Spring Herbal Weekend

March 23rd - 25th, 2012

The springtime focus of The Lodge at Woodloch’s Seasonal Herbal Weekend series is cleansing herbs, as spring is the season to remove excesses and stagnation left over from wintertime. Just as the energy of nature begins to stir with the blossoming of trees and the rising up of leafy plant growth, the body’s energy stirs and desires renewal. Cleansing herbs and dietary practices, especially those that benefit the liver and gallbladder, help to harmonize the body with the vernal season. In addition to herbal approaches offered in presentations by The Lodge’s own Nathaniel Whitmore, Certified Master Herbalist, featured fitness classes that benefit the liver and help to correct energy imbalances will also be highlighted this weekend along with seasonal spa treatments to nourish vital energy and promote renewal.

Creating Herbal and Holistic Harmony with the Spring Season - 4:00pm

Explore an introduction of the 5 Chinese elements and other eastern medicine philosophies driving the theory behind creating herbal and holistic harmony with the seasons. This session delves into the energy of spring and its correspondences of the waxing moon, the direction of east, awakenings and new beginnings, childhood, morning, the liver and the gallbladder and explains how harmony with these correspondences will result in better health and wellness throughout this time of year. Review foods that relate to this philosophy and how they can be incorporated into your diet.

Allergies Demystified - 5:00pm

Discover the dynamics of food and environmental allergies. Learn natural remedies to help reduce allergy symptoms and address underlying causes. Nathaniel Whitmore specializes in wild edible and medicinal plants, Herbology and whole food dietetics.

Spring Morning Tea – 10:00am

This introductory session to the weekend includes an overview of herbal uses in sync with the time of year. The tea hour will pay tribute to the morning and help welcome in the season known for rebirth and renewal.

Seasonal Cooking Demonstration - 11:00am

Master Herbalist Nathaniel Whitmore and our Chef will be “cooking up” items that combine foods and herbs that correspond to the spring season with an emphasis on detoxification and cleansing. Local and organic foods will be chosen and used for their seasonal benefits along with sprouts, mushrooms, scallions, asparagus, wheat and barley for their flavorful and healthy ways.

Signs of Spring Plant Walk - 10:00am

Join Master Herbalist Nathaniel Whitmore for a casual walk on our beautiful grounds in search of emerging signs of spring through early sightings of many common plants native to our area. Advance sign up required through Spa Concierge.

Herbs that Detox & Cleanse - 11:00am

Herbalist Nathaniel Whitmore leads guests through this 50-minute workshop on how to use herbs for cleansing the body, with a special focus on cleansing the blood and liver. Nathaniel specializes in wild edible and medicinal plants, Herbology, and whole food dietetics. Private consultations are also available through Spa Concierge.

Featured Spa Treatment for the Spring Herbal Weekend

Spring Herbal Retreat

Enjoy the benefits of spring time herbs and relaxing massage in this unique experience! Your Swedish massage will calm mind, body and spirit, focusing on tight muscles of the neck and a treatment to soothe tired eyes. An oil blend of citrus, cypress and juniper will balance the body’s energies, leaving you uplifted and refreshed!
50 minutes, $120
Please contact the Spa Concierge to make a treatment appointment.