Health Topics

The “Three Weekend Intensive: Advanced Topics in Herbal Medicine” is a course that begins where most introductory programs end. This course assumes that students have completed either an introductory course in herbal medicine or done extensive independent study in order to have a working knowledge of several basic foundation skills for practicing herbal medicine. The term working knowledge means experience with actually applying these concepts while using herbs with oneself and other people. It goes beyond theoretical or book knowledge. Having working knowledge in the following areas allows you to benefit from the Advanced Topics in Herbal Medicine program: - […] See More

The word Master often gets thrown around in regards to different occupations and skills. Master carpenter, chef, teacher, herbalist, etc. Everyone want this title but few have earned it. It is usually applied more for ego or marketing rather than actual skills and experience. It’s an issue in the herb community where there are no official titles so folks can call themselves whatever they want. I have thought about what it truly means to be a Master. For me, it is someone who can sit down and, in their field of expertise, begin talking, rambling, storytelling, waxing nostalgic, doing a […] See More

This category includes herbs that are well known and frequently used in Western Herbalism. The definition of this category is poorly understood. These herbs are often misused because the energetics are ignored. These herbs are often grouped under the vague terms of Detox or Blood Cleanser. What They Are Herbs that support and open the channels of elimination in the body. Our bodies need to eliminate both outside toxins and normal metabolic wastes such as hormones, cellular debris and immune system waste products. Five Primary Organ Systems Involved in Moving Wastes from the Body Lungs - remove carbon dioxide from […] See More

Many people are interested in herbal help during the cold and flu season. Some plants, such as echinacea, garlic and elder, are well known. These are most useful during the acute phase; to be used once a person is beginning to feel under the weather. Not as well known are the Immune Tonics. These are plants that have traditionally been used to strengthen the immune system. The goal is to reduce the chances of getting sick in the first place. Prevention. The two immune tonic herbs used the most at our school are Astragalus and Reishi. Astragalus is Astragalus membranaceus […] See More

For the Community Herbalist, acquiring dried plants is a straightforward process in the current herb market. Dried herbs are widely and easily available from many retail stores and online distributors. Plants that are best processed and/or used fresh can be more challenging to find. In the modern world of everything being instantly available 24/7, the seasonality of fresh herbs often surprises people. Important - Plan Ahead - sometimes several months in advance. Know when your desired fresh herb is available on the 12 month calendar. The following methods have worked for me over the years. 1. Grow your own in […] See More

Included below are the notes used during the Diet, Nutrition and Inflammation portions of our curriculum. It is a succinct look at how the foods we eat affect our internal inflammatory state. While the actual classes go into more detail, the foods listed here are good places to begin improving one's health in this area. There are several strategies for reducing chronic inflammation; diet being a primary one. Many people use fish oil supplements to benefit from the anti-inflammatory effects of Omega 3. Just as important, but not as well known, is to reduce foods that have the pro-inflammatory Omega […] See More

Endocrine Disruptors: What are They? Chemicals that can increase and decrease the production of hormones in our body by disrupting the normal functioning of the endocrine glands. They especially affect estrogen, androgen and thyroid hormones. This throws many organ systems out of balance. This term is often used interchangeably with Xeno-estrogen or Xeno-hormones. This is an important topic for both men and women’s reproductive health. Some chemical compounds to avoid are: BPA (bisphenol-A) Parabens Phthalates PBDE’s (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) Mercury and lead Organophosphate pesticides Atrazine Digoxin Perchlorate Perflourinated chemicals (PFC) Glycol ethers Triclosan Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) Perfluorooctanoic acid […] See More

It is well known that being stressed causes dis-ease. But the fact that disease causes stress is often overlooked. This is why supporting the nervous system is helpful in many (most, all?) health conditions even if the Chief Complaint is not directly related to nerves. The engagement of the nervous system in long term health care is seen in multiple ways: 1. Stress from ongoing, long term, chronic issues. This happens in many degenerative diseases such as pain, arthritis, cancer, Lyme, decreased mobility, decreased cognition, and autoimmune. Having the condition for a long time and knowing it may never be […] See More

This article provides resources for promoting health-balance-support during the pregnancy, birth and nursing stages of life for the baby, mother and father/co-parent. It is most definitely *not* meant as a complete substitute for healthcare from a certified medical provider. One of my mentors, Dr Aviva Romm, says it best - “When in doubt, check it out”. Get proper medical care when you need it. **Huge gratitude to the dedicated and loving mothers who freely shared their advice, wisdom, knowledge and recommendations with me.** Birth Control & Conception ~ “Taking Charge of your Fertility: The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control, […] See More