What topics are included that I won’t find in a standard herbal studies program?
While many programs offer basic information on herbs and their uses, Aralia School focuses on understanding what herbs are actually doing in your body. You’ll learn physiology alongside herbal applications, allowing you to understand not just what herbs to use, but why and how they work. Our program draws from Caty’s 20 years of clinical experience, offering practical insights about what is actually effective in real-world situations.
Who is Aralia School for?
Our program is designed for anyone who wants to gain the confidence to work with medicinal herbs for effective healthcare – whether you’re supporting your own health, caring for family or your community, or working with clients. Our students include people who want to:
- Understand how herbs work in the body
- Learn from extensive clinical experience
- Move beyond basic herb lists to deeper practical knowledge
- Gain confidence in using herbs effectively
- Access reliable, detailed information about herbs
- Connect with a community of dedicated learners
How do I apply for a scholarship or sliding scale options?
We are committed to making herbal education accessible. If cost is a barrier, please email caty@araliaschoolofherbalmedicine.com to learn about our scholarship program and sliding scale options. We review applications monthly and work to accommodate as many students as possible.
What are the dates and times of live sessions?
Live sessions are held monthly, typically on Sundays at 3pm Eastern Time. The exact schedule for upcoming sessions is posted in our member portal, and you’ll receive calendar invites when you join. We try to vary times occasionally to accommodate different time zones and schedules.
If I can’t make the live session/s, or will be late to sessions, can I still join?
Absolutely! All live sessions are recorded and posted in our member portal, usually within 24 hours. You can watch at your convenience and still participate in community discussions. Many of our students balance the program with work and family commitments by watching recordings and participating in discussions when it fits their schedule.
How are the classes structured?
Each month focuses on a different body system and includes:
- Pre-recorded lessons you can watch at your own pace
- Comprehensive handouts and study materials
- Monthly live interactive workshop
- Q&A opportunities
- Community discussions
- Access to our growing resource library
- Opportunity to participate in student study group
How does the “flipped classroom” model work?
In our flipped classroom approach, you’ll watch pre-recorded lessons before live sessions. This allows you to:
- Study the core material at your own pace
- Review complex concepts as needed
- Come to live sessions prepared for deeper discussion
- Make the most of interactive time with questions and discussion
- Learn from others’ questions and experiences
How long do I have access to the recordings?
As long as your membership is active, you will have access to all recordings, handouts, and resources in our member portal. Recordings are not downloadable by default, but you’ll always have access to stream them through our secure platform.
What’s the difference between basic and enhanced membership?
Basic membership includes access to the entire library of recorded classes (all the Organ Systems classes, Materia Medica, and Medicine Making classes), monthly live sessions, Q&A opportunities, and community discussions. Enhanced membership includes additional small group live interactive sessions, additional in-depth classes, topic discussions, and mentorship for those wanting to go deeper. The focus is on case studies, constitution, and applied physiology.
What if I’m already familiar with some topics but not others? Or what if I’m a beginner?
Our program is designed to meet you where you are. Beginners will find that we thoroughly explain foundational concepts. More experienced students often discover new depths in familiar topics through our unique focus on physiology and practical application. The flipped classroom model allows you to spend more time on new concepts and move more quickly through familiar ones.
What is the platform? Can I access it on my phone?
We use Circle, a user-friendly community platform that works great on both computers and mobile devices. You can access all content, participate in discussions, and watch videos from any device with an internet connection. The mobile app makes it easy to stay connected with the community and access materials on the go.