Join Herban Cura for a transformative three day retreat set in the woods and mountains of upstate New York at Herba Cura: Plants to the People Farm. This immersive experience will allow you to reconnect with the earth, exploring the intersection between sustainability, spirituality, and ancestral practices. Through hands-on workshops and activities, you’ll gain practical skills while deepening your understanding of the land’s ancient wisdom.
Cob Oven Building:
In this hands-on workshop, we’ll explore the importance of fire in bringing people together. Through the construction of a cob oven, we will discuss how communal fires have historically been central to social life, and how the shift of fires from the commons to indoors has altered the fabric of our communities. You’ll learn how to use natural materials like straw, sand, and stone to build a sustainable oven, with insights into the broader social and cultural implications of communal fire practices.
Cacao Butter
Experience the full journey of cacao—from roasting and de-shelling the beans to extracting rich cacao butter. Along the way, we’ll also explore the fascinating history and politics of cacao, especially its relationship with communities in Mexico and Ghana.
Herbal Medicine:
Spend time connecting with the plants and discover the healing power of nature. This workshop will emphasize the importance of knowing the herbs native to our bioregion, especially in the face of a changing climate. Learn how these plants support our resiliency and how we can integrate them into our health and wellness practices. You’ll also make herbal balms and oxymel to take home.