The Wisdom of Herbal Medicine

Embark on a fascinating journey into the heart of herbal medicine, a timeless tradition that has nurtured well-being for centuries. In this course, we invite you to explore the intricate relationship between plants and the human body, unravelling the profound ways in which the natural world contributes to our health and vitality.

Our learning adventure begins with a unique focus on herbs through engaging monograph tasks. Dive deep into the essence of each herb, capturing your discoveries through drawings, pictures, thoughts, and facts in a comprehensive monograph. This hands-on exploration not only unveils the individual characteristics of herbs but also serves as a foundation for your understanding of their broader applications.

As we delve into the historical tapestry of herbal medicine, you will discover the rich diversity of practices worldwide. Compare and contrast ancient Ayurveda with modern herbalism, drawing inspiration from varied traditions to illuminate the vast landscape of herbal knowledge. This exploration is designed to ignite your curiosity and guide you towards your own specialized path within the realm of herbal medicine.

At this level of study, you will gain the practical skills to use basic herbal. Learn to safely prescribe fundamental herbs, empowering yourself to integrate herbal remedies into your holistic approach to well-being.

Our course extends beyond the study of individual herbs. Delve into the interconnected realms of lifestyle factors, nutrition, and diet, discovering how these elements form the cornerstone of herbalism. Witness how herbalists mange to blend science and art, using dietary information to assess patients and tailor herbal recommendations.

Medicine making is an integral facet of herbalism, and our course encompasses phytochemistry, materia medica, and the art of crafting remedies. Develop the ability to identify, understand, and utilize herbs commonly found in your surroundings. From tinctures to teas, you’ll learn to create remedies that cater to diverse individuals and address a spectrum of ailments.

Explore the intricate physiological systems of the body and understand how herbs can be applied effectively. This comprehensive approach covers various bodily systems, including cardiovascular and nervous systems, offering you a holistic perspective on herbal applications.

Discover the unique power of plant medicine, which operates on multiple levels and can be tailored to different needs. While conventional medicine may struggle with this nuanced approach, herbalism attracts those seeking a more personalized and natural treatment. Whether you come with prior experiences or a newfound curiosity, this course equips you with the tools to navigate your health journey through the wisdom of herbal remedies.

We invite you to savor this enriching course, as you deepen your connection with plants and unlock the extraordinary remedies they hold. May your exploration of herbal medicine be as inspiring as the diverse world of flora that surrounds us.  Enjoy the learning adventure!

Here’s a general overview of what the Herbal Medicine course will entail:



Lecture 1: Introduction to Herbal Medicine

 

Introduction to Herbs

  • Overview of herbal medicine: history, cultural perspectives, and global practices.
  • Importance of plant identification and sustainable harvesting.
  • Introduction to phytochemistry and the active constituents of herbs.
  • Challenges to Herbalism: Quality, Efficacy, and Sustainability

 

Herbal First Aid Book

 

  • Herbal First Aid Handbook
  • Herbal First Aid: Safety Notes
  • Getting Started…The Methods & Techniques You Need to Know!
  • Bites and Stings
  • Burns and Rashes
  • Cuts and Wounds
  • Colds, Coughs, and the Flu
  • Pain and Stress
  • Digestion and Hydration
  • Additional First Aid Essentials

 

Creating Formulas

  • Rationale: Choosing Herbs for a Formula
  • Synergy
  • Interactions within a Formula
  • Catalysts
  • Energetics of Formulation
  • Dosage
  • Creating Formulas: More Examples
  • Triangle Formulas

 

Side Effects and Safety

  • Risks from Over-the-Counter and Prescription Drugs
  • Reported Cases of Herb Toxicity
  • Herb-Drug Interactions (HDIs)
  • Some Herbs are Toxic
  • Some Herbs are Toxic When Taken Long-Term
  • Herbal Safety in Pregnancy
  • Allergic Reactions to Herbs

 

Honey, Oil, and Vinegar Preparations

  • Infused Vinegars
  • Shrubs
  • Oxymels
  • Honey
  • Syrups
  • Cordials
  • Electuaries
  • Infused Oils

 

Foraging Wild Edibles & Herbs

Wildcrafting

  • Common Wild Edibles
  • Common Wild Herbs
  • Responsibility

 

Creating Your Materia Medica

  • In-depth study of specific herbs and their medicinal properties.
  • How to prepare and administer herbal remedies.
  • Dosage, contraindications, and safety considerations.
  • A System for Herbal Information
  • Organization of Your Materia Medica
  • Referencing

Medicinal Plant Pharmacology

  • Understanding the pharmacological actions of medicinal plants.
  • Principles of herbal medicine dosage and formulation.
  • Interactions between herbs and conventional medications
  • Integrating herbal medicine with conventional healthcare.
  • Prevention and health maintenance with herbal remedies.

 

Lecture 2: The digestive system

 

Overview of the Digestive System and the Importance of Healthy Digestion

Absorbing Nutrients

  • The Gut-Brain Connection
  • The Gut-Immune System Connection
  • The Reflexive Effect
  • The Ayurvedic View of Digestion
  • The Chinese Medicine View of Digestion

 

Supporting Digestive Health

Bitters

  • Carminatives
  • Cultivating a Healthy Gut Microbiome
  • Non-Herbal Digestive System Support

 

Addressing Digestive Imbalances with Herbs

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disorders: Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Leaky Gut Syndrome
  • Herbal Remedies for Inflammatory Disorders of the Gut
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

 

Digestive System Materia Medica

  • Digestive System Materia Medica Chart

 

Lecture 3: The Immune System

 

Supporting a Healthy Immune System

  • Lifestyle Choices for a Healthy Immune System
  • Diet for a Healthy Immune System
  • Herbal Support for a Healthy Immune System
  • Ayurveda and the Immune System
  • Chinese Medicine and the Immune System

 

Addressing Bacterial, Viral, and Fungal Infections with Herbs

  • Infections
  • Immune Stimulants
  • Lymphatics
  • Herbal Antivirals
  • Herbal Antibiotics
  • Herbal Antifungals
  • Skin Infections

 

Herbal Support for Autoimmune Conditions and Allergies

  • Support for Autoimmune Conditions
  • Herbal Support for Allergies

 

Lecture 4: The Nervous System

 

Nervous System

  • Herbs for the Nervous System

Stress

  • What is Stress?
  • What Happens When We Experience Stress?
  • Nervine Herbs for Stress
  • Vata and the Ayurvedic View of the Nervous System
  • Qi and the Chinese Medicine View of the Nervous System

 

Herbal Support for Headaches

  • Tension Headaches
  • Migraines

 

Sleep

  • What Happens When We Sleep and Why Is Sleep Important?
  • Sleep, Rhythm, and Wellness
  • Insomnia
  • Herbal Support for Insomnia
  • Other Supportive Approaches
  • Sleep Hygiene
  • Daily Rhythms in Chinese Medicine
  • Daily Rhythms in Ayurveda

 

Herbal Support for Anxiety and Depression

  • Anxiety
  • Depression

 

Nervous System Materia Medica

  • Nervous System Materia Medica Chart
  • Flower Essences
  • Wellness-Promoting Mushrooms
  • Breathing as a Wellness Tool

 

Lecture 5: Cardiovascular

 

Supporting a Healthy Heart

  • Food for the Heart
  • Herbal Cardiovascular Tonics
  • The Ayurvedic View of the Circulatory System
  • The Chinese Medicine View of the Circulatory System

 

Addressing Cardiovascular Imbalances with Herbs

  • Hypertension
  • Cardiovascular Disease

 

Care of the Energetic Heart

  • The Heart as a feelings Sensor
  • Cultivating the Peaceful Heart
  • Herbs for the Energetic Heart
  • Ayurveda and the Heart
  • Chinese Medicine and The Heart

 

Cardiovascular System Materia Medica

  • Cardiovascular System Materia Medica Chart

 

Lecture 6: The Liver

 

Diet and Lifestyle Support for a Healthy Liver

  • Foods that Keep the Liver Happy
  • Lifestyle for a Healthy Liver
  • Castor Oil Packs
  • Ayurveda and the Liver
  • Chinese Medicine and The Liver

 

Herbal Liver Tonics

  • Hepatics
  • Bitters
  • Cholagogues and Choleretics
  • Hepatoprotectives
  • Herbal Support for Liver Imbalance

 

Liver Congestion and Hypofunction: An Herbalist’s Perspective

  • Jaundice
  • Hepatitis
  • Cirrhosis
  • Colelithiatis

 

Liver Materia Medica

  • Liver Materia Medica Chart
  • The Liver – Healthy Skin Connection
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Lecture 7: The Respiratory System

 

Maintaining a Healthy Respiratory System

  • Physiology of Deep Breathing
  • Rhythmic Breathing
  • Heart Rate Variability
  • Aerobic Exercise and Lung Health
  • Herbal Support for the Respiratory System
  • Ayurveda and the Respiratory System
  • Chinese Medicine and the Respiratory System

 

Herbal Support for Respiratory Imbalances

  • Energetics
  • The Common Cold
  • Influenza
  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Sinusitis and Rhinitis
  • Lower Respiratory Infections
  • Asthma

 

Plants, Trees, and Clean Air

  • Improving Air Quality Indoors
  • Houseplants as Air Filters
  • Trees are the Lungs of the Earth
  • Forest Bathing

 

Respiratory System Materia Medica

  • Respiratory System Materia Medica Chart
  • Aromatherapy for the Respiratory System

 

Lesson 8: THE URINARY SYSTEM

 

Supporting a Healthy Urinary System

  • Water and Fluids
  • Herbal Tonics for the Bladder and Kidneys
  • Ayurveda and the Urinary System
  • Chinese Medicine and the Urinary System

 

Addressing Urinary Imbalances with Herbs

  • Urinary Tract Infections
  • Interstitial Cystitis
  • Kidney Stones

 

Urinary System Materia Medica

  • Urinary System Materia Medica Chart

 

Lecture 9: Children’s Health

 

Safety, Dosing, and the Top Four Herbs for Kids

  • Precautions
  • Dosing for Children
  • Herbs to Avoid for Children and During Lactation
  • Top Four Children’s Herbs

 

Common Childhood Discomforts

  • When to Use Herbs
  • When Not to Use Herbs
  • Teething
  • Newborn Colic
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever
  • Chickenpox
  • Common Cold
  • Earache
  • Bumps, Bruises, and Scrapes
  • Afraid of Monsters (Anxiety)

Formulas and Recipes for Children

  • Herbal Preparations for Children