The snowy weather has moved the herb class inside, finding Medeia in the classroom where the fireplace is set with a roaring fire, the drapes are closed, and all the lamps are lit to provide light. She is just standing up from one of the benches where she sits with Thea, gently handling the baby she'd been holding back to his mother. "Hello!" She greets the new arrivals with a smile. "Come in, make yourself comfortable! There are pastries and cookies, tea and warm cider." She gestures to a cart that is laden with treats.

Merek makes a way along and into the lecture hall, while he finds a place to settle in and relax and listen.

Raimon walks into the apothecary classes just a little bit early. As is his habit. He likes to be able to sit quietly, for a few minutes, just taking things in and preparing his mind. But today, it's not quite as quiet as all that, as Medeia and Thea are chatting beforehand. Raimon quietly chimes in, toward the end of the chat, "Aye. Well, any shipwreck that you survive, no matter how you do it and no matter when you do it, is just about the -best- kind of shipwreck a body can ask for . . . so more power to 'em!" Raimon grins. Even though it feels a little bit awkward to be taking classes inside, in full armor, fully armed. And potentially with concealed armed guards watching over the approaches and exits. But that is life now, and Raimon is going to be doing his part to look out for Medeia and Haakon, come what may. So, heavy metal it is. Raimon unfolds quill and parchment from his satchel of writing supplies, stretches his neck in all directions, get situated, and gets ready for class. He really has been enjoying these! Raimon likes learning. Even if he's not the fastest learner. The sense of discipline that comes from setting a far - off goal, and working towards it a bit every day is one that's familiar and comforting. Good.

As students settle in, Medeia arranges some bowls of herbs and small potted plants near the lectern. "Today we will be discussing a couple of my favorite tea herbs: chamomile and meadowsweet. Most are likely familiar with the first, and the second may be entirely new to you! I hope by the end of this class you all have gained an appreciation for it. Klavdiya will be helping me in providing a sample of it as a tea to all of you." One of the benefits of class being inside! "Are there any questions before we get started?"

Thea gently takes Calo back, a small smile as she looks at her new son. "Mmmm...But we aged Medeia too,"settling in to listen.

Raimon beams quietly. Ooh! Tea! OK, maybe these new arrangements aren't the worst idea ever. Tea! Raimon, indeed, for one, is a fan. Raimon takes care not to sample too much of the chamomile tea, on account of not wanting to be sleepy and very much wanting to pay proper attention. Raimon has -heard- of Meadowsweet, but only vaguely, as something that grows in the cooler norther climates. So that's the one that's grabbed his attention. (So far)

Medeia has Klavdiya bring around a bowl of dried chamomile flowers, as well as a small potted plant of the live flower, to show everyone. "Chamomile is found in many places, though it is most common in the Crownlands and Oathlands without cultivation. The flowers look like small daisies, with the white petals extending out or down. The scent is similar to apple and other flowers. The most common use is for tea - typically for calming nerves or aiding sleep." She looks around once that initial burst of information is shared, checking for questions.

Raimon nods, once, firmly, in an 'I got it!' sort of way, by means of confirmation. And, indeed, he does 'got it.' Perhaps partly because he came in with most of 'it,' but, well, that still counts. Onward! Raimon experimentally tries to sketch some of the dried flowers, just to keep his focus sharp.

"The effects of chamomile can be gained without having to drink it, however." Medeia gives a small smile, offering some other applications. "Chamomile in bathwater is a good way to help with relaxing both sore, tight muscles and the mind. It helps to reduce swelling, making a nice addition to salves used to treat broken bones or bruises." Klavdiya makes her way through the guests and returns the plant and bowl to the table by the lectern. "There are also cosmetic uses! A tea brewed of it can also be used as a face rinse or a hair rinse. On the skin, it reduces puffiness and redness. In hair, it can help brighten the color and add shine."

Raimon listens. OK. That's good to know. "What about an aerial dispersion? Is there any effect to having a steaming or boiling pot of chamomile in a room? Are there effects from breathing the vapors?" Raimon wonders. For completeness. (He hadn't known about the bathwater! So . . . )

Medeia gives Raimon a nod. "There is, yes. Much as one would use any hot water vapor treatment to ease ill humors, adding various herbs can help. Chamomile is an excellent one for calming and easing breathing."

Raimon nods, and notes this down carefully. Perhaps for someone who's hyperventilating or under stress, or has suffered extreme exposure to the elements for long periods of time? Sounds like it can't hurt, at least, and, at least, it's 'a thing to be tried!'

Klavdiya begins brewing the meadowsweet tea to pass around before picking up another bowl and moving around the students. The bowl contains a stem with a cluster of tiny, almost lacy, cream colored flowers. "Then, on to meadowsweet!" Medeia seems pleased. "This plant is fairly lesser known. It grows best in the lands that are largely claimed by Shavs between the Crownlands and Northlands, as well as within the Tydelands and around Maelstrom. It is used in treating coughs and sniffles, but it is also just a really lovely tea any day."

Raimon cranes his neck to observe. Aye, -this- is the one. He's heard a bit about it, of course, but it's not native to -his- native Tor. And so much of the specifics have remained quite mysterious. Thraxians think of 'exploration' almost entirely in a Naval context. So it's very unlikely to find a group set up to go off and explore the Tydelands and Maelstrom ... on foot. Which could be an oversight that he might remedy, actually. Rai jots a note down. Raimon also notes the use for treating coughs and sniffles, and suitability as an "everyday" tea. Just as well! For just about "ever day" during the winder, -someone- will have a cough or a sniffle in Thrax. It's cold, wet, and ... sniffle-y there! Raimon queries: "What flavor combinations would you recommend, as far as what other herbs go with it in tea? Perhaps even other herbs with complementary medicinal properties?"

"Honestly? I like it just on its own," Medeia says, now that Klavdiya is bringing cups of tea out. "It is sweet enough not to need sugar or honey added, or can be used as the sweetener in other tea blends. It can also ease aching muscles and joints. So, if looking for pain relief? You might pair it with another herb of choice that works similarly." Then, she pauses while thinking. "Mm, mulling spice or citrus peel would be lovely."

Raimon contemplates these things, nodding slowly. Hey, some things are just better on their own! In the 'mix with' section on his outline on the parchment, Raimon scribes 'Citrus peel' . . . and then adds a question mark, and then another. One before, one after. "Muscle aches / Joint pain" are also enscribed as annotations. Raimon nods a bit. Those . . . yeah, this herb should come in handy, for sure. Sooner or later . . .

Medeia gives everyone a chance to try the drink, which is floral and could verge on 'syrupy' sweet if too much is steeped at once. A little seems to go a long way. "Are there any other questions for today?"

Raimon sips the tea. Nods. Good! Raimon's quite satisfied. He looks around the classroom for a bit, to see if anyone else might have any questions. Not seeing any, he looks back to Medeia.

"Well then!" Medeia claps her hands together with a bright smile. "That is all for today! Thank you all for coming. Please feel welcome to linger. Have more tea, talk amongst yourselves."