Denise Joy is a fourth generation herbalist with an herbal tradition passed from woman to woman in the oral tradition. Denise celebrates her herbal lineage from her Ukrainian Gypsy great grandmother who guided her early training, from age nine to fourteen. She has also gained knowledge through books and self-teaching and has been augmented by studying with renowned herbalists and healers in Hawaii and Washington State. Denise carries a way of life connected with place and community. For over thirty-two years she has owned and operated Mountain Spirit Herbals, where she makes, grows, and wild crafts much of the company’s product.
“Plants are like people,” Each one has a distinct personality. Without knowing their personalities it is really hard to mix them together.” Over the years of studying and learning from plants, Denise has mastered the art of combining medicinal herbs to heal and care for her community.
She has served the Port Townsend area as an herbalist, medicine maker, and healer during this time. Among her knowledge and teachings are decades of experience in the identification of herbs by sight, smell, touch, and taste. Beyond her own organoleptic abilities, she has taught over 50 apprentices throughout the Pacific Northwest, students and woofers from around the world. She is well-versed in herbal properties and their uses. Denise takes great pride in her products. All of her products are handcrafted from raw materials whose identities she can readily confirm using her aforementioned vast knowledge and resources including those from her own garden. Please visit her website: www.MountainSpiritHerbals.com. You may contact Denise via e-mail at: mtnspirit@olympus.net
“Plants are like people,” Each one has a distinct personality. Without knowing their personalities it is really hard to mix them together.” Over the years of studying and learning from plants, Denise has mastered the art of combining medicinal herbs to heal and care for her community.
She has served the Port Townsend area as an herbalist, medicine maker, and healer during this time. Among her knowledge and teachings are decades of experience in the identification of herbs by sight, smell, touch, and taste. Beyond her own organoleptic abilities, she has taught over 50 apprentices throughout the Pacific Northwest, students and woofers from around the world. She is well-versed in herbal properties and their uses. Denise takes great pride in her products. All of her products are handcrafted from raw materials whose identities she can readily confirm using her aforementioned vast knowledge and resources including those from her own garden. Please visit her website: www.MountainSpiritHerbals.com. You may contact Denise via e-mail at: mtnspirit@olympus.net
2022 Presentations by Denise Joy
FRIDAY, AUGUST 19 ~ 11:00 am – 12:30 pm in Classroom Building B
"Herbal Treatment of Inflammation for Everyone"
During this class we will discuss the causes and simple herbal treatments for most inflammations, internal as well as external. We will touch on subjects such as inflammation of the mouth, the gastrointestinal tract, the joints and arthritis as well as chronic inflammatory diseases. Some of the herbs we will discuss can be used treat multiple conditions, both externally and internally.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 20 ~ 9:00 am – 10:30 am in Classroom Building B
"Building the Deluxe Family Herbal First-Aid Kit"
During this class I will teach you how to choose and find the herbs you may need for most emergencies around your home, also when in nature. An ideal first aid kit should prepare you for a variety of uses such as a short hiking trip, a long backpacking trip, camping, a day at the park or a drive across county, plus home uses. Your personal first aid kit should be tailored for the emergencies you can anticipate for your own family. We will also talk about Band-Aids and other supplies to include in your kits. You will learn how to build a first aid kit, how to make a healing balm, a simple tincture, a poultice and what herbs and essential oils are best to have at the ready for any emergency.
"Herbal Treatment of Inflammation for Everyone"
During this class we will discuss the causes and simple herbal treatments for most inflammations, internal as well as external. We will touch on subjects such as inflammation of the mouth, the gastrointestinal tract, the joints and arthritis as well as chronic inflammatory diseases. Some of the herbs we will discuss can be used treat multiple conditions, both externally and internally.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 20 ~ 9:00 am – 10:30 am in Classroom Building B
"Building the Deluxe Family Herbal First-Aid Kit"
During this class I will teach you how to choose and find the herbs you may need for most emergencies around your home, also when in nature. An ideal first aid kit should prepare you for a variety of uses such as a short hiking trip, a long backpacking trip, camping, a day at the park or a drive across county, plus home uses. Your personal first aid kit should be tailored for the emergencies you can anticipate for your own family. We will also talk about Band-Aids and other supplies to include in your kits. You will learn how to build a first aid kit, how to make a healing balm, a simple tincture, a poultice and what herbs and essential oils are best to have at the ready for any emergency.
2019 Presentations by Denise Joy
FRIDAY, AUGUST 23 ~ 11:00 am – 12:30 pm in Auditorium A
"Nervines for Today's World"
In the opening of this class we will learn how to make Marijuana Liquor. I will talk about the different ways to work with this herb for top results. We will also cover the herbs that work for simple as well as more complex relaxation herbs, and how they relax the body and why one would choose one over another. We will discuss the many different herbs and how they work for nervine tonics, and which are used for the treatment of headaches, depression, body aches, sleep disorder, restless leg syndrome, etc.
For example:
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24 ~ 9:00 am – 10:30 am in Auditorium A
"Many Faces of Asthma and other Lung Conditions"
Asthma is a plague of the modern world the by-product of our life style. There are many different types of asthma: Wet conditions and Dry conditions
We will cover some of the causes related to asthma and other lung conditions as well as herbs that work well with the different types including diet.
Coughing, dry hacking, wet coughing
"Nervines for Today's World"
In the opening of this class we will learn how to make Marijuana Liquor. I will talk about the different ways to work with this herb for top results. We will also cover the herbs that work for simple as well as more complex relaxation herbs, and how they relax the body and why one would choose one over another. We will discuss the many different herbs and how they work for nervine tonics, and which are used for the treatment of headaches, depression, body aches, sleep disorder, restless leg syndrome, etc.
For example:
- Lobelia has worked for many to relax the lungs after a coughing spasm. Lobelia is also used to help tobacco smokers quit because it helps to alleviate the cravings for tobacco.
- California poppy is a strong sleep aide and pain tonic
- Catnip is stomach nerve relaxant
- Chamomile is a general nerve tonic which is safe for everyone
- Hops claiming with alertness
- Lemon balm acts a heart nerve relaxant
- Lobelia acts as a lung nerve relaxant
- Marijuana, sleep relieve calming or stimulant depends on preparation
- Motherwort helps with heat palpitations
- Oat straw and Milky oats act as calcium nerve tonic
- Opium poppy is a strong pain reliever, not a tonic and that depends on the preparation and use. This is considered a smart herb.
- Skullcap is a nervine that works well with western medicine
- St. John’s Wort helps to reduce inflammation, calms emotions and is a nerve reliever
- Valerian root may be used as a strong sleep aide and pain reliever
- Wood Betony is a strong headache nervine tonic
- White willow bark provides an anti-inflammation effect
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24 ~ 9:00 am – 10:30 am in Auditorium A
"Many Faces of Asthma and other Lung Conditions"
Asthma is a plague of the modern world the by-product of our life style. There are many different types of asthma: Wet conditions and Dry conditions
We will cover some of the causes related to asthma and other lung conditions as well as herbs that work well with the different types including diet.
Coughing, dry hacking, wet coughing
- Wheezing
- Gasping/Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Allergic reactions/Strong orders and sprays
- Exercise induced
- Occupational
2018 Presentations by Denise Joy
FRIDAY, AUGUST 24 ~ 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm in Classroom Building B
"A Basic Soap Making Class Hands-on Workshop"
Participants please bring $5.00 material fee
Come experience the basic processes involved in making your own handmade soaps. This class will provide you a hands-on opportunity to make your own soap. You will use only cold pressed oils, clay and lye. Learn a basic recipe for creating a shampoo soap that you will be able to take home with you. Personalized, hand-made gifts are always appreciated treats which your family and friends will adore. Learn to be the crafter of these treasured soaps.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 25 ~ 9:00 am - 10:30 am in Classroom Building B
"Herbal Nervine Tonics"
There are many different herbs for nervine tonics, which are used for the treatment of headaches, depression, body aches, sleep disorder, restless leg syndrome, etc. Each herb has its own way of working with different parts of our body make up; for example right now the most popular nervine tonic is Cannabis because Cannabis is right for many cases. Cannabis has proven itself to be the wrong herb in other situations, where the tonic you may need could be as simple as Catnip, Chamomile, or Skullcap. In this class we will cover the herbs that work for simple as well as more complex relaxation herbs, and how they relax the body and why one would choose one over another.
For example:
Lobelia: has worked for many to relax the lungs after a coughing spasm. Lobelia is also used to help tobacco smokers quit because it helps to alleviate the cravings for tobacco.
"A Basic Soap Making Class Hands-on Workshop"
Participants please bring $5.00 material fee
Come experience the basic processes involved in making your own handmade soaps. This class will provide you a hands-on opportunity to make your own soap. You will use only cold pressed oils, clay and lye. Learn a basic recipe for creating a shampoo soap that you will be able to take home with you. Personalized, hand-made gifts are always appreciated treats which your family and friends will adore. Learn to be the crafter of these treasured soaps.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 25 ~ 9:00 am - 10:30 am in Classroom Building B
"Herbal Nervine Tonics"
There are many different herbs for nervine tonics, which are used for the treatment of headaches, depression, body aches, sleep disorder, restless leg syndrome, etc. Each herb has its own way of working with different parts of our body make up; for example right now the most popular nervine tonic is Cannabis because Cannabis is right for many cases. Cannabis has proven itself to be the wrong herb in other situations, where the tonic you may need could be as simple as Catnip, Chamomile, or Skullcap. In this class we will cover the herbs that work for simple as well as more complex relaxation herbs, and how they relax the body and why one would choose one over another.
For example:
Lobelia: has worked for many to relax the lungs after a coughing spasm. Lobelia is also used to help tobacco smokers quit because it helps to alleviate the cravings for tobacco.
Recorded NorthWest Herb Symposium Presentations
by Denise Joy
Click on Titles to Order Downloads from Tree Farm Tapes
2017 "Using Laxatives Safely and Effectively"
Class Outline:
2017 "Roses and Rosehips: The Beauty and the Bitter"
What is it about the Rose that captures our world and us? The smell, the colors, the essences, these have captured humans for thousands of years. We will explore the history and uses of the Rose, and her hips. I will give recipes for face creams to simple syrups. Everyday potions you can make for health, which bring beauty. With summer abundance we will also talk about what we can do with everyday harvest from garden to healthy living.
2016 "Herbal Simple and Complex Syrups"
In this class, we will create simple syrup and talk about the properties. This is a fun and yummy way to store all kinds of great herbals for coughs and colds, to that extra special pancake syrup or turkey dressing. We will make syrup using what you would have in your kitchen and talk about the properties. Methods of making them with local garden and wild ingredients will be covered. What is in syrups? Why choose syrup over other herbal methods? How to make herbal syrups will be demonstrated. Do I use honey or vinegar or both? These questions and more will be answered in this beginner herbal.
2016 "Basic Herbal First Aid Kits: Personalized for Your Families’ Needs"
In this class, we will go over basic first aid in an herbal tradition. Incorporating herbs used from your kitchen to your yard, we will take the time to talk about your personal first aide needs and help start your own home kit. Herbal First aide and any other first aide is a must. Who knows when the next storm or earthquake will hit! Having your own personal Herbal kit ready at hand for you and your loved ones is a must. Over the last 25 years or so I have worked with students. We have come up with herbals that I have thought were important. I will go over the basics and also breakdown a bit for people what would work in a kit for them at a moment’s notice. Are you or your family in sports? Do you have health issues? How about your pet? In an emergency what would you do? These are some of the questions I would like folks to think about as you work on your own.
2015 "Growing and Cultivating Herbal Medicine in the Pacific Northwest"
Drawing on her extensive knowledge of Puget Sound flora, Denise will explain what makes the plants of this region special. Even the common plants found in most other locales have special attributes created from the climate, soils and heredity. Add to that the knowledge of plants native to this unique near-coastal basin and you will gain valuable knowledge not available elsewhere.
by Denise Joy
Click on Titles to Order Downloads from Tree Farm Tapes
2017 "Using Laxatives Safely and Effectively"
Class Outline:
- Healthy bowel function through diet and herbs
- Safe laxatives for children
- When to use fast acting laxatives
- Digestive aides, and anti-parasitic herbs
- Smooth muscle herbs for stomach and colon
- Safety and cautions
2017 "Roses and Rosehips: The Beauty and the Bitter"
What is it about the Rose that captures our world and us? The smell, the colors, the essences, these have captured humans for thousands of years. We will explore the history and uses of the Rose, and her hips. I will give recipes for face creams to simple syrups. Everyday potions you can make for health, which bring beauty. With summer abundance we will also talk about what we can do with everyday harvest from garden to healthy living.
2016 "Herbal Simple and Complex Syrups"
In this class, we will create simple syrup and talk about the properties. This is a fun and yummy way to store all kinds of great herbals for coughs and colds, to that extra special pancake syrup or turkey dressing. We will make syrup using what you would have in your kitchen and talk about the properties. Methods of making them with local garden and wild ingredients will be covered. What is in syrups? Why choose syrup over other herbal methods? How to make herbal syrups will be demonstrated. Do I use honey or vinegar or both? These questions and more will be answered in this beginner herbal.
2016 "Basic Herbal First Aid Kits: Personalized for Your Families’ Needs"
In this class, we will go over basic first aid in an herbal tradition. Incorporating herbs used from your kitchen to your yard, we will take the time to talk about your personal first aide needs and help start your own home kit. Herbal First aide and any other first aide is a must. Who knows when the next storm or earthquake will hit! Having your own personal Herbal kit ready at hand for you and your loved ones is a must. Over the last 25 years or so I have worked with students. We have come up with herbals that I have thought were important. I will go over the basics and also breakdown a bit for people what would work in a kit for them at a moment’s notice. Are you or your family in sports? Do you have health issues? How about your pet? In an emergency what would you do? These are some of the questions I would like folks to think about as you work on your own.
2015 "Growing and Cultivating Herbal Medicine in the Pacific Northwest"
Drawing on her extensive knowledge of Puget Sound flora, Denise will explain what makes the plants of this region special. Even the common plants found in most other locales have special attributes created from the climate, soils and heredity. Add to that the knowledge of plants native to this unique near-coastal basin and you will gain valuable knowledge not available elsewhere.
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© 2021 NorthWest Herb Symposium