Katja Swift and Ryn Midura of CommonWealth Center for Herbal Medicine, in Brookline, present a new, advanced herbal-studies program beginning in January. The 18-month Advanced Studies program accepts new students on an application basis and requires at least one year of prior study. The first nine months cover advanced topics in herbal medicine and clinical skills, while the second nine months incorporate working with clients in the teaching clinic.

For those who are new to the study of herbalism, CommonWealth Center also offers a nine-month Apprenticeship Program from March through November. “This program prepares you to care for yourself, your family and friends through everyday health problems,” Swift says. “It also serves as a foundation for Advanced Studies.” Enrollment for either program is open now.

The CommonWealth Center also offers community classes on such topics as dealing with food allergies. Midura notes that the center also offers personal herbal medicine consultations. “We find that once people see what herbal medicine can do for their own health, they want to learn more about it,” she says. “Many of our students are former clients.”

CommonWealth Center for Herbal Medicine is located at 25 St. Mary’s Ct. in Brookline. For more information, call 617-750-5274 or visit CommonwealthHerbs.com.