Upcoming Classes

Upcoming Classes 2025

Ch-Ch-Changes: What to Expect with Perimenopause

Wednesday, May 21, 2025
6:30p - 8pm EST
Online, zoom. Recording available if you can't make it live
$45, with sliding scale spots at $30

Between now and never having your period again there is a big hormonal rollercoaster to ride. Buckle up. Whether this change is on the horizon or already in process this class will walk you through herbal and dietary supports, as well as a roadmap of what to expect. I often hear from people who have been through menopause: “I wish someone had told me what was going on.” That’s what this class aims to do.

Perimenopause Registration

Gut Love
A 6 week online class using herbs and somatics to support your digestion

If you’ve been struggling with digestive issues and would like to try a straightforward herbal approach without overhauling your diet, this class is for you.

While changing your diet might be part of a long term solution, in this class, we will focus on the many other ways you can positively impact your digestive system.

Do any of these sound familiar?

You have an upset stomach regardless of what you ate
High stress makes your digestive symptoms worse
Frequent bloating
Low appetite
Poops are all over the map
You’ve been diagnosed with IBS but weren’t given much support from your medical care team
You’ve tried some different diets but none seemed to help (low FODMAPs, elimination diets…)
You have a limited diet because you know some food causes painful or unpleasant symptoms
You might have nausea, loose stools, brain fog, fatigue, or constipation after eating
Your digestive system got out of whack after a course of antibiotics or an infection

Logically, many people turn to food first. Wouldn’t it be so nice if I could just stop eating gluten and all these issues would go away? Yes, that would be nice, but if you’ve been at it long enough, you’ve probably found it’s not quite so cut and dry.

Over my years of clinical practice, I've seen herbs and somatics (which if you don’t know what that is, that's okay! see the FAQ.) make a huge difference in symptoms, even if it’s not time to change your diet right now.

This class includes all the tools I've learned from years helping people reduce the frequency and severity of digestive symptoms, in an accessible format.

We’ll collectively work towards small, simple changes that you can make to improve your digestion. And when you’re having fewer symptoms, you have more time and energy for creating the world you want to live in.

When you finish, you’ll have:

A clearer understanding of the many ways you can support your digestive system, without having to overhaul your diet.
Simple changes you can make to your daily routine that can help you feel better
3-4 herbal allies that you can count on for future support, including 6 weeks of getting to know these herbs during class
A few simple somatic practices for digestive system and nervous system tending
An overview of the herbal categories of carminatives, bitters, vulneraries, nervines, and aromatics
Insights from your classmates on ways to incorporate the herbs into your life

In this class you can show up just as you are. One session you might feel more open to participation, other times you may want to just have the session on in the background while you cook dinner or rest. And sometimes you might not feel like attending. All of that is welcome. This class encourages you to practice listening to your body / mind / spirit and responding accordingly. In the words of Kurt Cobain, come as you are. Live sessions will be recorded if you can’t make it.

What’s included?
Live Sessions + Custom Herbs

4 video lessons, delivered via email every other week. First video goes out April 8
3 live sessions on Zoom: Tuesday, April 15, April 29, May 13 7-8pm EST (these will be recorded)
3 month’s worth of a custom herbal formula (shipping included)
Handouts with info on each herb including safety and dosage recommendations

Self-Paced

4 video lessons, available immediately
A guide to herbal farms and apothecary to help with sourcing herbs - you're also welcome to source herbs through me, just send an email.
Handouts with info on each herb including safety and dosage recommendations

COST
Live Sessions + Custom Herbs
$300 with sliding scale options down to $150
Fine print: Refunds are available up to 8 days before the start of the class, after that, no refunds are available.

Self-Paced
$100 with sliding scale options down to $60
Fine print: Refunds are not available for the self-paced option.

WHEN:
Live sessions (via Zoom):
Tuesdays, April 15, April 29, May 13
7-8pm EST

Where:
online, via zoom

OR
Self-paced at your leisure

FAQs

What if I’ve never taken herbs before? No problem, welcome! As long as you are open to trying, no experience with herbs is necessary
What if I’m taking pharmaceutical medication? Again, no problem. All of the herbs that I’ll be offering during this course will have no known negative interactions with any pharmaceuticals.
What if I don’t know what “somatics” is? That is a-okay. Somatic tools are simple, accessible nervous regulating tools ex: placing a hand on your belly to see if that helps to loosen any tension. All somatic practices are optional, and I'll talk more about their role during the class.
Will live sessions be recorded if I can’t attend? Yes.
What do we do during the live sessions? We’ll try a some somatic practices, then get any question answered.

What will we be learning about?

How to support your gut brain axis.
The enteric nervous system
Somatic practices and learning to listen to your body’s cues
How to use the herbs and how to tell if they’re working

Herbal categories of bitters, aromatics, nervines, demulcents, and astringents

Hi, I’m Kelly McCarthy, community herbalist, RH(AHG) and somatic practitioner.
Since 2014, I have helped hundreds of clients improve their digestive health. I'd love to share with you what I’ve seen work. I especially love working with queers navigating mental health challenges.

If you want to check out my teaching style, you can find some free classes here.