THE ART & SCIENCE OF TINCTURE MAKING
9/25-27/2026 – FRIDAY 2:30PM-3:20PM | SATURDAY 1:30PM-2:20PM | SUNDAY 11AM-11:50AM
LOCATION: COMMON GROUND FAIR, UNITY – HERB TENT
FREE WITH ADMISSION TO THE FAIR
Elevate your herbal medicine-making skills in this focused lecture on tinctures. Learn ideal herb-to-menstruum ratios, choosing the right alcohol concentration, best practices for preparing the herbs, and which herbs are best suited for tincturing. Dr. Nate Petley, naturopathic doctor and clinical herbalist, will provide practical tips and clear guidance for safer, more effective extracts.
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BREWED BOTANICALS: MASTERING WATER EXTRACTIONS
TUESDAY 10/20/26 & TUESDAY 10/27/26 6PM-8PM
MESSALONSKEE ADULT ED – GO TO WWW.MMRACE.ORG TO REGISTER
REGISTRSTION FEE $80, MATERIALS FEE DUE AT FIRST CLASS: $20
Join Dr. Petley for an immersive journey into the world of water extractions. Explore the rich traditions of herbalism and therapeutic benefits of botanicals as he shares his expertise and experience in herbal medicine.
Class 1: Discover the distinctions between infusions and decoctions, and how best to prepare leaves, flowers, roots, and seeds. Elevate your tea experience by mastering the nuances of water temperature, tea quantity, and steeping time. Whether you’re a seasoned sipper or a curious newcomer, you’ll gain practical insights to enhance every brew. Students are encouraged to bring their favorite cup for sampling.
Class 2: This engaging class enhances the skills of crafting decoctions by transforming them into delicious syrups. Participants will create and sample several recipes, including the ever-popular elderberry syrup. Discussions will cover herb selection, ingredients, and the nuances of each recipe ensuring a valuable learning experience.
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ESSENTIAL OILS & BLENDING
THURSDAY 10/22/26 AND THURSDAY 10/29/26 6PM-8PM
MAINE CENTER FOR NATURAL HEALTH – CALL OR EMAIL TO REGISTER (8 SEATS REMAINING)
REGISTRATION FEE: $100
Class 1: Introduction to Essential Oils
Join Dr. Petley for a fun evening of wafting, sniffing, and, if you’re not careful, snorting pure essential oils (snorting not recommended, of course). Participants will gain a deeper understanding of essential oils: what they are, how they are made, how they work therapeutically, and how to determine quality oils. This class will also cover essential oil safety and various uses for the home herbalist. Recipes will be provided to get you started at home and each student will get a free bottle of sweet orange essential oil.
Class 2: Blending Essential Oils
In this lively class, learn how to blend essential oils like a professional. Dr. Petley will demonstrate the steps he takes to determine which oils work well together and how to determine the ratios of each used. He will discuss various blending factors including medicinal value, energetic properties, and scent characteristics. Each student will take home a 1ml vial of a blend made in class.
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HEALING STARTS AT HOME: REMEDIES FROM YOUR BACKYARD
TUESDAY 11/10/26 6PM-8PM
MESSALONSKEE ADULT ED – GO TO WWW.MMRACE.ORG TO REGISTER
REGISTRATION FEE $30
Ever wander your backyard and wonder which plants are growing- and which are edible? Join Dr. Nate Petley, naturopathic doctor and clinical herbalist, for a virtual tour of a common Maine backyard. Learn to identify everyday plants and weeds, discover their medicinal and culinary uses, and master safe, sustainable harvesting techniques. Perfect for anyone looking to explore local lants, gardeners, homesteaders, and herbalists alike.
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VITAMIN D MASTERCLASS
MONDAY 11/16/26* 6PM-8PM
MAINE CENTER FOR NATURAL HEALTH – CALL OR EMAIL TO REGISTER (8 SEATS REMAINING)
REGISTRATION FEE $50 – Prepayment required as space is limited
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Led by Dr, Nate Petley, ND, this is a no-fluff masterclass on one of the most essential nutrients critical for human health: vitamin D. In this lecture, you’ll go beyond basic definitions to understand how vitamin D is produced in the body starting with sunlight, how your body uses it, how to interpret labs correctly, and when supplementation makes sense. Learn how to optimize your health, stabilize mood, support bone health, improve your immune system, manage low test results, and make sense of conflicting vitamin D advice.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
· Factors surrounding how the body utilizes sunlight to make vitamin D
· Why vitamin D is more like a hormone than a traditional vitamin
· Symptoms of deficiency and signs of overdose
· Interactions with other nutrients, herbs, and medications
· How vitamin D plays a role in bone health
· How vitamin D plays a role in immune health
· How vitamin D plays a role in mood, particularly seasonal affective disorder
· Why it’s important to test for vitamin D, which labs are best, and how to interpret results
· How to choose quality supplements, including when to combine nutrients for better results
· Ideal dosing options to reach target goals
TAKEAWAY
From lecture and handouts, you’ll better understand vitamin D from production and health benefits to lab testing and supplementation.
*In the event of a full class, a second class will be scheduled November 23 and November 30.
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NEW! DESIGN YOUR OWN LECTURE/WORKSHOP
MAINE CENTER FOR NATURAL HEALTH – CALL OR EMAIL TO SCHEDULE
1: Choose class topic (naturopathic medicine, herbalism, gardening).
2: Find 5+ people to join.
3. Contact Dr. Nate Petley, ND with proposed topic and expected group size to allow for logistics, scheduling options, cost, and appropriate length of the class.
4: Coordinate dates and times with your group. Lock in the seat count to allow for sufficient handouts and materials.
*Organizer gets half price lecture.