Join us for a hands-on, heart-centered exploration of herbal medicine through the making of a traditional Hawthorn cordial. Revered for centuries as a tonic for the heart—both physical and emotional—Hawthorn berries are rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, and nourishing compounds that support circulation, ease stress, and uplift the spirit.
In this two-hour workshop, you will:
Learn the history and energetics of Crataegus (Hawthorn) in Western herbalism and Chinese medicine.
Explore the medicinal properties of Hawthorn berries, flowers, and leaves, with a focus on cardiovascular health, emotional resilience, and seasonal transitions.
Discover how cordials differ from tinctures, elixirs, and syrups—and why they make beautiful allies in daily wellness.
Create your own small-batch Hawthorn cordial, blending the fruit into a delicious and restorative herbal preparation.
Alongside medicine-making, we’ll share tasting notes, discuss dosage and storage, and reflect on ways to weave herbal cordials into ritual, self-care, and community gatherings. You’ll leave with both a bottle of your handmade Hawthorn cordial and the skills to recreate and adapt this process at home.
Who it’s for:
This class welcomes beginners, plant enthusiasts, herbal students, and anyone curious about combining craft, flavor, and wellness. No prior experience is required—just a love of herbs and a willingness to stir, sip, and learn.
Bring:
A pint jar
A bottle of your favorite alcohol that is at least 80 proof. Brandy is traditional but tequila and vodka work too!
About the teacher:
Marco Chung-Shu Lam, has practiced Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture for over 25 years and is lauded to have a unique style of practice that connects the land with our deeper health. He is well known in his Boulder community for supporting elite athletes, business leaders and entrepreneurs in pursuing peak performance and expanded flow states. Marco draws from his Chinese heritage an affinity for both traditional Chinese medicine and the Taoist worldview. He is committed to an integral medicine that incorporates traditional wisdom with the best of the evolving perspectives of our present time. Marco and his wife Jamie ran a 200 acre medicinal herb farm for 8 years where they were a fixture in supplying the Boulder natural supplement industry with certified organic medicinal herbs. He has been the chief formulator for several herb products and continues to innovate in both business and medicine. Marco and his wife have managed Elkstone Farm for 6 seasons. Marco is passionate about herbal medicine, permaculture, tea, internal martial arts, backcountry skiing and exploring the wildernesses of the West.
