After purchasing this course, sign in to the site and scroll down this page to the bottom. Click on the link to the module 1 there. Enjoy!
Heroines of Herbalism
Welcome to the Heroines of Herbalism elixir making course. This learning journey is an exploration of the contributions of three great women herbalists to herbal medicine since medieval times. Over three units, we celebrate the work of Hildegard von Bingen, Lydia Pinkham and Juliette Baïracli Levy.
Hildegard is a fascinating figure in early holistic medicine, applying scientific practices to the documentation and understanding of herbal medicine well before the advent of biomedicine. She stood firm amid health woes, misogynistic resistance from key male figures in her church, and the limiting life of a Benedictine nun in the Middle Ages. Her written works include the illustrated Rupertsberg manuscript (in Scivias), the ‘Dendermonde Codex’ and the ‘Liber Divinorum Operum’. Her medical texts include ‘Physica’ and ‘Causes and Cures’.
Lydia Pinkham was an innovator and fought bravely for womens rights to natural medicines in 19th century medicine. She gave women an alternative to the drastic, often unhygienic and unnecessary surgical interventions that were regularly prescribed by doctors for common female complaints, and she paved the way for women to take their health into their own hands. Not only did she make waves in herbal medicine but became the most recognizable face in 19th century America with her incredibly successful direct to consumer marketing approach.
Juliette de Bairacli Levy was a modern herbalist with a commitment to learning from nature. She spent decades of her life living with gypsy folk, discovering the art of sustainable nature cure from those who were close to plants and animals and slept under the stars. Juliette was a pioneer for natural veterinary care, reminding us that the gifts of plant medicines are there for the betterment of animal, human and earth. Her many books, poems and stories reveal her compassionate and connected approach to herbalism and she is a beloved figure in the history of herbalism.
This course encompasses three learning units with a bonus unit. It is self paced, online and loving curated with instructional videos and plentiful resources. Learning resources include fully downloadable module book, recipes, recipe cards, monographs and bottle labels.
Level of experience required is: familiarity with elixir making. It is not recommended for beginners but is suitable for those with some training in manufacturing herbal medicines.
There is a dedicated ‘Heroines of Herbalism Herb Bundle’ (pictured below) available for purchase with this course.

The Heroines of Herbalism Herb Bundle kit contains all of the herbs required for you to complete the elixir making exercises in this course. They are pre-measured and ready to go! We don’t provide bottles but recommend 100mL bottles, such as those shown below. 50mL may also be handy with droppers should you wish to drop dose.

All about the Heroines of Herbalism Course
The video below comes from our module introduction and gives you an overview of the course contents and learning goals. For more information feel free to contact us.
Heroines of Herbalism is suitable for:
- Anyone with previous experience in herbalism such as students and practitioners of herbalism or naturopathy.
- Anyone who wants to make high quality herbal extracts and create their home apothecary to enhance detoxification, hormonal balance, nervous system function and antioxidant status and general health.
- Herbalism and Naturopathy students who want to deepen medicine manufacture skill and incorporate historical, semantic and creative understanding of the herbal medicine making process
- Herbalists and Naturopaths seeking to re-awaken grass roots herbal medicine making
- Anybody seeking inspiration for entrepreneurial product creation.
How long do I have to complete my course?
You have access to this course online for 24 months after purchase. Module books, recipes and other downloadables can be saved and/or printed and kept for a lifetime.
How long will it take to complete the Heroines of Herbalism course?
Ideally 3 weeks at a relaxed and enjoyable pace. Everybody has different paces of learning. We estimate each unit to take 2-7 hours to read/view and assimilate, and ideally you can cover 1 unit a week for 3 weeks, while the final unit can become a life long experiential practice if you like.
How do I start my course?
Head to “Explore Courses” in the top menu bar and click on the course you purchased. Click on the”Start Course” button. There is a video instructional on starting your course on the first Module page.
Can I share my login with others?
We respectfully ask that you do not share your login details with others, (apart from children) in acknowledgement of the effort, care and expense that has gone into making this course and also for your own security.
Can I buy units individually?
The Heroines of Herbalism course is designed to be taken in its entirety and is not available as stand-alone units.
Do I receive a certificate at completion of the course?
Absolutely! When you pass your final quiz at the end of the third module, we will assess your short answers and upon passing, you will receive your certificate of completion.
Where do Elixirs fit into Herbal Medicine practice?
Elixirs are a high strength, preserved form of herbal medicine that can be created for clients by herbalists/naturopaths, as well as for oneself for those looking to creating a home apothecary. They are medicinal strength products.
Can I enrol in Heroines of Herbalism if I live outside of Australia?
Certainly, we welcome anybody, anywhere to join our school and enjoy our courses. Many of our partner suppliers ship overseas so getting your materials should not be a problem but do ask us first if unsure as we cannot guarantee overseas delivery for all countries.
How much will this course cost apart from the WMA fee?
If you buy the dedicated Heroines of Herbalism bundle, all your raw materials will be covered for only $20. Beyond this, standard kitchen equipment is suitable and you may only need to outlay a small amount for items such as small measuring cups or muslin. Don’t forget you get up to 10% discount with most of our partner suppliers too!
How can I ask questions? Use the ‘Ask the Facilitator a Question’ button at the end of each unit. In time we will have an online forum as well. Questions can also be asked in our private and dedicated Facebook groups.
How technical is the course material?
This course is designed for those with some prior knowledge of elixir making or herbalism.
Can I try the course out before I buy?
Unfortunately no, however if upon purchase you feel the course is not suitable, you can request a refund less than 24 hours after purchase providing that you have not accessed more than one unit and have not made any downloads of any course materials. (For more information see our terms and conditions)