They’re the balms, salves and tinctures that have been relied upon for centuries.

Unless you have a willing great granny to impart her wisdom however, most of us have no experience in making or using natural herbal remedies.

Now there’s a new morning class where you can learn which herbs are traditionally used for various ailments and conditions and how to prepare them yourself.

Blackrock Herbal Clinic’s Herbal Remedies for the Home course promises to introduce participants to the use of 40 herbs and herbal teas, “using plant walks, medicine making and herb samples every week”.

Led by medical herbalist Jo Goodyear Medical in Beaumont Lawn, Blackrock on Wednesday mornings at 10.30am, the €100 course fee includes a course book with recipes, herb profiles and medicine making techniques and samples of different herbs – everything you need to get started yourself.

Call 085 727 6738 or email blackrockherbalclinic@gmail.com to book or check out the event on Facebook for more details.