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THE INTEGRATIVE HERBALIST APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM ~ with Chad Cornell, Integrative Master Herbalist & Holistic Therapist.
Our world has an increasing need for competent and well trained herbalists and natural health practitioners. This is a uniquely designed 2.5 - 3.5 year program, created for the sincere student who aspires to learn the art & science of herbalism.
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WELCOME
Here you will find a thorough description of this unique and beloved program that should answer most of your questions. You will also find many student testimonies below.
Learning about natural healing methods, and the philosophy behind their use. As you will see from the testimonials, this program is as much a journey of personal transformation and adventure as a path of intellectual study and learning. Our world is in desperate need of well-educated herbalists; growers, harvesters, healers, researchers, guides, and educators. As our food and healthcare systems become increasingly stressed and compromised, and the awareness of our culture improves, there is an ever increasing need for more holistic health professionals who can rise to the occasion and deliver with confidence and competency.
The role of the herbalist is timeless, and as we move through times of great change and transformation some might say that the rise of interest in natural healing is a healing response of nature. Its becoming increasingly clear, to more and more of us, that medicinal plants, fungi, and wild foods are as crucial to our future as they were to our past.
Topics like food quality, detoxification, and medicine security are becoming key in our modern narrative. Alongside other topics of emerging importance like immune support and modulation, fertility and hormonal balance, and how to support modern humanity though an era of unique and novel stressors. Not only are most people struggling with issues related to stress and exhaustion, but we are also seeing a dramatic rise in issues related to gut health and mental-emotional well being. This requires that we have a solid grasp on many adjunctive supports like essential minerals, pre and probiotics, parasite protocols, EMF protection, and emerging research into topics related to the importance of grounding and fighting inflammation.
Nature holds great and timeless gifts to support us through these challenges. It is filled with not only healing compounds but also immense and essential intelligence that those of us studying herbalism aim to keep alive for the next generations. Whether you consider these as gifts from God, or simply the "intelligent web" of nature, or something else, that is personal to you. The fact that these plants and fungi have been used to provide us with healing and support for eons is really and truly a miracle. Yet it also true that deeper healing often requires a more holistic and integrative approach than simply taking an herb or remedy or adjusting ones diet alone. This program is focussed on establishing and deepening our understanding of key holistic principles, both ancient and emerging, and how we can apply them in our modern lives.
MORE ABOUT THIS PROGRAM
The Integrative Herbalist Apprenticeship Program was created to take one from a beginner stage of herbal and holistic study - to an in-depth practical ability to be an effective Integrative Herbalist. Unlike many other herbal training programs, our focus includes a one-to-one sharing of knowledge from an experienced clinical and field herbalist directly to students. This is essential and allows the training to evolve in a way that is tailored to each student's needs, gifts, pace, challenges, and goals.
(Note To apply for this program at any point, you can fill out the application at the bottom of the page and email it to [email protected]. Please ensure that you have read the full course description below. You do not require any other educational institution certificates. After your application is received then you will be contacted for a short interview to make sure the program is a good fit for you and the school).
DIRECT LEARNING FROM AN INTEGRATIVE MASTER HERBALIST: CHAD CORNELL
Chad Cornell, Integrative Master Herbalist, is committed to helping a new generation of herbal students who are inspired to carry the natural medicine ways forward. His goal is to ensure that every family and community is holistically supported and connected. After two decades of full-time practice as a clinical herbalist, in addition to running a highly successful apothecary, Chad has created the course he wished he could have found when he was first starting out in herbalism. You can Chad Cornell's full bio on this website.
Chad has had many years of learning, and he is continues to learn more every day. He has studied under nutraceutical (natural) pharmacists, herbalists, traditional medicine people, grassroots folk healers, yogis, bush herbalists, TCM doctors, Amazonian curandero, and therapists from many different cultures and backgrounds. He has also learned a lot from his customers and clients over the years as well. Chad has found himself especially appreciative of teachings that were personal, direct, human to human, and hands-on. Out of an appreciation for these many diverse and valuable methods of knowledge sharing, He has designed this course to create a way of learning that aims to integrate the best of them all.
This course reflects the oral tradition (audio and video) inner wisdom traditions (like working with dreams, doctrine of signatures, meditation, and inner journeying), and modern science via reading books, studies, and text. This allows the learning process to unfold in ways that are unique to each student, and it is how the Integrative Herbalist Apprenticeship Program was created and designed to function since the beginning and it's creative roots.
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A JOURNEY OF INNER & OUTER RECONNECTION
Herbalism was almost an endangered art and science for some time, though it is now undergoing a major resurgence, it has gone through periods of time where it was banned and outlawed in the Western "civilized"world and it is still not supported by mainstream governments and medical corporate interest groups. Herbalism is the medicine of the people, it always has been and it always will be.
Our connection to nature is innate, and just as plants and mycelium give us air to breath - so too can they provide us with time tested medicines and general support. however, since we are a part of nature, this path of study was not, and is not, simply about textbooks, verbal teachings from other people and videos alone. All such paths are focussed on left brain learning and the intellect. Of course we need our intellect, and modern science and lab testing is very helpful, however, our ancestors and human beings in general possess an innate connection to our own inner direct ways of knowing. Our capacity to develop our own inherent gifts and abilities to learn in nonlinear ways is important for all those seeking to understand nature and her mysteries, and this is something ChatGPT and AI will never have.
Such "non-linear" ways of knowing have been endangered in this materialistic age. Event though many a scientist have proclaimed that their greatest breakthroughs came not through intellectual pursuits alone. One that primarily emphasizes left brain book learning. The path of natural and holistic healing is not only about gathering information with our left-brains, but also learning to tune into the intelligence of our intuitive hearts, right brains, and creative inner imagination.
Herbalists, like many great scientists and artists, have proclaimed that we are connected to a vast web of planetary and cosmic intelligence that can guide us with direct insight. Just as our bodies are a part of the greater planetary body, so too are our minds a part of a greater aspect of creation. We simply need to remember how to deepen our connection with that part of us and put it to use in our practice. This a fascinating and powerful journey of reconnection for those with a genuine burn to learn, and a desire to quest more deeply and to remember our true nature and our more ancient ways.
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ABOUT THE HOLLOW REED SCHOOL OF HEALING ARTS
The Hollow Reed School of Healing Arts & Herbals is a multidisciplinary herb school and apothecary / natural health centre, and online store. We understand that herbal medicine is an essential tool in the kit of herbal healers, but that it is best used along with other healing arts and modalities. Though the school has been growing rapidly, we are off the beaten path of the number of fast emerging herbalist schools. We are focused on a genuine depth of learning, and a holistic and human to human approach to each of our students.
There are many natural healing schools out there, and of course, some are better than others at what they do. Choosing the right school to study through is best based on factors such as the content, the teacher(s), the format of learning, the bio-region in focus, the cost, and of course - your gut feeling so to speak. The school should resonate with your value systems, learning style, and goals. Your teacher, if your goal is to help others, should also ideally have plenty of hands-on experience helping others in clinical or therapeutic settings over many years. This is the power and potential of learning through the right teacher(s), or a teacher with a lineage of teachers behind him or her.
A UNIQUE DESIGN - ELECTIVES, CUSTOMIZED LEARNING & PERSONAL PACE OF STUDY
What we know, and have known about health, healing, and the science of nature and our cosmos is rapidly changing. Herbalism must adapt along with the new challenges and opportunities we face. Today's crisis and unique stressors, when approached with the right intention, can lead to our evolution. Our modern challenges can be the compost for our collective blooming. As much as there appears to be no end to the trauma and drama going on, there is also a great awakening occurring on many many levels.
This program does have core essential and foundational traditional learning modules that must be completed, but it also has optional electives to choose from to complete your studies and refine them to your personal goals and gifts. As a student you are given timeline goals, but also given the room to go at your own pace as your life and bio-rhythms allow. Our philosophy is that one should not have to experience financial stress and stressful pressure to learn the ancient healing arts. Instead, you can purchase one educational module at a time and go at a pace that you can afford. Learning herbalism, and the healing arts in general, should be kept enjoyable and accessible to all.
PRACTICAL HERBALISM
Part of the reason that this program is designed as it is is so that we can find the ‘teachable moments', and make examples out of your own personal health challenges, or some of those around you, and use them for learning. It is also where students ‘ground’ all of the content that they have been learning, ask questions, and help it to land inside themselves in a way that is usable going forward. It is because of the fact that this school was not created for large groups of thousands of students en mass, we are able to nurture small batches of budding herbalists in an intimate way. A way that produces uniquely effective practitioners. This, as you will see in the student testimonials below, is a highly personal journey and it takes time. You might consider this school to be like a small quality organic farm or production, as opposed to a larger corporate one.
Our intention is to help grow effective herbalists and natural healers that are also educated on some of the very specific and unique challenges that are emerging in our times. Our goal is to continue to offer this educational path as efficiently, affordably, and holistically as possible. To continue to gain increasing respect as a school and as a topic of study in North America.
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HOW WE STUDY & THE WMC
Ideally, we can meet in person, though the ways in which we learn have changed a lot since the internet and it is now easier for students to study over a distance. Many of our students have lived nowhere near the school or even in Canada and have ranged from Australia to the US, to Europe. The key principles that we cover, and many of the natural remedies themselves are common around the world. All kinds of educational institutions are offering courses via online classes and cyber meetings, which offers benefits such as reduced travel time and rapid accessibility to content.
With the Integrative Herbalist Apprenticeship Program, once a student purchases a module, they are invited to our online school learning hub the Wild Medicine Collective (WMC). This is a place for students to connect, co-inspire, and share as a collective if so desired. It is not obligatory to share or engage with other students, or to attend our group huddles or potlucks in person or online. This feature is offered as an opportunity to connect with other students and enhance your learning. If you live locally, or you are able to travel, then you will have the opportunity to attend guided plant walks and retreats. If you live far away, we have designed a method to orient you to your bio-region as well.
The school learning hub is also where you access all the course content for your core studies: directions, questions, digital workbooks, and videos. As you work through your studies you will then book times to meet with your teacher, as well as have the option of participating in monthly online group lessons and sharing huddles with featured plants, conditions and guest speakers. If you cannot make the meeting live then you can watch the recording afterwards. We are also collectively building a wisdom vault; a digital forum of videos, articles and podcasts on a variety of topics related to herbalism, healing, relationship and even self realization.
HOW LONG IS THE COURSE?
This is a course designed for the serious student and committed future practitioner, who passionately wants to help others and the planet. It is for those who are looking to truly explore and integrate the diverse concepts of holistic medicine. You can take one module at a time, and even if you only ever completed one module, you would still be further ahead and wiser to the ways of natural health and vitality. This terrain is wild, intuitive, ancient, yet equally rational, scientific, well researched, and grounded.
Studying requires a deep personal devotion and just like digesting food, it takes time to integrate the content and essence of the teachings in a genuine, practical, and meaningful way. Studying is a sacrifice of time and energy, and that is also what makes our study sacred. It is our chance to commit our energy to something we truly feel is real and that matters to us. To be an effective herbalist is a bit like being a gardener – of yourself and others. It requires intuition and vision, like an artist or musician. It also requires passionate research and study - like a good detective or scientist as well. These are just some of the qualities we deepen and develop in ourselves along the path of studying the healing arts and herbalism.
In the Integrative Herbalist Apprenticeship Program, we strive to encompass all of the above information and experiences in a personalized and unique program of study. We work with the student’s timeline and ability (both energetically and financially) to absorb the learning necessary to become a competent and confident Herbalist and Natural Healer. On average, this program and approach takes between 2.5 and 3.5 years of committed study by the serious student.
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A COMMON QUESTION - IS HERBALISM SUITABLE FOR ALL FAITHS / BELIEF SYSTEMS?
This is a real and valid concern for some people interested in learning a global approach to herbalism and healing. Herbalism is not a religion, it is an art and a science as old as the hills. Plants feed us all the same regardless of our world views and religions. Plants, fungi, and practices like sitting quietly in nature benefit us all equally regardless of race or religions. Some of us use different terminology, but there have been great herbalists / physicians from all faiths. We can see frankincense and Myrrh in the bible, just as we can see the herb copal, sage, or cedar used in more Indigenous "Pagan" belief systems. None of that may matter to a modern entho-botanist or researcher looking for a breakthrough in managing or addressing disease.
We have had many people of varying faiths in this program who have had no issues grasping the "essence or core meaning" of what is being shared. The tradition of Ayurveda for example is based in Hindu culture but the teachings are easily applied to all culture and situations. You may have to translate some of the concepts to your own language of comfort, but they tend to be universal and it's quite easy to do so. Just as a different culture may call garlic by a different name, we can still learn what they used it for and how they used it.
However, herbalism can include a deeper element of philosophy and spirituality. Yet true holistic principles and methods of healing transcend any perceived divisions of separation between us – our races, our religions, or our ideas of division. Nature unites us all as we are all made up of the same earth. Plants themselves are great examples of this as they do not only help people of one religion or culture and not another - they help us all the same. This also involves the understanding that healing and dis-ease can, and often do, require addressing all levels of our being.
Just as a “salve” heals a cut or wound, “salv-ation” can heal a deeper wound or mistaken view in the mind, which can effect the heart and soul. Again, that does not require that we are – or are not – in a certain religion, this is a topic of spiritual wholeness and remembering our place in the sacredness of creation. For example, the herb Sage has been used around the world by so many cultures through time, and it's botanical latin name is salvia, which means to make whole, or to save. Yet we also know this plant is held very sacred to the many diverse Indigenous tribes of the Americas.
This is a practical “nuts and bolts” herbalism course, however it also has plenty of what some might refer to as somewhat “spiritual content.” However, it is not a large part of the content unless you want it to be. In the end, as the saying goes - love and laughter are indeed the best medicines, and nature heals. Though our world suffers today under hyper-materialism, and the self consciousness, fear, and greed that often accompanies it, there is still of course a place for modern medicine – the gifts of diagnosis, surgery, and even certain pharmaceuticals. However, if we look more closely into holistic philosophy the boundaries between what appeared "separate" tend to dissolve. Were we once saw a division, we eventually discover a kind of undeniable unity. ___________________________________________________________________________________
WHAT DO I NEED TO QUALIFY FOR THIS PROGRAM?
To apply for this program, you can fill out the application at the bottom of the page and email it to [email protected]. Please ensure that you have read the full course description below. You do not require any other educational institution certificates. After your application is received then you will be contacted for a short interview to make sure the program is a good fit for you and the school.
WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?
Currently, there is no official authority for regulating who can call themselves herbalists. However, in Canada there are generally three main ways to become a recognized professional Herbalist (According to the Canadian Council of Herbal Associations):
a) Formal Study through an Herbal School
b) Ancestral Traditional Learning (First Nations or other)
c) Apprenticeship under a practicing Herbalist.
This program will take place over approximately a 2.5-3.5-year period depending on your own inspiration and lifestyle. The total number of estimated hours of study is 1255 which is just about 4 hours per week. Due to the natural flow of our lives, this will depend on life schedules, vacations, etc. You do not pay by the month; you pay by the module. There is a limited number of people able to fit into this program at one time, so it is expected that you make steady progress on the modules. If your life changes course and you need to take a break from your studies, it is best to bow out of the program to make room for another wanting to join until you can return.
DISTANCE LEARNING
As previously mentioned, the course can be made available for those who do not live near Winnipeg, via meetings online or even by telephone if need be. We will be doing video or audio recording at the group meetings for those who cannot make the group dates.
THE COURSE WILL INCLUDE:
– Personal instruction (45 minute to 1 hour meetings - an average of 2 per module).
– Reading assignments using textbooks, handouts, or specific web articles.
– Audio and film recordings of Master Herbalist, Chad Cornell discussing relevant topics.
– Short essays, audio and video recordings, and other assignments on various topics will be assigned to ensure the information is being well integrated.
– Verbal discussions, written quizzes, and case studies to ensure you are integrating the information in a usable fashion.
– Field exams and excursions where you will be asked to identify plants in the wild, demonstrate healing and assessment techniques, and so on.
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TESTIMONIALS FROM STUDENTS
"I am so impressed with the Integrative Herbal Apprenticeship program taught by Chad Cornell, M.H. Before embarking on this journey, I had bits and pieces of knowledge, with no way to bring it together. This program has helped me develop a well-rounded understanding of all aspects of plant medicine and healing as a general practice. It has taught me that herbalism isn't a career choice but an honour, and I am truly grateful and honoured to carry the tradition. The apprenticeship program has been a gift, and I am excited to continue with it. I would highly recommend this program to anyone who feels called to deepen their relationship with the plant medicine world, as well as their true authentic Self."
~ Annie Crema, Squamish B.C.
“My journey into the program started from my passion to provide efficacious healing for my community, but it has also permeated the deepest layers of being, to really help me understand why Chad reminds us ‘Healer, heal thyself’. That healing has provided deeper understanding of the teachings, and greater empathy for the journeys of the members of my community. While it hasn’t always been easy, the increased practice of discipline is unto itself a healing process that provides great wisdom that was well known to our ancestors.”
- C. Martens, Winnipeg, MB
"The Integrative Herbalist Program through Master Herbalist Chad Cornell allows one the space and opportunity to cultivate experience and knowledge from vast areas of interest in the herbal medicine world. Throughout my time as an apprentice herbalist, I have undertaken learning topics such as Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic practices, anatomy, herbal remedies, healing with whole foods, among others. The integrative approach allows each apprentice to follow their own path of interests, while still adhering to the outline of the Herbalist Program. The Apprentice Program instilled a drive to learn and experience what I could not have thought possible before, such as working with energies, astrology, and breath work. Additionally, the summer herb retreats out onto the land, rejuvenating oneself from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, while seeing directly for yourself the wild Manitoba plants and herbs in their natural environment. The Integrative Herbalist Program in short not only taught me about herbs, healing, and health, it taught me about myself and how to navigate and integrate myself more holistically into our world today."
~ Ryan Kologinski, Winnipeg, MB
“The Herbalist Apprenticeship program with Chad Cornell is so much more than just learning about plants and herbs. It is a program that integrates all modalities of healing. You will deepen your connection with yourself while deepening your connection to Mother Earth and all living things. While learning how to heal others, you will also learn how to heal yourself and how to become “whole”. The practices you learn while working with Chad will serve you and will serve the people around you for the rest of your life. “
~ David Toews, Kenora, ON
“I feel blessed to have the opportunity to be guided through herbalism by Master Herbalist, Chad Cornell. His Apprenticeship Program has been a knowledgeable and heartfelt journey through science and spirit. I am confident that this knowledge, integrating past and present, ancient and current, will be the foundation in my practice of guiding others toward their path of healing.”
~ Stephanie Snadden, MB
"The Integrative Herbalist program has been an important part of my development not only as a healer, but as a more mature and whole human in general. Chad’s wisdom, friendship and guidance has given me a rich base and anchor in my personal growth. We come to this work to offer people healing through natural means. Chad’s program goes far beyond that, addressing balance on all fronts, physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. In this program we explore both east and west, ancient, and modern to bring together the medicine our time needs most. A strong sense of independence is earned through this process as well as the opportunity to recognize and overcome personal challenges and an invitation to explore and integrate our unique flavour and interests.
This program is for those called to reconnect with the wisdom of nature and enter into deep personal exploration. It’s for those committed to knowing themselves, helping others and bringing more balance to this world. For those ready to go on this transformative journey, I couldn’t recommend it enough."
~ Danielle Caners, MB
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COURSE CONTENT OUTLINE
Please note that there are three levels, or stages, to the overall program. To graduate as a fully qualified Integrative Herbalist one must complete all three levels.
LEVEL I: TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE CARRIER: Level I comprises the first 4 modules. It steeps the student in the foundational wisdom and key principles of herbalism. It is designed to empower one to be a resource for knowledge and information related to plants for personal healing and to develop one’s understanding in how to use healing botanicals and make good medicine!
LEVEL II: FOUNDATIONS IN HOLISTIC MEDICINE: Level II comprises the 5 modules following Level I. This level takes the student deeper into the study of medicinal mushrooms, chakras and the subtle energy body, meditation, eastern nutrition, traditional methods of how to assess oneself and others, and much more. Upon completion, it enables the student to act as a valuable community and family resource, and to function as an emissary for methods of natural healing which move beyond plants.
LEVEL III: INTEGRATIVE HERBALIST: Level III requires that you have completed your 3 electives and have written your final thesis. This level of studies is highly focused on the practical application of what has been learned thus far. We look further into specific approaches to common ailments, and the many details of a safe and successful practice. We move further into creating client intake forms, and an extensive practicum where students see clients and review their files with Chad Cornell. We will be going over some additional formulas and remedies, while we will also be focusing on the business side of your practice or venture in terms of insurance, regulations, and getting your gifts, services and products out into the world. Upon completion, you will be granted a certificate as well as given some final teachings as related to your practice.
PLEASE SEE BELOW FOR FULL DETAILS ON THE CONTENT OF EACH OF THE PROGRAM LEVELS.
Level 1 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Level II ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
8. Client Assessment & Medicine Dreaming
9. Complementary Practice (Compulsory)
Level III Client Practicum ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
10. Common Ailments & Protocols I (Compulsory)
B. Fermentation Essentials:
C. Entheogens - Modern and Traditional Use of Psychoactive Plants and Navigating Their Modern Resurgence:
D. Plant Spirit Herbalism & Non linear Ways of Learning:
E. Flower Essences, Vitalism, & Homeopathy:
G. Sweat Lodge & Lodge Medicines:
Graduation!
It is suggested that you partake in a small cleanse, a gentle fast, or visioning process, for clarifying your intentions for your practice ahead. This can be done on the land out at the yurt or elsewhere.
You will of course receive a beautiful certificate of completion for your office, apothecary or intake space!
APPLICATION ~
If you are interested in applying for a spot in the program, please answer the following questions and send them to Chad at c[email protected]. The next step would be an in person, online, or phone interview to clarify any questions and make sure it is the right program for you. If all proceeds well, and there is a space available, then you can get started!
Please email if you have any questions!
204-786-0820
The Hollow Reed School of Healing Arts & Herbals
St. Norbert Arts Centre (100 Rue des Ruines du Monastere)
Ph: (204)786-0820
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