The Art of Turmeric
Class Description
This series offers an opportunity to get to know a single herb, turmeric, the International Herb Association’s Herb of the Year. Through hands-on practice, participants will explore foundational concepts of traditional herbal medicine making alongside creative and aesthetic engagement. Skills learned with turmeric will be easily transferable to working with other herbs.
Week One
Sets the foundation through a sensory exploration of turmeric roots and powder, engaging smell, touch, taste, sound, observation, and reflection. Participants will leave with fresh roots, handouts, sourcing tips, and new ways of experiencing plant medicine.
Week Two
Examines the many forms medicinal herbs can take, including milk-based preparations, water-based decorations, topical applications, and including a variation on mehndi. Participants will gain introductory knowledge of herbal preparations, safety considerations, and take home turmeric powder and handouts.
Week Three
Focuses on tincture-making and fabric dyeing. Drawing on historical practices where textiles were used for healing, this session explores intention, contact, and absorption. Participants will leave with a tincture alcohol extract of turmeric, instructional materials, and naturally dyed fabric to dry and embellish if desired.
Week Four
Focuses continues with a theme of printing on on both fabric and paper, a display of dyed fabrics and a discussion of how foundational principles of herbal medicine and our work with the Art of Turmeric can be more broadly applied to enhance health, autonomy and creativity in our lives.
Price
This class is operating on a sliding scale. You may purchase the class at a rate you feel financially comfortable with, up to the maximum class cost of $135. All students will receive the same instruction regardless of payment.
Use the checkout process as-is to pay the full $135 for the class. To adjust the price during checkout, please enter the desired price in the promo code box using the format TURMERIC###. For example, to pay $105, enter TURMERIC105 into the promo code box. Please reach out to us if you need assistance.
Available promo codes
TURMERIC65
TURMERIC85
TURMERIC105
TURMERIC 125
Please only register 1 student per transaction if using discounts.
Dates & Times
This class meets on the following Tuesdays, between March 10th and April 14th.
Week 1: March 10th, 1:30 – 3:30 pm
March 17th - No Class - Saint Patrick’s Day
Week 2: March 24th, 1:30 – 4:30 pm
March 31st - No Class
Week 3: April 7th: 1:30 – 4:30 pm
Week 4: April 14th: 1:30 – 4:30 pm
Materials Required
All materials are included
About the Instructor - Leslie Alexander
Leslie Alexander is a professional herbalist based in Erie, Pennsylvania, who blends her lifelong connection to the natural world with extensive scientific training, including a B.Sc. in environmental sciences and a Ph.D. from Heriot-Watt University. Her path from laboratory research and environmental epidemiology to herbalism was shaped by passions for health, wellness, gardening, and culinary herbs, and by mentorship from influential herbalists. A Registered Herbalist and long-time member of the American Herbalists Guild, she works as a practitioner, educator, author, and mentor, committed to holistic well-being, preserving herbal traditions, and advocating for social justice, all while enjoying outdoor life, cooking, and creative pursuits.