Kara Swenson
Herbalist & Integrative Nutritionist
Upcoming Classes & Events
Check back regularly or sign up to recieve newsletters for class and event updates!
Plant Walk Dates
Throughout the warmer months, let's get to know the medicinal and edible plants that grow all around us! On a plant walk, you can expect to learn plant identification, plant names (common and botanical latin), as well as some of the ways in which the plant can be worked with and sustainable harvesting practices. Plant walks are interactive as we will walk around local areas (parks, properties, etc.) and observe, touch, and taste the plants as we go. Each and every plant walk will be different- depending on location, time of year, and which plants we come across!
Upcoming
-None at this time-
** Check back in the spring of 2024! **
Yellow Dock Medicine - Wednesday, October 18th - 6:00pm-7:30pm
at a Private Residence in Zumbrota
Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus) is a wild growing plant that is generous in offering us food and medicine. During this class you will learn all about yellow dock- how to identify it, where it likes to grow, it’s edibility as well as its medicinal qualities. If you or someone you know struggles with digestion, anemia, and/or skin conditions, this class may be for you! Each attendee will get to bring home a yellow dock medicine to add to their home medicine cabinet.
Space for this class is limited to 8 individuals.
To register, go to Zumbrota Community Education.
Colds, Flus, Sniffles & Sneezes: from an herbalist's perspective - Thursday, November 2nd - 6:00pm-7:30pm
at The Greensted, Zumbrota
It is well known that as we transition out of summer and into to fall/winter, we are also transitioning into “cold and flu season”. Being able to approach this season feeling equipped with the knowledge on how to stay healthy and also how to help the body heal through a sickness is invaluable. In this class, you will learn simple and effective ways to do just this for your whole family using home remedies and herbs.
To register, go to Zumbrota Community Education or Pine Island Community Education.
MindBody Collective Open House - Thursday, November 9th - 4:30pm-6:30pm at The MindBody Collective, Rochester, MN
The MindBody Collective consists of independent, private practice, and holistically-minded practitioners who practice in the Rochester area. This group formed because there is a shared desire to help clients even better by offering integrative approaches. Each practitioner brings something different to the group- everything from chiropractic to neurofeedback to physical therapy to energy work to herbalism!
The open house is open to the public, anyone who would like to get to meet the different practitioners and see the space that many of them practice out of. There will be a raffle drawing at 6 along with other door prizes, tea, and light appetizers.
More information about the MindBody Collective.
Digestion & Bitters - Tuesday, November 14th - 6:00pm-7:30pm
at The Greensted, Zumbrota
You may have heard the saying, “you are what you eat”, however it is more accurate to say, “you are what you digest”. Our digestive system- starting in our mouth and ending you know where- is crucial for optimal health. In this class, we will start by discussing the basics of the digestive system before exploring common digestive ailments such as indigestion/gassiness, acid reflux, bowel irregularity and more. In addition, you will learn about bitters as well as other considerations such as diet, lifestyle, and herbal allies specific to various conditions and the overall health of the digestive system.
To register, go to Zumbrota Community Education or Pine Island Community Education.
Through the Darkness: Practices & Herbal Allies for the Winter -
Tuesday, December 12th - 6:00pm-7:30pm
at The Greensted, Zumbrota
Of the seasons, winter tends to be the most difficult for so many. It is common to experience some degree of heaviness and/or darkness when the season feels long with its short daylight hours, cold temperatures, and when the majority of the natural world is in a state of dormancy. This class is an invite to discover the medicine winter has to offer as well as ways we can nourish and support our bodies, minds, and hearts through this season utilizing various practices and herbal allies.
To register, go to Zumbrota Community Education or Pine Island Community Education.
Additional Offerings:
Personal Plant Walks
If you have a place that you would love me to lead a plant walk at - be it your favorite park or your own property - let me know! I would love to spend an hour with you to show you the medicinal plants that grow there. This could be just for you or you could invite a couple friends/family/neighbors to join! This offering is on a sliding scale from $60-100. Contact me to discuss details!
Collaborate with Me
Are there other ways I can share my skills and knowledge with you? Is there a class or a topic you would like me to share with your staff or organization? I am open to disucssing ideas with you!