Ojai Herbal Symposium

As the national news shines a light on multiple judgments against drug manufacturers for their part in the opioid crisis, Americans are seeking out safe alternative medicines for pain and a host of other ailments. They need look no further than the 2nd annual Ojai Herbal Symposium on November 16-17, presented by Herb Walks with Lanny Kaufer.

This year’s theme, “The Wisdom of the Body,” is borrowed from the title of Walter Cannon’s classic 1932 physiology textbook on homeostasis, a term Cannon coined to describe the body’s ability to regulate itself. The presenters set to take the stage at Krotona Hall in November reflect a wide spectrum of medical and healing communities including medicine, pharmacology, naturopathy, acupuncture and, of course, herbology. They will bring verifiable science and years of clinical experience to the discussion of medicinal herbs for use in helping our bodies maintain a healthy balance.

The Saturday morning keynote address on “Prana and Qi: Homeostasis and the Wisdom of the Body in Classical Asian Medicine” will be delivered by renowned herbalist and acupuncturist David Crow, co-founder, and owner of Floracopeia, Inc. On Sunday morning, Ojai author and entrepreneur Zhena Muzyka of Zhena TV, Magic Hour Teas, and founder of Zhena’s Gypsy Tea will provide a second keynote address on “Marketing Magic: 7 Secrets to Building a Profitable Purpose-Based Business as a Healer.”

In addition to two full days of talks, the weekend will feature an Herbal Marketplace at Chaparral Auditorium in downtown Ojai, a PhytoPhunk Dance and Elixir Bar at Greater Goods, and a very special event, “The Forest Table: A Wild Food Dining Experience” with herbalist/forager Jess Starwood.

The Ojai Herbal Symposium is the CA Acupuncture Board Continuing Education Provider #1526. A possible 14.5 CEUs for licensed acupuncturists are approved.

Vendor applications are welcome for the Herbal Marketplace. Please contact vending@ojaiherbal.org or click on Herbal Marketplace in the top menu at the website and complete the application in the dropdown menu. Volunteer positions are available in exchange for full or partial admission. Please email volunteer@ojaiherbal.org or click on Volunteer in the website top menu to begin the volunteer application process.

Tickets are now on sale at OjaiHerbal.org where information on the schedule, presenters and all other details can be found. $265 advance for the full weekend. See the website for a breakdown of prices.

Like last year’s inaugural event, a portion of all proceeds from the Symposium will be donated to the Greater Goods Disaster Relief Fund which began after the 2017 Thomas and Koenigstein Fires and has dispersed $180,000 thus far to those who suffered losses.