Thursday 4th, 11th and 18th December. Course comprising of 3 Sessions; 1.Herbalism Principles, 2.The Maker's Art. 3.The Apothecary's Practice

The Workshop

Session 1 — Herbalism Principles
This session introduces the principles of herbal extraction and solubility through practical demonstrations. We explore how temperature, solvent type, and pH influence colour and compound release using butterfly pea infusion, hibiscus tincture, and nettle oxymel. Participants learn the chemical basis of infusion, maceration, and acid-base balance. Participants will be able to create their own Oxymel to take home with them.

Session 2 — The Maker’s Art
Building on the foundations of extraction, this session focuses on formulation and preservation. We examine the role of heat, solvent polarity, and carrier media in the creation of decoctions, tinctures, and salves. Through the preparation of turmeric decoction, a personal tincture, and the Winter’s Breath chest salve, students gain hands-on understanding of emulsification, shelf life, and stability in botanical preparations. Participants will be able to create and take home their own personal tincture.

Session 3 — The Apothecary's Practice
Our final session integrates applied herbal formulation and material science. Participants create pigment-based inks, anointing oils, and herbal poultices, learning how physical extraction, oxidation, and binding agents influence colour, aroma, and texture. The focus is on refining technique, ensuring quality, and applying laboratory principles to small-scale apothecary production. Participants will create and take home their personal anointing oils.

The Practitioner

Ross Withers is a UK-based herbalist (Diploma in Master Herbalism, level 5 in teaching) and founder of Withers Apothecary, specialising in traditional Western herbal practice, natural formulation, and small-scale alchemical production. His work bridges historical apothecary craft with modern botanical science, focusing on extraction chemistry, plant energetics, and practical herbal education. Herbalism is a Withers family tradition spanning over 120 years!

The Venue and Time

The Purple Spell Shop - Library Area.

Time:  7:30pm - 10pm

Age Limitations

This is a strictly age 18+ event, due to the location and nature of the talk