In this panel discussion, we explore the spectrum of alternative plant therapies, from teas and tinctures to gardening, aromatics, and flower essences. The conversation includes Holly Brandenberger, an aromatherapist; Alyson Morgan, a flower essence practitioner; and Cristina Asensio Foley, a gardener. Together, they reveal how these paths intertwine, showing that herbalism is not a single practice but a rich array of ways to engage with plants, honor their messages, and cultivate deep, meaningful connection with the living world.

Discussion Highlights:

• How alternative plant therapies expand our understanding of herbalism
• Essential oil safety, sustainability, and their applications for wellbeing
• Subtle yet profound effects of flower essences and flowers that reflect the needs of our times
• Gardening as therapeutic practice for emotional, physical, and nature connection
• Integrating gardening, aromatherapy, and flower essences into a holistic daily herbal practice
• Cultivating personal relationships with plants through varied modalities

Alyson Morgan is an herbalist, homesteader, and writer in Wisconsin's Driftless region, where she works with bioregional plants to deepen her connection to the earth. Her focus is on climate resiliency, sustainable living, and herbal knowledge. She has studied with The School of Evolutionary Herbalism, Herbal Academy, Asia Suler, and One Willow Apothecaries. Alyson runs Earth Star Herbals, offering flower essences and herbal products, while learning from plants, writing, and mothering.

About the Speakers:

Find Alyson, Holly, and Cristina:

• on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alysonsimplygrows/, and https://www.instagram.com/scienceofessentials/
• at http://theherbalacademy.com/, https://www.alysonmorgan.com/, and https://www.scienceofessentials.com/
• contributing Holly’s Calendula: Nature’s Golden Healer to the 2026 Herbalism Conference VIP Pass Ticket!
• contributing to the Rooted Routines Course and Turmeric Speaker Film, exclusive upgrades in the 2026 Herbalism Conference VIP Pass Ticket!

3:00 PM EST: Medicinal Mushrooms in Current and Traditional Healing Modalities with Jasper Degenaars

NEXT WEBINAR:

Session Premieres Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 1:00 PM EST

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Register button above.

DAY 1: FEBRUARY 16

DAY 2: FEBRUARY 17

DAY 3: FEBRUARY 18

DAY 4: FEBRUARY 19

DAY 5: FEBRUARY 20

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Holly Brandenberger, founder of Science of Essentials, is a Certified Aromatherapist and RN with experience in trauma, burns, post-surgical care, and hospital administration. Fascinated by stress and the mind-body connection, she discovered aromatherapy in 2015 and now integrates it into hospital care and education. An instructor at The School of Aromatic Studies, Holly combines modern medicine with holistic practices to share her expertise. She lives outside Seattle with her husband and three children, enjoying gardening, foraging, and family life.

Cristina Asensio Foley is an herbalist, gardener, and educator, passionate about the connection between people and plants. She has taught ESL to students worldwide and traveled extensively through Latin America. She has lived and worked with Indigenous communities in Guatemala, teaching health and organic gardening. Cristina apprenticed with Master Gardener Joe Hollis at Mountain Gardens, learning to cultivate native and Chinese herbs. A graduate of Herbal Academy's Advanced Herbal Course, Cristina is now the Student Communities Manager at the Herbal Academy.