These aromas are part of her home-based workshop where she produces her line of Sweet Herb Medicinals, including teas, salves, infusions, syrups and tinctures.

"The holidays are a perfect time to give personal handmade gifts and use herbs in holiday cooking," Owen said.

Owen first became interested in herbal remedies in 1997 while an English major at Humbolt State University, where her plan was to go into teaching. While attending classes, she apprenticed for three years with herbalist and educator Jane Bothwell, who directs the Dandelion Herbal Center in Humbolt. Bothwell taught at the California School of Herbal Studies and is active in United Plant Savers, a non profit corporation dedicated to preserving native medicinal plants.

It was a natural fit for Owen who said, "I've always loved gardening, and I was fascinated with how herbs can be used in natural healing. For instance, feverfew, which I first learned about at Humbolt where it grows wild, has been gaining acceptance as a effective treatment for migraine headaches."

After graduation, she did a Grand Tour of Europe visiting herbal shops. She then returned to the Bay Area and went to work as a gardener at the former A to Z Plant Nursery located on Winchester Boulevard. After they closed, she continued raising plants in her own garden.

Wanting to share her knowledge and enthusiasm, Owen started to offer workshops and classes in 2003 in her home and garden.

"This is a great area to connect with people who want to learn the healing ways of plants," she said. "I use my training as a teacher to produce plenty of resource material for my students to use. I give them lots of hand outs, and we take herb walks to see the plants growing in nature."

Owen's class, "Beginning With Herbs", meets for 2 1/2 hours each week over an eight-week period. Students learn the use of medicinal preparations like salves, infusions, syrups tinctures and teas in hands-on activities. They have many samples to take home during the sessions.

It's important to note, however, that there are many herbs which are considered strong medicine in their rawest of form and must be administered under specific guidelines to maintain a safety factor.

"My goal is to help the students establish a good foundation to build their own herbal repertoire," Owen said.

In addition to teaching, Owen wants to reach more people and expose them to natural remedies and alternative beauty aid products. Her experiences in Europe provided this inspiration.

"I was quite taken with the open markets in Europe where local farmers sell their produce," Owen said. So in July 2004, she started selling her products at the weekly Campbell Farmers Market.

And with the holiday season fast approaching, Owen will be offering a one-day class called Herbal Holidays.

"We will make lip balm, infused oils and vinegars, festive creams, pomander balls, aromatherapy spritzers, bath salts, and body scrubs," she said.

And she adds, "Gifts made from the heart are received by the heart." So her classes will teach about and make herbal gifts.

Owen is offering a one-day Herbal Holidays class on Dec. 11 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost is $35 to $50 depending on the student's ability to pay. For more information contact Bridget Owen at 408. 529.7949.