CHI Workshops

Community Health Initiatives is hosting a series of 11 workshops, each focusing on different aspects of health and wellness to support our community. All classes will be held on Fridays at the New Settlement Community Center from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm. Class prices vary. Must register in person at the center.

Healing with Herbs and Oils – 1/17 – $10 For Members $15 For Non-Members

If you are what you eat, are you eating to thrive? In this workshop, we’ll explore the powerful benefits of familiar and exotic herbs, spices, and oils. Learn how to prepare a flavorful cooking oil that doubles as a self-care essential, and enjoy a wholesome meal made with pantry staples. Perfect for those managing arthritis, diabetes, poor circulation, chronic pain, or anyone curious about boosting their health. Plus, everyone takes home their own handcrafted oil!

Pain Management – 1/24 – $10 For Members $15 For Non-Members

If your back aches and your knees creak, this workshop is for you! Join us to explore plants that help reduce inflammation and learn what inflammation really is. You’ll gain tools and resources for managing common ailments, and leave with your own handcrafted oil for aches and pains.

Making Tinctures – 1/31 – $10 For Members $15 For Non-Members

Explore the art of herbalism in this hands-on workshop! Dive into tincture-making and learn to extract medicinal properties from fresh plants grown in our rooftop garden. We’ll cover safe practices, remedies for common ailments, plant allyship, recipes, and more. Each participant will leave with their own handcrafted vinegar and tincture, along with a dropper bottle and toolkit for future medicine-making adventures.

Grow Your Own Mushrooms – 2/7 –  $25 for Members, $30 for Non-members

Mushrooms are as diverse as people—why stick to just two kinds? This workshop invites teens and adults to discover how mycelium (the “root” of mushrooms) supports human life, explore how different mushrooms grow, and learn delicious recipes. Plus, each participant takes home a DIY mushroom kit to grow their own lion’s mane or oyster mushrooms!

Fixing Acne with Traditional Chinese Medicine – 2/14 – $15 for Members, $20 for Non-members 

Ditch the pricey creams and discover the natural path to healthy skin! Explore the powerful connection between diet and your skin while working with aromatic herbs. Learn how your face reflects your body’s needs, create your own cleansing waters, and enjoy interactive activities to deepen your understanding.

Four Thieves Vinegar – 2/21 – $10 for everyone 

Stay healthy this winter! Learn to make Four Thieves Vinegar—a powerful antiviral remedy, ancient potion, and natural house cleanser all in one. Used since the Black Plague to ward off illness, this timeless recipe will teach you how local plants can support both your body and home. In our Community Herbal First Aid class, you’ll create your own herbal first aid kit and leave with a comprehensive guide to local herbs, their benefits, and identification tips. Class packages are available for the winter season—don’t miss out!

Stop Bleeding with Herbs – 2/28 – $15 for everyone 

Discover local herbs that can stop bleeding in emergencies and support healthy skin. Each participant will leave with their own handcrafted remedy and a valuable herbal first-aid resource!

Healing Wounds with Herbs – 3/7 – $5 for everyone 

Did you know some plants can heal poison ivy, bug bites, wounds, and even support broken bones? Some may even be growing right behind your building! Register now to learn about these powerful plants, how to use them in emergencies and daily life, and create your own medicine to take home. Each participant will also receive a helpful herbal first-aid resource!

Calm Your Nerves – 3/14 – $10 for everyone 

Have you taken a moment to relax your nerves? Whether in emergencies or daily life, staying calm is essential. Register to discover local plants that can ease anxiety, depression, migraines, and various types of pain. Each participant will leave with their own medicine and a valuable herbal first-aid resource!

Lung Health – 3/21 – $10 for everyone

With respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, RSV, and asthma on the rise, it’s crucial to care for your lungs. Register now to explore local herbs that support lung health, including remedies for asthma, bronchitis, and more. Each participant will leave with their own medicine and an herbal first-aid resource! 

Edible Medicines – 3/28 – Free for members or people who buy 6 or more classes, $10 for everyone else 

Did you know some of the best food could be growing right behind your building? With spring on the way, learn about nutritious, delicious plants that support digestion, anemia, immunity, and more! We’ll enjoy a tasty soup made with locally grown ingredients, discuss growing plants at home, and learn how to identify wild plants. Each participant will leave with their own medicine and a helpful herbal first-aid resource!