openess and interest in plants and folk medicine, in learning the traditional medicine of the people of Talamanca, Costa Rica. Remember our cabinas at Wild Ginger Herbal Center are rustic and very simple, we try to live as simply and in tune with nature as possible. We do not have air conditioning and we live simply in a way very much like our local community members. Coming on this trip and life in the Caribbean here is an opportunity to go with the flow and enjoy a slower and more simple lifestyle - that is part of the medicine of your time here. Most people when they talk about the rainy season it actually refers to the pacific side, which has a very distinct rainy season, 6 months dry, 6 months wet. We will be on the Caribbean side, and while yes it rains, it is more evenly balanced through out the year. That doesn't mean it won't rain, because it certainly can and probably will. As far as clothes, bring light weight stuff that dries easily, it is HUMID! Bring a good pair of shoes to hike with that you dont mind getting muddy, and flip flops, and whatever else you'd like to have with you. Cotton tshirts and shorts are great, a rain jacket, bathing suit, towel for the beach (please do not bring hotel towels to the beach), are all great. Yoga mat if you'd like. BUG SPRAY is important to your comfort here, thankfully we do not have Zika virus etc in our area, however here in the Caribbean we do indeed have mosquitos. So bring repellent that works well for you! Bring natural bug spray if you're into that because you can't get that down there or whatever type of repellent that is actually effective for you, any personal care items you need we recommend you bring with you. Bring any regular medications/supplements you use. Bring SUNSCREEN! A hat. Sunglasses. As far as a laptop - there is internet in town so you're welcome to bring it, just depends how connected you'd like to be! It's another thing to travel with and to be conscious of while you're on buses etc. But it can be convenient, so that is totally your decision. Outlets there are the same as the US, no converter is needed. Also please remember pens and note pads for note taking. Come prepared with clothing appropriate for tropical heat and tropical rain. Sandals, Sun protection, waterbottle, hats, etc. Bathing suit, towels and sarongs. We provide bath towels but you have to bring your own towel for the beach. A first aid kit, headlamp or flashlight, any prescriptions you need. Boots suitable for getting muddy walking in the jungle or on farms, rain jacket with hood. While many people take this opportunity to "unplug" you may feel like bringing a wifi accesible device to use while onsite. These are your responsibility and while traveling we always recommend traveling without valuable goods, but take good care of what you do decide to bring. Long and short pants, long and short sleeves. Personal care products. We do not have laundry onsite but there are places in the area you may pay to get your clothes washed and cleaned. We cannot stress enough how bringing what you need to protect you from bugs will make your stay more comfortable, the struggle is real with mosquitos, sometimes sand fleas and more. These vary depending on the time of year, but we encourage you to bring protection with you!
A NOTE ON CERTIFICATION:
We are often asked if after taking our programs if participants will be a certified herbalist. You will not be a "certified herbalist" after this program rather you will be receiving a Certificate of Completion at Wild Ginger Herbal Centers Foundations in Herbalism Program. As far as certification, here are no legal certification or license for herbalists in the US. Herbalists are free to practice, some are "folk" herbalists and practice from information passed down generation to generation, while others go and get masters degrees in herbalism, and still others attend community based schools such as ours and then go on to practice. There is no legal difference and no certification or lack there of has any legal meaning whatsoever. We feel telling someone they are a certified herbalist is unethical and not our place. Herbalists cannot legally practice medicine. Herbalists themselves come in many forms, some cultivate herbs, some see clients as wellness consultations (herbalists are not allowed to practice medicine, only doctors are), some make beautiful herbal medicinal preparations, some teach, some do research, there is not a finite definition. We offer a certificate of completion of this course which documents the course study we include in this course. MANY of our students over the years have gone on to become professional herbalists. This program is meant to lay a solid foundation. Our program classes are geared towards beginners and are a great place to start for those who want to lay the foundation to be a professional herbalist, whatever that may be. We are not a clinical herbalism program, rather we focus on folk herbalism, keeping our traditional knowledge alive and vital at the community level. Those completing our program are no more legally allowed to practice as an herbalist than you are, or than a grandmother in her kitchen treating her grandkids, or than a person who has a Masters Degree. Our program is a great way to gain a better understanding of herbs and medicinal plants, to refine your knowledge moving from a more mechanistic approach of "this herb is for this issue" instead toward looking at patterns, interrelationships, and systems of the body and their relationship with herbs, a more wholistic view. Its not geared towards clinical herbalists, however provides an in depth foundation for those who are on that path.
The price includes your rustic accomodations in Costa Rica, each of the classes and tours (and transportation to and from said tours) outlined on the itinerary. PRICE DOES NOT include flight to and from Costa Rica.
Please read the Disclaimer:
*COVID-19 Disclaimer - *If participants contract or test positive for COVID-19 during the trip they will be required to quarantine separately from the group. Medical costs, care, as well as the the cost of separate accommodations in nearby hotel and or separate transportation to and from airport is not covered by Twin Star Herbal Education or Wild Ginger Herbal Center, and will be the responsibility of participant. We can provide a list of local accommodations as well as trusted private transportation if needed.
Please read the Disclaimer:
**All participants must be 18 years of age or older unless with a legal guardian.
** Please note, by registering for this tour you acknowledge Wild Ginger Herbal Center acts only as agents for the various independent suppliers that provide hotel accommodations, transportation, sightseeing, activities, or other services connected with this tour. Such services are subject to the terms and conditions of those suppliers. Wild Ginger Herbal Center and their respective employees, agents, representatives, and assigns accept no liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or any other incident which may be caused by the negligence, defect, default of any company or person in performing these services. Responsibility is not accepted for losses, injury, damages or expenses of any kind due to sickness, weather, strikes, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, acts of nature, local laws or other such causes. All services and accommodations are subject to the laws and regulations of the country in which they are provided. Wild Ginger Herbal Center is not responsible for any baggage or personal effects of any individual participating in the tours / trips arranged by Wild Ginger Herbal Center. Individual travelers are responsible for purchasing a travel insurance policy, if desired, that will cover some of the expenses associated with the loss of luggage or personal effects as well as their personal health insurance policy. Wild Ginger Herbal Center is not responsible for providing your health insurance or healthcare while on the trip, are not responsible for any flight cancellations or changes to your personal travel itinerary not provided by the trip. The itinerary and schedule are available on www.centroashe.org and the exact activities may change slightly based on weather while on the trip. Occasionally weather can become an issue and we reserve the right to not participate in a certain activity if it is deemed unsafe due to weather (boat ride etc) but we will replace that activity with another of equal value.
Accomodations:
Staying onsite at Wild Ginger Herbal Center our rustic wooden cabina located in the Caribbean of Costa Rica. We live very very simple and rustic, our house has electricity, and is equipped with WIFI internet that will be slower than you are used to if you are from the US. We do not use chemicals to spray our home, thus in the tropics we have little geckos that will be indoors, they're your friends they eat mosquitos! Sometimes there are ants, etc, be prepared to be in community with nature! While there are wild insects and animals we lice amongst we are not able to accomadate pets with our guests. We provide communal rooms with single beds for our apprentices and guests, fans in each room, and bathroom. Great place for relaxing, Our classroom is right onsite at Wild Ginger Herbal Center and our humble site is home to medicinal and edible plants. You're are one block to the beach and we make sure you have lots of relax and self care time while you are here. We do not provide laundry services on site, however you can pay to do laundry at a couple locations around town during your stay here. Additionally we utilize comparable rooms at a neighboring cabina in order to accomodate our groups beyond our capacity on site at Wild Ginger Herbal Center.
Expectations & Respect:
We expect those that apply for this program to have an true interest and excitement for plant medicine. We ask that everyone show up on time to all classes and activities in order to honor each other as well as our teachers and facilitators. When coming to Wild Ginger Herbal Center openness and respect are central. All people are welcome and we celebrate life in all our beautiful manifestations and forms. We expect people of diverse paths to come here with respect for each other, we have an expectation of non-violent communication when faced with challenges that can arise when living together during intensive communal experiences in new environments. All people of varying class, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, immigration status, political ideology, race, sex, sexual orientation and religious, non-religious, or spiritual beliefs are welcome at Wild Ginger Herbal Center and we seek to build a community space for all.
Foods:
Our focus is on eating an abundant healthy and whole foods based diet rich in local fruits, veggies, rice, beans and other legumes, oats, different traditional baked goods, and plantains are central to our diet, and sometimes we get local cheese, pasta, meats, yogurt, fish, eggs. There are several options offered each meal. While we encourage everyone to participate and share in meals together, we understand some people may have special diets in which case they will need to supplement their diets with food purchased elsewhere.
Money:
Make sure to bring enough US Dollars to last you at least the first few days of the trip including stopping for a snack on your way down to us. Do not bring bills larger than $20, and make sure they are not ripped or in poor condition or folks will not accept them. Our town has no ATM, and the closes one is about 12 kilometers away. Everyone accepts US Dollars here, but again in the same town as the ATM there is a money exchange you can exchange your dollars for colones. You should expect at 500 colones to $1 exchange when using USDollars in our area. While we provide your food for all indicated meals during your time with us, and we provide drinking water during our programs, you are responsible for any extras you might need, including snacks etc etc. If you want to buy souveniers/personal care items etc you are responsible for those as well. Our town does have a few small shops "pulperias", two of which accept credit cards.
Call Your Bank!
*MAKE SURE TO CALL YOUR BANKS AND LET THEM KNOW YOU WILL BE IN COSTA RICA* - This will ensure your card does not get shut off for suspicious activity.
What to Bring:
An open mind, heart, and soul! A true openess and interest in plants and folk medicine, in learning the traditional medicine of the people of Talamanca, Costa Rica. Remember our cabinas at Wild Ginger Herbal Center are rustic and very simple, we try to live as simply and in tune with nature as possible. We do not have air conditioning and we live simply in a way very much like our local community members. Coming on this trip and life in the Caribbean here is an opportunity to go with the flow and enjoy a slower and more simple lifestyle - that is part of the medicine of your time here. Most people when they talk about the rainy season it actually refers to the pacific side, which has a very distinct rainy season, 6 months dry, 6 months wet. We will be on the Caribbean side, and while yes it rains, it is more evenly balanced through out the year. That doesn't mean it won't rain, because it certainly can and probably will. As far as clothes, bring light weight stuff that dries easily, it is HUMID! Bring a good pair of shoes to hike with that you dont mind getting muddy, and flip flops, and whatever else you'd like to have with you. Cotton tshirts and shorts are great, a rain jacket, bathing suit, towel for the beach (please do not bring hotel towels to the beach), are all great. Yoga mat if you'd like. BUG SPRAY is important to your comfort here, thankfully we do not have Zika virus etc in our area, however here in the Caribbean we do indeed have mosquitos. So bring repellent that works well for you! Bring natural bug spray if you're into that because you can't get that down there or whatever type of repellent that is actually effective for you, any personal care items you need we recommend you bring with you. Bring any regular medications/supplements you use. Bring SUNSCREEN! A hat. Sunglasses. As far as a laptop - there is internet in town so you're welcome to bring it, just depends how connected you'd like to be! It's another thing to travel with and to be conscious of while you're on buses etc. But it can be convenient, so that is totally your decision. Outlets there are the same as the US, no converter is needed. Also please remember pens and note pads for note taking. Come prepared with clothing appropriate for tropical heat and tropical rain. Sandals, Sun protection, waterbottle, hats, etc. Bathing suit, towels and sarongs. We provide bath towels but you have to bring your own towel for the beach. A first aid kit, headlamp or flashlight, any prescriptions you need. Boots suitable for getting muddy walking in the jungle or on farms, rain jacket with hood. While many people take this opportunity to "unplug" you may feel like bringing a wifi accesible device to use while onsite. These are your responsibility and while traveling we always recommend traveling without valuable goods, but take good care of what you do decide to bring. Long and short pants, long and short sleeves. Personal care products. We do not have laundry onsite but there are places in the area you may pay to get your clothes washed and cleaned. We cannot stress enough how bringing what you need to protect you from bugs will make your stay more comfortable, the struggle is real with mosquitos, sometimes sand fleas and more. These vary depending on the time of year, but we encourage you to bring protection with you!
A NOTE ON CERTIFICATION:
We are often asked if after taking our programs if participants will be a certified herbalist. You will not be a "certified herbalist" after this program rather you will be receiving a Certificate of Completion at Wild Ginger Herbal Centers Foundations in Herbalism Program. As far as certification, here are no legal certification or license for herbalists in the US. Herbalists are free to practice, some are "folk" herbalists and practice from information passed down generation to generation, while others go and get masters degrees in herbalism, and still others attend community based schools such as ours and then go on to practice. There is no legal difference and no certification or lack there of has any legal meaning whatsoever. We feel telling someone they are a certified herbalist is unethical and not our place. Herbalists cannot legally practice medicine. Herbalists themselves come in many forms, some cultivate herbs, some see clients as wellness consultations (herbalists are not allowed to practice medicine, only doctors are), some make beautiful herbal medicinal preparations, some teach, some do research, there is not a finite definition. We offer a certificate of completion of this course which documents the course study we include in this course. MANY of our students over the years have gone on to become professional herbalists. This program is meant to lay a solid foundation. Our program classes are geared towards beginners and are a great place to start for those who want to lay the foundation to be a professional herbalist, whatever that may be. We are not a clinical herbalism program, rather we focus on folk herbalism, keeping our traditional knowledge alive and vital at the community level. Those completing our program are no more legally allowed to practice as an herbalist than you are, or than a grandmother in her kitchen treating her grandkids, or than a person who has a Masters Degree. Our program is a great way to gain a better understanding of herbs and medicinal plants, to refine your knowledge moving from a more mechanistic approach of "this herb is for this issue" instead toward looking at patterns, interrelationships, and systems of the body and their relationship with herbs, a more wholistic view. Its not geared towards clinical herbalists, however provides an in depth foundation for those who are on that path.