Culinary Wellness Program

Presented by Healthy Roots Institute & Natural Me Apothecary

In collaboration with the Metro Food Justice Network | Funded by United Way’s Full Lives Grant

Join us for Culinary Wellness, an immersive 8-part series that blends advanced culinary techniques with herbal wisdom and holistic wellness practices. Led by Chef Lachelle Cunningham of Healthy Roots Institute and Naturopath Eva Garrett of Natural Me Apothecary, this transformative program explores seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and the healing traditions of herbs and food.

Thanks to our collaboration with the Metro Food Justice Network, program registration is offered free of charge to participants. Together, we’ll cultivate practical skills, deepen cultural knowledge, and empower participants to embrace food as medicine—nourishing not just the body, but the community and spirit as well.

Series Overview:

Kitchen, Knife Safety & Herbal Foundations | July 11, 6-8:30 pm

Explore essential kitchen safety and herbal traditions across cultures. Learn foundational knife skills for handling fresh herbs and understand how herbs function as both food and medicine.

Featured Herbs: Parsley, Cilantro, Basil

Menu: Seasonal Salad with Herbal Vinaigrette & Fresh Herb Garnish

Flavor Development & Herbal Synergy | July 25, 6-8:30 pm

Learn to balance and deepen flavor using herbs and spices. Understand the five tastes and herbal energetics (warming, cooling, grounding, etc.) and how they enhance culinary experiences.

Featured Herbs: Thyme, Rosemary, Bay Leaf

Menu: Jerk Shrimp & Grits, Jerk Roasted Veggies, Biscuits & Herbal Gravy

Nutrition, Seasonality, Plating & Herbal Wellness | August 7, 6-8:30 pm

Explore nutrition and seasonal eating with herbs for digestion, detox, and presentation. Learn to pair herbal teas with meals and use edible flowers in plating.

Featured Herbs: Dill, Chamomile, Nettles

Menu: Tofu or Trout Croquette, Wild Rice & Herbal Slaw, Pea Sauce, Herbal Tisane

Food Systems, Herbal Medicine & Batch Cooking | August 22, 6-8:30 pm

Connect food sovereignty with herbal medicine. Learn preservation methods and design your own menu using seasonal and medicinal herbs.

Featured Herbs: Oregano, Sage, Mint

Menu: Student-Curated Meal Featuring Preserved & Fresh Herbs

Herbal Intensive Workshops by Natural Me Apothecary:

The Art of Fire Cider July 18 at 6-7:30 pm

Craft your own immune-boosting fire cider tonic using potent kitchen herbs and roots. Learn knife and prep skills while exploring the "food as medicine" philosophy.

Hidden Healing: A Frogtown Farm Plant Walk | August 2 at 11 AM

Discover the edible and medicinal plants growing right in our urban landscapes. Learn plant identification, foraging ethics, and traditional food-as-medicine practices on this guided walk.

Roots to Remedies: Herbal Tinctures for Everyday Wellness | August 15 at 6-7:30 pm

Make your own herbal tincture and learn how tinctures support digestion, stress relief, immunity, and vitality using traditional and accessible methods.

Healing Through Herbs: The Art of Tea Blending | August 29 at 6-7:30 pm

Learn to craft personalized herbal teas for wellness and flavor. Explore steeping techniques, herbal energetics, and create your own healing blend to take home.

Register for the Herbal Intensive Workshops by Natural Me Apothecary Here:

Host or Publisher Healthy Roots Institute