WOODBURY, Conn.—In Colonial America, families didn’t have modern pharmacies around the corner. Instead, they turned to what grew nearby.
Knowledge of these remedies was practical, personal and often passed down through generations. This September, the Glebe House & Gertrude Jekyll Garden in Woodbury invites curious minds, plant lovers and history enthusiasts to explore herbal medicine in Colonial America in a two-part series led by Dr. Eugene Zampieron, known as Dr. Z.
With more than 25 years of experience as a licensed naturopathic physician, medical botanist, registered professional herbalist, professor, author, lecturer, radio personality and Caribbean ethnobotanist, Dr. Z brings deep expertise and a lively teaching style to this one-of-a-kind program.
The series begins on Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 6 p.m. with an online presentation that introduces the foundations of colonial herbal medicine. Dr. Z will guide participants through the plants and practices that shaped early American healing traditions, highlighting the cultural and scientific roots of herbal care. This session sets a foundation for the garden and hands-on experience that follows.
The learning continues in person on Saturday, Sept. 26, at 11 a.m. with a hands-on workshop that brings colonial herbal traditions to life. The day begins with a guided garden tour designed to help participants identify medicinal and edible plants. Along the way, Dr. Z will share insights into the folklore, chemistry, and traditional uses of the herbs growing at Woodbury’s historic Glebe House, which dates to the 1740s.
Then participants make their own remedies. Using herbs gathered from the garden, foraged from the wild and purchased locally, attendees will get hands-on experience crafting two traditional preparations: a healing salve and a choice between a classic Colonial-style cough remedy or an immune-supporting tonic.
Best of all, each participant will leave with finished handmade medicines plus the knowledge and confidence to recreate them at home.
The pogram fee is $65 per person and includes both sessions, equipment use and all supplies
Pre-registration required. For additional information, email office@glebehousemuseum.org or call 203-263-2855.
