Reprinted from a blog by Mary Sullivan on HCOCM.org
Photos by Abbie White and Mary Sullivan
My husband and I trucked into Somverville MA for Herbstalk 2015. Herbstalk was a blast of activity, fun and learning. There is a vital energy associated with so many people young and old jazzed about where they are and what they are doing. The weekend was a celebration all about herbs. Thirty dollars bought a weekend ticket to Herbstalk 2015. Time & money well spent.
Herbstalk has
- outdoor walks
- traditional lectures
- demonstration classes
- intensives.
The weather was perfect for outdoor or indoor activity. Each time slot during the conference had four options, so you could tailor your day and your learning. For most of the conference my husband used the divide and conquer strategy, we split up to get more coverage. I attended different classes, on topics to augment my knowledge and help me personally. The 90 minute class time provided the opportunity for real in depth exploration. Handouts were available to download from the Herbstalk.org for participants. The speakers included doctors, herbalists, educators and business people, experts eager to share. I will talk about a few to give you a sense of the variety of topics covered over the course of the weekend.
I am working to stay cool and calm this summer, so Madeline Hope’s discussion on “Stress Immunity, Mood and Sleep” was a perfect fit. Madeline Hope is the director of the Boston School of Herbal Studies.
Madeline reviewed the current understanding of the biochemistry of stress. She spoke in a very accessible way, starting with the brain and hormones. Madeline gave key suggestions on how herbs can help chill you out to a packed room. She had samples to try of tinctures and teas and shared recipes from a deep reservoir of formulating experience.
Lyme disease is very common to the point of endemic in New England, so I really wanted to catch Emily French discuss “Herbal Approaches to Lyme Disease”. Emily is owner of Sweet Grass Herbals and a clinical herbalist with broad experience in helping Lyme clients in central Massachusetts. 
She led an interesting discussion on the use of herbals in the treatment of Lyme disease. Several herbalists also in the audience added to the discussion with their questions and points of view. Emily discussed herbal approaches for all the stages of this illness.
I also went to an herbal garden design lecture, “Planning and Planting an Herb Garden” with Any Hirshfield. I am always trying to use my garden efficiently. Amy Hirschfeld is owner of Soluna Garden Farm in Winchester, MA. She gave a class on the importance and details of planning in creating a beautiful and productive herbal garden. The discussion was full of practical experience and humor. Independent of space you can grow and enjoy your own herbs.
In the main hall there were a variety of herbal vendors with teas, clothing, posters, books, tinctures and plants. HCOCM member Rachel Ross had a table offering her wild crafted teas. 
A raffle was held in support of Herbstalk. Several local restaurants offered foods for purchase on site. Music conversation fun and learning was the theme of this weekend conference. Plan to give it a try next year!