Herbalist Emily Stock has spent more than a decade studying the art of herbalism and learning to use herbs to treat various conditions as well as make natural, chemical-free body-care products.
She is sharing her herbal expertise with the community on Thursday, March 21, at a free class offered by Moonflower Community Cooperative. The presentation is called “Organ Systems: Chinese 5 Elements” and will take place in the store from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
“One of the modalities I use is traditional Chinese medicine, it’s an aspect that’s fun to share,” Stock said.
The Chinese five elements refer to the body’s organs of the liver, heart, lungs, spleen/pancreas and kidneys, the physiological functions and how “they all interrelate with each other,” she said.
“We’ll go over herbs and ways to identify imbalances in the organ systems and ways to address the imbalances,” Stock said.
Correcting imbalances within the body may include the use of herbs, as well as dietary recommendations and sometimes lifestyle changes, she said.
“A lot of my focus will be on the organ systems and how emotions interplay,” she said.
In 2011, Stock founded Sundial Medicinals — Handmade Herbal Medicines and Body Care Products. Available products include tea blends, balms, body-care products and herbal tinctures that are sold at Moonflower Community Cooperative. She’ll be serving one of her tea blends at the Organ Systems: Chinese 5 Elements class.
Moonflower Community Cooperative Manager Derek Whitworth said Stock’s products provide a valuable service to the community. Stock also provides training and information on use of herbs to Moonflower’s employees, he added.
“Emily always has a great turnout for her classes,” Whitworth said. “It’s great, approachable education for holistic healing.”
Stock, 30, said she began an apprenticeship around the age of 18, and has been studying herbs ever since. She attended various programs and recently graduated from Michael Tierra’s East West School of Planetary Herbology, based in California.
Stock has spent time working at herb farms, and attends conferences around the country to stay up-to-date on philosophy and clinical practices.
At her apothecary clinic, Stock advises people on underlying patterns of imbalances through her “lens of multiple modalities,” including Western herbalism and Chinese medicine.
“It’s been a long journey of a lot of self-study and growing herbs myself,” she said.
Stock sells her herbal products wholesale regionally and beyond. She uses herbs that she grows herself, or she sources herbs that are ethically wildcrafted or certified organic. Base ingredient materials such as oils, plant butters or alcohols are also organic.
The Organ Systems: Chinese 5 Elements class is the first in a two-part series taught by Stock. Next week’s class on Thursday, March 28, is titled Spirit Systems: Chinese 5 Elements and will include a philosophical discussion about the different spiritual aspects residing in the body and how a person can find balance, Stock said.
“I’m always grateful to teach at Moonflower,” she said. “They have a great educational program. It’s great to teach people for free, it’s one of the things I love about this community.”
Moonflower offers free educational classes with Emily Stock
When: Thursday, March 21, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Where: Moonflower Community Cooperative, 39 E. 100 North
Cost: Free
Info: Call 435-259-5712 or visit moonflower.coop or sundialmedicinals.com
“I’m always grateful to teach at Moonflower. They have a great educational program. It’s great to teach people for free, it’s one of the things I love about this community.”
