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Home / Ayurvedic Herbal Apprenticeship Program

Ayurvedic Herbal
Apprenticeship Program

The CCA is proud to lead the way as the first Ayurvedic college in the West to offer its own herb garden for Ayurvedic medicine training. Home to 80+ diverse species of plant medicines from around the world, this living class helps students to learn herbal healing.

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Deepen Your Herbal Knowledge Through Hands-On Learning

Immerse yourself in the art and science of Ayurvedic herbalism through a unique blend of classroom study and practical experience. Learn the principles of Ayurvedic herbs, formulation techniques, and real-world applications while gaining hands-on training that brings traditional herbal wisdom to life.

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Apprenticeship Overview

The California College of Ayurveda (CCA) is proud to be the first Ayurvedic college in the West to provide its own teaching herb garden for the Ayurvedic Herbal Apprenticeship Program, home to approximately 80 different species of plant medicines from around the world. While working in the herbal garden under the guidance of the Herbal Director, students study plant identification and cultivation techniques, gaining a deep understanding of the plants they are using in herbal medicine practice.

During monthly classes, and while working in the College Herbal Pharmacy, students receive the highest level of training in the United States in Ayurvedic medicine making and administration. Beyond herb cultivation and medicine-making techniques, classes also cover topics such as tinctures, flower essences, herbal first aid kits, body care products, and the use of plant medicine in art as a form of subtle body healing.

Guest teachers and local herb identification walks further enhance the education in this herbal apprenticeship program. This 9-month program runs from April-December each year and is open to any CCA student/graduate that has completed the herbal module of the CCA curriculum and can be present in person for the duration of the herbal apprenticeship.

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Herbal Apprenticeship
Program

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FINISH IN: 681 hours

TBA

Program Begins March 27, 2026

This program is both theoretical and practical. Students will learn the principles of Ayurveda and apply them to their own lives. Living Ayurveda is the best way to learn Ayurveda. Students will work on extensive case studies to reinforce the learning process.

The Premier Ayurvedic Herbal Apprenticeship in the United States

Identify over 80 species of plant medicines from around the world, their cultivation techniques, medicine & flower essence making, herbal first aid kits & body care products, and how to use plant medicine for subtle body healing.

Apprenticeship Details

  • Classes: Special topic.
  • Homework/Research: Homework projects/research will be assigned.
  • Garden: Garden hours are spent together.
  • Herbal Pharmacy: Students will work in person in the Herbal Pharmacy.

Educational Goals

  • Cultivation/Harvesting techniques 
  • Basic plant identification/ethnobotany 
  • Medicine preparation/administration  
  • Plant spirit awareness and connection 

Prerequisites

Open to current CCA students or graduates that have completed the Herbalism module in Principles of Ayurvedic Medicine (PAM) and who have a desire to gain a deeper understanding of herbalism.

Our toll free number in U.S.A.

 +1-866-541-6699

Credits : Students receive 186 credit hours of study through
the college for completion of this program.

Additional Information

This program is limited to 12 students. Registration is first-come first-serve for anyone who meets admissions requirements. 

Credit

Students receive 186 credit hours of study through the college for completion of this program. 

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Tuition Fees

Class Amount Diversification Amount
Herbal Apprenticeship $2000 (includes $250 non-refundable Registration Fees) $2000

Have Questions? We’re Here to Help.

Our admissions team is here to answer your questions, walk you through the process, and help you find the Ayurvedic path that’s right for you.

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Available Discount

Sign up for 2 workshops at full price and receive a 15% discount off of both. Sign up for 3 or more workshops and receive 20% off each workshop. Any transferring or cancellation of registration voids all discounts. Discounts may not be combined.  To register and receive your discounts, please contact Samantha at conted@ayurvedacollege.com or book an appointment to meet with her in the form below.

Book Appointment

Refund Policy

You have the right to cancel the enrollment agreement for this program of instruction, including books, materials and related goods or supplies, and obtain a refund. The institution, for all students, without penalty or obligation, shall refund 100 percent of the amount paid for institutional charges, less reasonable application and registration fees not to exceed two hundred and fifty dollars ($250) if the notice of cancellation is made prior to or on the first day of instruction or by the seventh day after the date of enrollment, whichever is later.

Talk To Our Consultant

Click below to book a call with Admission Consultant, We will guide you through the Process.

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Instructors

Brenda Krulikowski

M.A.S., C.A.S., P.K.S.,
Director of Herbalism

Brenda Krulikowski is a Medical Ayurvedic Specialist, Herbalist, and Pancha Karma Specialist with over 20 years of experience in clinical care and Ayurvedic education. Her work is distinguished by a deep commitment to herbal medicine and women’s health, which informs both her clinical practice and educational focus.

Since 2006, Brenda has served as the Director of Herbalism and a core faculty member at the California College of Ayurveda, where she plays a central role in training the next generation of Ayurvedic practitioners. In 2007, Brenda founded the college’s 9-month Herbal Apprenticeship Program. This comprehensive program provides students with hands-on training in Brenda’s extensive herbal teaching garden, home to over 90 medicinal plants, along with practical experience in the preparation and formulation of herbal remedies within the college’s pharmacy. Widely recognized for her engaging, down-to-earth teaching style Brenda brings Ayurvedic principles to life with clarity, humor, and heart.

Alongside her educational & clinical work, she plays a vital role as the chief herbalist for AyBo – Ayurvedic Botanicals, a thoughtfully crafted line of professional herbal products rooted in Ayurvedic wisdom. Through meticulous formulation and quality sourcing, AyBo delivers effective, authentic botanical remedies that support holistic health and wellness. Brenda’s expert insights have also been featured in esteemed professional journals, further reflecting her respected voice within the field. Brenda integrates her clinical expertise and educational leadership in Ayurveda and herbalism to unite traditional healing with modern holistic care, thoughtfully bridging ancient wisdom and contemporary practice.

Policies & Disclosures

Time is spent working in the ORGANIC INDIA Medicine Garden as a group.  This time will incorporate plant management through various stages; including planting, maintenance, harvesting and garden winterization.  Additionally, there will be time spent identifying the various species in the garden.

Apprentices will spend time working in the CCA’s Herbal Pharmacy, engaging in a variety of tasks involved in medicine making. This includes dedicated time for research and meditation to deepen their understanding of individual plant medicines. The learning process is structured and progressive, allowing knowledge to build gradually and integrate deeply over time. 

  • Hands-on experience in herbal medicine preparation 
  • Learning traditional and practical medicine-making techniques 
  • Time dedicated to research on plant medicines 
  • Guided meditation for deeper plant connection 
  • Step-by-step learning process 
  • Gradual and structured skill development 
  • Holistic integration of knowledge and practice 

Energetics/Actions/Indications 

  • “The Yoga of Herbs”   Dr. Frawley & Dr.Lad 
  •  “Planetary Herbology”   Michael Tierra 
  •  “Ayurvedic Medicine”    Sebastian Pole 
  •  “The Ayurvedic Encyclopedia”    Swami Sada Shiva Tirtha 
  •  “The Energetics of Herbs Vol. 1 and 2”   Peter Holmes 
  •  “Dravyaguna for Westerners”  Vaidya Atreya Smith 
  •  “Indian Materia Medica”  Nadkarni 
  •  “The way of Ayurvedic Herbs”  Karta Purkh Singh Kalsa & Michael Tierra 
  •  “Dravyaguna Vijnana” Dr. Gyanendra Pandey 
  •  “Flower Essence Repertory” Patricia Kaminski and Richard Katz 
  •  “Ayurveda & Aromatherapy”  Light Miller 
  •  “Aromatherapy” Kathi Keville & Mindy Green 

 

Ethnobotany/Folklore/Majickal Usage 

  • “Medicinal Plants and their History” Edith Grey Wheelwright 
  • “The Spirit of Herbs: A Guide to the Herbal Tarot” Michael Tierra & Candace Canton 
  • “Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs” Scott Cunningham 
  • “Nature’s Medicines” Richard Lucas 

 

Medicine Making 

  • “Herbal Medicine” Dr. Sharol Marie Tilgner 
  • “Herbal Medicine Makers Handbook” James Green 
  • “Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health” Rosemary Gladstar 

 

Cultivation/Identification 

  • “Western Garden Book” Published by Sunset magazine 
  • “Wildflowers” RedBud Chapter of the California Native Plant Society 
  • “Wild Plants of  the Sierra Nevada” Ray Vizgirdas, Edna Rey-Vizgirdas 
  • “Western Medicinal Plants and Herbs” Steven Foster and Christopher Hobbs   
  • “Botany in a Day” Thomas J. Elpel 
  • “The Medicinal Herb Grower” Richo Cech 
  • “Sunset Western Garden Book”  Sunset Magazine 
  • “Reverence, Obedience and the Invisible in the Garden” Alan Chadwick

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