Clinical Herbalist Path
INTRODUCTORY HERBAL COURSE OVERVIEW (95 hrs)
UNIT 1: HERBAL BASICS
The Herbal Approach and World Healing Traditions; Choosing Herbs; Storing Herbs; Herbal Teas and Tinctures; Syrups and Topical Applications; Herbal Actions; Trees, Mushrooms, and Seaweed; Anatomy Overview; Developing your Materia Medica; Making an Herbarium
UNIT 2: KITCHEN HERBS
Wellness in Your Kitchen; Spices; Kitchen Materia Medica; Kitchen Preparations; Herb Gardening; Wildcrafting; Bringing it Home
UNIT 3: HERBAL SUPPORT FOR COMMON COMPLAINTS
The Immune System; Building a Healthy Terrain; Healthy Digestion; Minimizing Exposure to Environmental Toxins; Tonic and Adaptogen Herbs; The Respiratory System; Coughs, Colds, and the Flu; Herbs for Children; Herbal Support for Reproductive Health; Vitamin D
UNIT 4: HERBAL SUPPORT FOR THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
Overview of the Nervous System; Stress; Nervines and Adaptogenic Herbs; Tension Headaches and Migraines; Sleep and Insomnia; The B Vitamins
UNIT 5: BODY CARE
Introduction to the Skin; Common Skin Conditions; Herbal Support for Healthy Skin; Internal Health = External Health; Topical Oils; Salves and Balms; Body Butters; Salt and Sugar Scrubs; Herbal Baths; Facial Cleansers; Moisturizers; Toners; Hair Care; Healthy Aging
UNIT 6: THE HOLISTIC APPROACH
Conventional Allopathic Medicine; The Holistic Model; The Holistic Approach to Herbalism; Integration; The Holistic Body; The Power of the Mind and the Placebo Response; Holistic Approaches in Practice; History of Western Herbalism; Integrating the Holistic Approach
INTERMEDIATE HERBAL COURSE OVERVIEW (175 Hrs)
UNIT 1: INTRODUCTION AND HERBAL REVIEW
Why Herbs?; How Herbs Work; Herbal Traditions; Challenges to Herbalism; Making the Reconnection; Herbal First Aid Booklet – Making Herbal Preparations; Herbal Actions; Herbal Energetics; Ayurveda; Chinese Medicine; Creating Formulas; Dosage; Side Effects and Safety; Herb-Drug Interactions; Drying and Storing Herbs
UNIT 2: FOOD IS THE FOUNDATION
Eating with the Seasons; Nutrition; Foods for Convalescence; Mindful Eating; Kitchen Cupboard Herbs; Making Herb-Infused Vinegars, Shrubs, Oils, Honeys, Cordials, Syrups, and Oxymels; Foraging Wild Edibles and Herbs; United Plant Savers At-Risk Plants; Gratitude and Ceremony; Creating A Materia Medica; Phytochemicals
UNIT 3: THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
Digestive System Overview; The Importance of Healthy Digestion; The Gut/Brain Connection; The Gut/Immune System Connection; Supporting Digestive Health with Bitters and Carminatives; Cultivating a Healthy Gut Microbiome; Addressing Digestive Imbalances with Herbs; Digestive System Materia Medica; Breathing as a Wellness Tool
UNIT 4: THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
Overview of the Immune System; Diet, Lifestyle, and Herbal Support for a Healthy Immune System; Addressing Bacterial, Viral, and Fungal Infections with Herbs; Herbal Support for Autoimmune Conditions and Allergies; Immune System Materia Medica; Wellness-Promoting Mushrooms
UNIT 5: THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
Overview of the Nervous System; The Physiology of Stress; Herbal and Lifestyle Support for Stress; Herbal Support for Headaches; Herbal Support for Healthy Sleep; Herbal Support for Anxiety and Depression; Nervous System Materia Medica; Flower Essences
UNIT 6: THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
Cardiovascular System Overview; Supporting Optimal Heart Health; Supporting Healthy Blood Pressure and Cholesterol; Food for the Heart; Addressing Cardiovascular Imbalances with Herbs; A Heart-Healthy Diet; Care of The Energetic Heart; Cardiovascular System Materia Medica
UNIT 7: THE LIVER
Overview of the Liver; Diet and Lifestyle Support for a Healthy Liver; Herbal Liver Tonics; Herbal Support for Liver Imbalance; Liver Materia Medica; Healthy Skin; Herbal Skin Care Booklet
UNIT 8: THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
Respiratory System Overview; Maintaining a Healthy Respiratory System; Heart Rate Variability; Healthy Breathing and Herbal Lung Tonics; Herbal Support for Respiratory Imbalances; Respiratory Tissue States; Plants and Clean Air; Respiratory System Materia Medica; Aromatherapy for the Respiratory System
UNIT 9: THE URINARY SYSTEM
Overview of the Urinary System; Supporting a Healthy Urinary System; Water and Fluids; Herbal Bladder and Kidney Tonics; Addressing Urinary Imbalances with Herbs; Urinary System Materia Medica
UNIT 10: CHILDREN
Safety; Dosing; The Top Four Herbs for Kids; Herbal Support for Common Childhood Discomforts; Formulas and Recipes for Children; Herbalism and the Law
ADVANCED HERBAL COURSE OVERVIEW (500 Hrs)
UNIT 1: HERBAL WISDOM TRADITIONS AND HISTORY
The Humoral System and Astrological Medicine; American Botanical Movement; Other American Botanical Traditions; Traditional Chinese Medicine; Ayurveda; Global Healing Traditions; Modern Allopathy and Holistic Healing
“We are not makers of history. We are made by history.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
In honoring those who have come before us and paved the way for herbal healing into modern times, the course begins by setting the stage with the unfolding history and herbal wisdom traditions which have shaped Western Herbalism: from the rich historical knowledge developed within the humoral system of the ancient Greeks, traditional Chinese medicine, and Ayurveda; to the burgeoning discoveries of the American botanical movement in the New World as it was influenced by indigenous and European systems of healing; to the development of modern allopathy and then an awakening to the potential for a collaborative approach. The course explores the frames through which many cultures have integrated plants into a holistic approach to wellness, grounding our current and ever-expanding knowledge in all that has come before.
UNIT 2: BOTANY AND PHYTOCHEMISTRY
Plant Identification and Taxonomy; Plant Chemistry; Pharmacognosy and Pharmacology; Herb-Drug Interactions; How to Evaluate Scientific Research
This unit focuses on the hard sciences of botany, taxonomy, and pharmacology in order to prepare students of herbalism with the tools necessary to identify medicinal plants in the field, to understand and evaluate scientific research regarding phytochemistry and herb-drug interactions, and to celebrate the knowledge that scientific research brings to the traditions of herbalism. This unit will assist in bringing detail to our understanding of the intelligence of the plants themselves and how this intelligence communicates with that of the human body.
UNIT 3: MAKING AND SELLING HERBAL PRODUCTS
Sourcing Herbs and Ingredients for Medicine Making or Product Manufacture; Good Manufacturing Practices for Dietary Supplements (21 CFR 111); Labeling Herbal Products; Creating a Business and a Brand
This unit is geared for those who want to develop a herbal products business, and includes information on sourcing herbs sustainably, detailed guidance on complying with good manufacturing practices and legal requirements for labeling in the U.S., and helpful business advice on creating a brand from an herbalist who has done so successfully. The course will get you started in the right direction, giving you valuable information up front to help guide you through the process and save time, money, and frustration down the road.
UNIT 4: BLOOD, LYMPH, AND MUCUS MEMBRANES
Anatomy Review; Hemodynamics and Blood Function; Lymphatic Physiology and Mucous Membrane Physiology; Common Conditions; Herbs and Healing; Case Study
In addition to performing their own unique functions, the blood, lymph, and mucous membranes have in common the vitally important function of working in unison to defend your body from exposure to foreign elements. The mucous membranes cover all internal body surfaces that have direct exposure to elements of the outside environment. Along with the blood, the lymphatic system is responsible for herding immune cells quickly and efficiently towards invading pathogens. Recognizing common conditions that could compromise these systems is vitally important.
This unit explores the anatomy and physiology, common complaints, etiology of imbalances, and herbal therapeutic approaches appropriate for the blood, the lymph system, and mucous membranes.
UNIT 5: THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
Anatomy: Major players and Messengers; Physiology: The Ultimate Messaging System; General Health and Wellness: Don’t Shoot the Messengers; Common Conditions of the Endocrine System
This unit explores the anatomy and physiology of the endocrine system, how to support the general health and wellness of this system, common complaints, etiology of imbalances, and conventional and herbal therapeutic approaches.
UNIT 6: MALE HEALTH AND WELLNESS
The Male Reproductive System; Boys: Youth through Puberty; Cultural and Social Aspects of Male Care; General Health Care; The Male Heart; The Prostate; Male Hormone Balance; Male Stressors and Other Common Complaints; Case Study
Unit 6 focuses on what it is like to live in the male body and how to care for it, beginning in this lesson with male anatomy and physiology of the reproductive system.
This unit takes a thorough look at the anatomy and physiology of the male reproductive system, heart, and prostate, and discusses general wellness support for both boys and men. This lesson also provides information on support for common physical and emotional imbalances men may experience.
UNIT 7: FEMALE HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Menstrual Cycle and Reproductive Potential; Girls Wellness; The Psychology of Female Wellness; General Health Care for Women; Breast Health; Common Female Complaints; Fertility, Pregnancy, Miscarriage, and Birth; Managing the Menopausal Transition; Case Study
Cultivating sensitivity and openness to the diversity among humans and their bodies are essential skills for clinicians, and this is particularly true in developing clinical skills in supporting uterine-ovarian health in clients seeking herbal and nutritional care.
This unit takes a thorough look at the anatomy and physiology of the female reproductive system, and discusses general wellness support for both girls and women, provides information on support for common physical and emotional imbalances women may experience, support for breast health, fertility, pregnancy, miscarriage, and birth; and takes an in-depth look at the menopausal transition and herbal strategies for support.
UNIT 8: THE MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM
Anatomy and Physiology of Bones, Tendons, and Ligaments;Anatomy and Physiology of Muscles; General Health and Wellness of the Musculoskeletal System; Common Conditions and the Herbal Approach; Managing Pain; Case Study
Understanding the various ways that tendons, ligaments, connective tissues, and bone interact with the entire body can aid us in determining the best way to offer a full body support plan. Having a clear understanding of the bone’s role in the immune system and how these tissues are involved in body wide nutrient balance can offer a view of the overall health of the body system. With these tools, an herbalist can offer a more health and wellness-based protocol rather than one based on curing dis-ease.
This unit explores the anatomy and physiology of the bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles of the musculoskeletal system; general health and wellness of this system; and investigates herbal support for common conditions as well as how to manage pain and inflammation associated with the musculoskeletal system.
UNIT 9: HEALTHY AGING WITH HERBS
Longevity, Vitality, and Prevention; Working with Elders: Important Considerations; for the Herbal Consultation; The Aging Skin; Illness and Disease of an Aging Population
Imprinted on our DNA is the potential to survive. While our bodies eventually age and decay, our bodies still move through life with an impetus to move toward life, toward vitality and longevity. Immortality may never be our birthright—looking toward traditional viewpoints regarding the gifts and purpose of aging, any fountain of youth would be out of place. However, whatever our age or stage of life, we are able to employ specific lifestyle adaptations, dietary choices and health-supportive mindsets that can help us to avoid age-associated illness and disease and add vitality, wellness and enjoyment to our lives.
This unit discusses what it means to age, the energetics of aging, and herbal support for vitality in the aging process; takes a thoughtful look at important perspectives and considerations when conducting an herbal consultation with elders; looks at the anatomy, physiology, and herbal support for aging skin; and discusses common physical imbalances that accompany aging and herbal therapeutics to support them.
UNIT 10: WEIGHT MANAGEMENT FOR HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Overweight and Obesity; The Brain-Gut Connection and Psychology of Food; The Energetics of Food; Sugar; Common Food Allergies and Sensitivities; Fasting and Detox; Daily Living with Powerful Herbs; Dieting
Because nutrition is at the root of vibrant wellness, this unit dives into weight management for health, exploring the causes and effects of obesity, the fascinating brain-gut connection and energetics of food, the effect of sugar on the body, understanding food allergies and food sensitivities, and supporting a return to optimum body function via fasting and detox, healthy dieting, and integration of herbs into the daily diet.
By taking a holistic wellness approach with clients and focusing on health rather than weight, herbalists can teach that weight is only one component of health. It might be difficult to advance this philosophy what with the entrenched media, stereotypes, and what our society thinks we know of weight and obesity, but our clients will appreciate it and benefit.
UNIT 11: HEALING
The Nature of Healing; The Mind-Body Connection; Reaching the Spirit; Aromatherapy
Take a broad look at some of the determinants which influence the nature of healing. While healing is dynamic and looks different for each individual, there are basic similarities in our wellness needs. Healing involves engaging the mind, body and spirit. There is value in connection – to our own thought processes, to humanity, and to the natural world. The beauty of working with herbs along this path is that the very nature of herbalism connects us to resources and experiences that support healing on all of these levels.
This unit explores the nature and philosophy of physical and emotional healing, the importance of the mind-body connection and how it is understood in different systems of healing, how emotional conditions affect physical health and ways to reach the emotional body or spirit, and a thorough look at aromatherapy and how to use essential oils for healing.
UNIT 12: ASSESSMENT AND HERBAL THERAPEUTICS
Assessing the Body; Clinical Intake; Advanced Formulation
The good herbalist is the one who differentiates between one person and the next and learns to set the profile of the herb in the person or the disturbance. Each person is different and we need to accommodate ourselves to them and understand their differences. Evaluation is a long and difficult education, but don’t worry! Take every chance to learn.
This unit explores the practical skills of assessing the body using energetic and tissue state frameworks, tongue, face, and pulse assessment techniques, the clinical intake process, and advanced formulation of herbal remedies. Using this guidance and practice, you’ll learn to develop your own evaluation style.
UNIT 13: BECOMING AN HERBALIST
Defining your Path; Receiving Clinical Training and Experience; Cultivating a Healing Presence; Continuing to Grow; Useful Resources and Organizations
As an herbalist, your path will evolve over time. One of the most beautiful things about herbalism is the way that each individual is able to express themself through their practice. There are many different ways to be an herbalist, and each person has different strengths, interests, and preferences that become an integral part of their path.
This unit explores how to define your path as an herbalist, how to seek and receive additional clinical training and experience, how to cultivate an authentic healing presence and communicate that to your clients, and how to continue to grow your skillset throughout your career.
UNIT 14: YOU ARE AN HERBALIST
Introduction to Clinical Practice; Herbalism and the Law; Client Records and Confidentiality; The Client/Practitioner Relationship
Now that you have gotten your feet wet with key aspects of clinical training and practice, it’s time for the fun part: envisioning and creating your own herbal practice! If you already have an herbal practice in place, let this lesson be an inspiration for ways you may adapt or improve your practice. This is the time to put a lot of your actual herbal training aside for a bit and focus on the ideal business you’d like to create for yourself and how to put it together.
This unit will help you gain an understanding of what a clinical practice entails, how to acquire clinical training, what your legal responsibilities are, and how to run a practice, from keeping client records to developing intake procedures, and cultivating effective working relationships with your clients.
CASE STUDIES
Case studies are included throughout the course to illustrate imbalance experienced by real people and the clinical assessment and herbal protocols used to correct that imbalance.