7Song will describe his adventures as an herbalist in this class, detailing the varied ways he has studied and practiced herbal medicine since 1981. He will cover his early, enthusiastic years as he began to learn how herbs can influence health, and trace his journey toward his current, more pragmatic approach as a clinical herbalist at an integrated free clinic. He will also share experiences from other situations, including working at off-the-grid first aid stations, serving as an herbal street medic, and establishing and staffing first aid stations at events. Additionally, he will discuss his experiences teaching, botanizing, wildcrafting, and preparing plant-based medicines, noting that it is a story likely shared by many herbalists.

The intended outcomes of this workshop are:

1. Attendees will gain insights into the various paths herbalists take to acquire their skills.
2. Participants will learn about working in unconventional clinical environments.
3. Attendees will gain knowledge on how to integrate as herbal street medics.