Course Name

Nutritional Herbalism: Learn How Herbs Work Within Your Body

Contact Hours: 24

Course Description

Designed for the beginning herbalist, this course will help you understand "Herbal Energetics" - Why and How to use Herbs. As Alternative Health goes mainstream the need to understand these alternatives has increased. Natural doesn`t always mean Safe. Just because herbs are natural, you must not automatically assume that they are safe for you. No two people are alike and according to your body`s individual needs some herbs could cause a health problem.   In this course we will examine the different actions that herbs take within the body and who should and should not use certain herbs. This course will help you to choose which herbs (that you hear about in the national news) are right for you. I will also offer you links to items on the web that we can use in our discussions. Your active involvement and participation in this course is the key to success and you should view the course as an open forum for the expression and application of ideas and theoretical arguments.

Outcome

By the end of the course students should possess the following knowledge and skills: Be able to identify different herb forms. Be able to discuss the nutritional benefit of herbs and have a good understanding ofhow they act within the body. An understanding of the main body systems and which key herbs best support them. Will be able to expand on the forces of Yin/Yang through the Western "Four Element" model; Hot & Cold and Wet & Dry. These learned theories will expand your understanding of herb energies or their direction of action. An understanding of plant personalities and their therapeutic uses. Have the ability to put together a general three-step herb therapy program with the ability to choose a maintenance, acute illness or chronic illness approach. An understanding of the Nature of Disease (not just the symptoms)the balance or harmony/disharmony between our constitution and the environment.

Assessment

The student demonstrates his or her knowledge by taking a weekly quiz at the end of each class. By dialoguing with the facilitator as needed and dialogue with the return of the weekly quiz. By performing satisfactorily on the final exam.

Outline

Week #1 - Learn How and Why to use Herbs In the first week, you will learn how the body uses the herbs you take and their Degree of Action or Strength. You will be exposed to the different herb types (i.e. Antibiotic, Analgesic, Calmative, etc.) and the different herbal preparations (i.e. capsule, poultice, extract, salve, etc.). During this initial period we will learn why we should use herbs. Week #2 - Understanding the Basic Concept of Disease Before you can make good herbal choices for yourself, you must first understand the Basic Concept of Disease including the constitutional and environmental factors. We will study the three basic concepts - The Life Force, The Roots of Disease and The Elemental Models. Week #3 - Establish a working knowledge of Elemental Models You will study the Yin and Yang concept and learn the Western Four Elements model (Air, Water, Fire & Earth). We will revisit the Degree of Action so you will be able to incorporate the Elemental Models with your knowledge of the Degree of Action to help you in selecting the correct herbs for your condition. During this period you are encouraged to share other health related sites and ask any specific herbal questions. Week #4 - Understand the Principles of Healing It is important that you understand the Principles of Healing before you begin any herbal program. This week we will learn the difference between Activating, Building and Cleansing and when to do each. You will study the practical applications of the following programs: Maintenance, Acute Illness and Chronic Illness. Week #5 - Chinese Seasonal Approach to a healthy body The Chinese observe five seasons. You will learn how the five seasons relate to specific organs in the body. Simply put, you will learn what herbs to take for each season to support the organs of that season for optimum health. During this period you will also learn about the best foods and exercises for each season.