Phytochemistry of Plants

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Understanding the chemistry of our healing plants.

Lacking confidence in understanding the chemical constituents in plants and their medicinal effects? This course is for students who want to gain a deeper understanding of plant compounds and their actions on the body. In this live zoom series, we will explore the mysteries of these natural compounds - from alkaloids and flavonoids to terpenes, tannins, and glycosides. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a practicing herbalist, this course will help you understand the scientific foundation behind plant medicine.

We’ll explore how these phytochemicals work in the human body, connecting traditional herbal knowledge with modern biochemistry. Discover why turmeric reduces inflammation, how alkaloids like caffeine and morphine influence the nervous system, and why antioxidants from berries protect cells at a molecular level. By studying the language of plant chemistry, you’ll gain practical tools to understand why herbs are so effective and how to work with them more skillfully.

The class will also highlight ethnobotanical perspectives - how cultures around the world have discovered and applied these plant compounds for healing, ritual, and daily life long before laboratories gave them names. By weaving together tradition and science, you’ll come away with a holistic appreciation of plant chemistry as both practical knowledge and ancient wisdom.

Delivered live via Zoom, this course offers interactive learning, space for your questions, and clear, accessible explanations. Join us online and discover the chemistry of healing.

The course will be taught by Sage L. Maurer ~ Director of The Gaia School of Healing. Sage founded The Gaia School of Healing in New England in 2001, and has trained over 50 rounds of apprentices over the past 24 years. In Southern Vermont, she teaches in partnership with ten acres of land covered in abundant healing plants and offers courses in sacred plant medicine, ethnobotany, ancestral herbalism, deep ecology, and eco-spirituality year-round. To learn more about Sage visit our About Us page.

Note ~ All classes recorded for unlimited future viewing.

Some of the Plant Constituents We Will Explore:

Flavonoids ~ Alkaloids ~ Polysaccharides ~ Mucilages ~ Lignans ~ Tannins ~ Resins ~ Saponins ~ Sterols ~ Terpenes & Terpenoids ~ Volatile Oils ~ Glycosides ~ Coumarins ~ Bitter compounds

Accessibility Options

If the full tuition isn’t accessible right now but you feel call to join us, we also offer a payment plan of three equal payments of $100.