Advanced Herbal Course Outline

UNIT 1: HERBAL WISDOM TRADITIONS AND HISTORY

Lesson 1: Introduction to the Course

Lesson 2: The Humoral System

Origins of Medicine in Greek Mythology
Medicine in Pre-Hippocratic Greece
The Hippocratic Legacy
Aristotle’s Philosophic Contributions to Medicine
Dioscorides: De Materia Medica
Galen of Pergamum
The Rise of Islamic Medicine
Paracelsus
Nicholas Culpeper
Bringing it All Together

Lesson 3: Western Energetics in Contemporary Practice

Western Herbalism?
Energetic Systems
Four Qualities
Six Tissue States
Humoral Temperaments
Energetics in Action

Lesson 4: Roots of Herbalism in America

Native American Healing Traditions
Herbalism in the American Early Modern Period
American Medical Botanists
African American Healing Traditions
Appalachian Folk Medicine
The Wise Woman Tradition

Lesson 5: American Botanical Movement

The Rise of the Sectarian Schism in the American Botanical Movement
Samuel Thomson and the Thomsonians
The “Indian Doctors”
Homeopathy
The Physiomedicalists
The Eclectics
Sectarian Medical Groups Fade Into History
Complementary and Alternative Medicine in America Today

Lesson 6: Chinese Medicine

The Philosophical Roots of Chinese Medicine
Tao
Fundamental Concepts in Chinese Medicine
Practical Applications of Chinese Medicine

Lesson 7: Ayurveda

Roots of Ayurveda
The Five Elements
The Three Gunas and the Twenty Attributes
The Three Doshas
Assessing Your Constitution: Prakruti and Vikruti
The Seven Dhatus
Digestion: Agni and Ama
Srotas: Channels of Elimination
Samprapti: The Causes of Disease
Preventative Health and Ayurveda
The Ayurvedic Approach

Lesson 8: Global Healing Traditions

World Health Organization Views on Traditional Medicine
Global Healing Traditions – Unity and Diversity
African Traditions
Pacific Traditions
Latin American Traditions
Practicing Multicultural Awareness and Sensitivity

UNIT 2: BOTANY AND PHYTOCHEMISTRY

Lesson 1: Plant Identification and Taxonomy

Basic Botany
Learning the Language of Plants: Introduction to Botanical Terms
Introduction to Plant Identification + Plant Walk (VIDEO)
Plant Identification by Family
Other Ways to Identify Plants

Lesson 2: Plant Chemistry

What are Plant Constituents and Where Do They Come From?
Common Medicinal Constituents
Secondary Metabolites

Lesson 3: Pharmacognosy and Pharmacology

Embracing the Science of Herbal Pharmacology
Pharmacognosy: An Interdisciplinary Interface of Drug Discovery
Pharmacology: A General Design for a Complex System
Pharmacology = Pharmacokinetics + Pharmacodynamics

Lesson 4: Herb-Drug Interactions

The Good, the Bad, and the Fascinating
Terminology
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamic Considerations
Assessing Risk Factors for Herb-Drug Interactions
The Hierarchy of Clinical Relevance: Assessing Herb-Drug Interaction Research
Doing Your Research

Lesson 5: How to Evaluate Scientific Research

Reviewing Research with a Critical Eye
Types of Research and Study Designs
The Gold Standard: Randomized, Controlled, and Double Blind
Literature, Systematic Reviews, and Meta-Analysis
Where to Find Research
What if There’s No Research?

UNIT 3: MAKING AND SELLING HERBAL PRODUCTS

Lesson 1: Sourcing Herbs and Ingredients for Medicine Making or Product Manufacture

Sourcing Herbs: Considerations
Sustainable Growing and Harvesting Methods
Sourcing Sustainable Bee Products
Sourcing Other Ingredients
Other Considerations

Lesson 2: Good Manufacturing Practices for Dietary Supplements (21 CFR 111)

What are cGMPs?
Definition of Food, Dietary Supplement, Cosmetic, and Drug
Terminology and Language in 21 CFR 111
cGMPs: Required Documentation
Document Guidelines
Record Keeping
Established Specification Requirements
Production and Process Control System: Requirements for Manufacturing Operations, Packaging, and Labeling
Botanical Identification
Microbial Testing

Lesson 3: Labeling Herbal Products

What Kind of Product Are You Selling?
What You Need to Put on Your Dietary Supplement Label: For Starters
Exemptions & Tricks to Know
Basic Label Requirements for Food & Dietary Supplements
Labeling Requirements for Cosmetics
Dietary Supplement Claims

Lesson 4: Creating a Business and a Brand

Intent/Vision: Why You’re Starting a Business
Vision as Structure: Questions to Help You Move Forward with Your Business
A Brief History of My Personal Business Experience
Slow and Steady: Growing with Your Business
Considering Where To Sell Your Products
Seeking Help: Interns as an Asset to Your Business
Business and Product Naming: Creating a Brand Name and Image
A Successful Herbal Company: Herbal Revolution (VIDEO)
Marketing Your Products
Running a Business: Other Considerations

UNIT 4: BLOOD, LYMPH, AND MUCOUS MEMBRANES

Lesson 1: Anatomy Review

Blood Vessels
Blood Cells and Lymphocytes
The Lymphatic System
Mucosa: Anatomy and Immunity

Lesson 2: Hemodynamics and Blood Function

The Cardiovascular System and Blood (VIDEO)

Lesson 3: Lymphatic Physiology and Mucous Membrane Physiology

Mucous Membrane Physiology
Lymphatic System Physiology (including Tissue States)
Alteratives, Herb Specificity, and Their Relation to Tissue States

Lesson 4: Common Conditions

Common Conditions of Blood
Common Conditions of the Vascular System
Common Conditions of the Lymphatic System
Common Conditions Affecting All Mucosa
Common Conditions of Respiratory Mucosa
Common Conditions of Intestinal Mucosa
Common Conditions of Vaginal Mucosa

Lesson 5: Herbs and Healing

Tissue Affinity
Building Blood and Supporting the Vasculature
Supporting Lymphatic Function
Supporting Mucosal Tissue

Lesson 6: Case Study

Autoimmune Disease (VIDEO)

UNIT 5: THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

Explore 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.

LESSON 1: Anatomy

Endocrine System Anatomy: Major Players and Messengers (VIDEO)

LESSON 2: Physiology: The Ultimate Messaging System

Endocrine Control Mechanisms
Hormonal Regulation of the Body

LESSON 3: General Health and Wellness: Don’t Shoot the Messengers

Chronic Stress and the Endocrine System
Maintaining a Healthy Thyroid
Blood Sugar Regulation Support

LESSON 4: Common Conditions of the Endocrine System

Disorders of the Thyroid Gland
Disorders of the Parathyroid Gland
Adrenal Disorders
Diabetes Mellitus
Acromegaly

UNIT 6: MALE HEALTH AND WELLNESS

LESSON 1: The Male Reproductive System

General Anatomy
Reproduction and Hormone Homeostasis
Male Physiology of the Sexual Act
Composition of Semen

LESSON 2: Boys: Youth through Puberty

Physical Development
Puberty
The First Signs of Sexuality
Stressors and Emotional Needs
Stressors and Illnesses Associated with Boyhood
General Wellness & Hygiene

LESSON 3: Cultural and Social Aspects of Male Care

Diseases of Male Social Gender
Help Seeking Behaviors of Men vs. Women
Client-Practitioner Relationship
Men and Self Image
Supporting the Male Client

LESSON 4: General Health Care

General Health and Wellness
Specific Body Systems and Support

LESSON 5: The Male Heart

Heart Disease: Differences Between Men and Women
Male Psychology & Spirituality: The Emotional Heart
Herbal Adaptogens for the Male Body
Alternative Healing Perspectives
Herbal Approach to Heart Health & Blood Pressure Issues

LESSON 6: The Prostate

Anatomy and Physiology of the Prostate
Prostate Disease
Energetics of Prostate Disease
Supporting Prostate Function

LESSON 7: Male Hormone Balance

Hormone Trail: Hypothalamus to the Testes
Thyroid Hormones
Growth Hormone
Adrenals and Catecholamines/Corticosteroids
Effects of Estrogen Mimics and Anti-Androgens
Andropause
Therapeutic Approaches

LESSON 8: Male Stressors and Other Common Complaints

Infertility
Erectile Dysfunction
Virility and Libido Issues
Incontinence
Depression
Sexually Transmitted Diseases

LESSON 9: Case Study

Male Wellness: A Case Study (VIDEO)

UNIT 7: FEMALE HEALTH AND WELLNESS

LESSON 1: Menstrual Cycle and Reproductive Potential

The Many Functions of Ovo-Uterine System: Language Skills in Clinical Herbalism
Anatomy of Ovo-Uterine Tissues, Organs, and Systems
Basic Physiology of the Ovarian, Uterine, and Menstrual Cycles

LESSON 2: Girls Wellness

Emotional Needs During Adolescence
Puberty
Specific Wellness Needs of Young Women
Stressors and Common Conditions During Adolescence

LESSON 3: The Psychology of Female Wellness

The Psychology of Female Wellness (VIDEO)
Eating Disorders
Sexual Trauma, Birth Trauma, and Their Effects on Wellbeing
Unhealthy Relationships with Partners and Physical Abuse
The Mother-Daughter Relationship and its Effect on Wellbeing
Supporting a Healthy Body Image and Self Care

LESSON 4: General Health Care for Women

Nourishment
Herbs to Support Female Wellness
Lifestyle Practices
Other Important Practices

LESSON 5: Breast Health

Breast Health (Video)
Common Breast Conditions

LESSON 6: Common Female Complaints

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Amenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea
Menorrhagia
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Endometriosis
Uterine Fibroids
Urinary Tract Infections
Yeast Infections
Leukorrhea/Vaginitis
Low Libido

LESSON 7: Fertility, Pregnancy, Miscarriage, and Birth

Natural Fertility Awareness: The Basics
Essential Questions to Ask During the Fertility Herbal Consultation
Preconception Care: The Three Month Preconception Plan
Female Fertility Challenges and Herbal Therapeutics
Male Fertility Challenges and Herbal Therapeutics
Biomedical and Assisted Reproductive Techniques
Miscarriage
Pregnancy
Preparations for Birth and Labor
Postpartum Care

LESSON 8: Managing the Menopausal Transition, Part I

Introduction to Bewilderment
Framing the Menopausal Change: Victim or Free Agent?
The Clinical Reality: Nuts and Bolts of Change
The Hormonal Milieu: Complex Endocrinology of the Menopause Transition

LESSON 9: Managing the Menopausal Transition, Part II

Herbal, Dietary, and Lifestyle Support for the Menopause Transition
Self-Assessment, Wellness Plans, and Setting Achievable Goals

LESSON 10: Case Study

PMS and Anxiety: A Case Study (VIDEO)

UNIT 8: THE MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM

LESSON 1: Anatomy and Physiology of Bones, Tendons, and Ligaments

Connective Tissue
Bones
Joints
Inflammation and Immune System Response

LESSON 2: Anatomy and Physiology of Muscles

Anatomy of Skeletal, Cardiac, and Smooth Muscles
Physiology of Skeletal, Cardiac, and Smooth Muscles

LESSON 3: General Health and Wellness of the Musculoskeletal System

Maintaining Healthy Bones, Joints, and Muscles
The Herbal Approach

LESSON 4: Common Conditions and the Herbal Approach

Osteoporosis
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Gout
Fibromyalgia
Sprains, Fractures, and Healing

LESSON 5: Managing Pain

Physiology of Pain
Types of Pain
Conventional Care and Pharmaceutical Painkillers
Herbal Approach to Managing Pain
Natural Pain Support Beyond Herbs

LESSON 6: Case Study

Musculoskeletal System: A Case Study (VIDEO)

UNIT 9: HEALTHY AGING WITH HERBS

Lesson 1: Longevity, Vitality, and Prevention

Embracing Elderhood and Celebrating Long Life
Energetics of Elderhood
What Contributes to Longevity, Aging, Vitality, and Prevention?

Lesson 2: Working with Elders: Important Considerations for the Herbal Consultation

Working with Elders: Important Considerations for the Herbal Consultation (VIDEO)

Lesson 3: The Aging Skin

Anatomy of the Skin
Physiology of the Skin
Functions of the Skin
What Happens to Skin as it Ages
Looking After Aging Skin: Maintenance and Prevention
Common Conditions of Mature Skin and Herbal Approaches

Lesson 4: Illness and Disease of an Aging Population

A Cultural Phenomenon
The Aging Process and Illness
Musculoskeletal Illness and Herbal Approaches
Digestive Illness and Herbal Approaches
Neurological Illness and Herbal Approaches
Cardiovascular Illness and Herbal Approaches
Urinary Illness and Herbal Approaches
Respiratory Illness and Herbal Approaches
Dietary Considerations

UNIT 10: WEIGHT MANAGEMENT FOR HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Lesson 1: Overweight and Obesity

Weight Classification Measurements
Causes and Risk Factors
Consequences of Overweight and Obesity
Sociocultural Attitudes Toward Weight

Lesson 2: The Brain-Gut Connection and Psychology of Food

The Enteric Nervous System: A Second Brain?
The Autonomic Nervous System: An Information Superhighway
Neurotransmitters and Hormonal Messaging
The Brain-Gut-Microbiota Axis
The Gut’s Role in Behavior, Cognition, and Stress Response
The Gut’s Role in Shaping Eating Habits
Gut Flora, Diet, and Metabolic Processes
Supporting the Brain-Gut-Microbiota Axis

Lesson 3: The Energetics of Food

The Energetics of Food (VIDEO)

Lesson 4: Sugar

History and Forms of Sugar
Herbal Sugar Substitutes
Carbohydrates
Sugar Metabolization
Sugar Consumption
The Herbalist’s Perspective on Sugar

Lesson 5: Common Food Allergies and Sensitivities

Allergy, Sensitivity, Intolerance – What’s the Difference?
The Physiology of Allergies, Sensitivities, and Intolerances
Dysbiosis
Solving the Mystery of Food Allergies and Sensitivities
Herbal Strategies for Working with Food Sensitivities and Intolerances
Parasite Cleanses: Another Tool
Naturally Healthy Digestion

Lesson 6: Fasting and Detox

What is Detoxification and Traditions of Detox
Why Detox?
Types of Detox-Supportive Foods
Detox Elimination
Fasting Considerations
Common Fasting Protocols/Programs
Non-Herbal Complements to Detox and Fasting Programs
Nutrition and Detoxification
Detoxification Protocol

Lesson 7: Daily Living with Powerful Herbs

Nourishing with Herbs
Tonifying with Herbs
Use of Foods, Herbs, and Spices to Promote Digestion and Nutrient Assimilation

Lesson 8: Dieting

Fundamental Principles of a Healthy Diet
Goals of Dieting
Review of Common Weight Loss Diets
Review of Specialized Diets
Clearing Up Underlying Issues
General Concepts of Weight Loss

UNIT 11: HEALING

Lesson 1: The Nature of Healing

What is Healing?
Being Well, versus Being Healthy
Healing as a Personal Journey
Three Roots of Healing
Physical Health
The Effect of Chronic Stress on the Healing Journey
Psychosocial Health
Spiritual Health

Lesson 2: The Mind-Body Connection

Traditional Chinese Medicine
Ayurvedic Medicine
Greek Medicine
Psychoneuroimmunology
Emotional Conditions that Affect Physical Health
Supporting Recovery
Substance Use Disorders
Cultivating a Healthy Mind-Body Connection

Lesson 3: Reaching the Spirit

Arguments for the Spirit
Illusion of Binary: The Theoretical Severing of the Subtle and Material Worlds
Plants as Allies: Plant Communication and Plant Spirit Medicine

Lesson 4: Aromatherapy

What is an Essential Oil?
History of Aromatherapy
The Three Methods of Essential Oil Use
Groups Requiring Special Consideration
Blending Essential Oils
Incorporating Aromatherapy into Other Modalities
Using Essential Oils for Healing

UNIT 12: ASSESSMENT AND HERBAL THERAPEUTICS

Lesson 1: Assessing the Body

Reduction, Holism, Physiological Medicine, Energetic Medicine, Specific Medicine
Evaluation in Different Herbal Traditions
Energetics
Methods of Holistic Evaluation
Energetics, Organ Systems, and Herbs

Lesson 2: Clinical Intake

Clinical Intake (VIDEO)

Lesson 3: Advanced Formulation

Advanced Formulation (VIDEO)

UNIT 13: BECOMING AN HERBALIST

Lesson 1: Defining Your Path

One Path, Many Ways
Role in Community
Many Approaches to Training

Lesson 2: Receiving Clinical Training and Experience

What Can an Herbalist Do?
What to Look for in Advanced Clinical Herbalism Training Programs
Herbal Mentorships
Moving Toward American Herbalist Guild Professional Membership

Lesson 3: Cultivating a Healing Presence

Elements of Cultivating a Healing Presence
Communicating Your Presence
Sustaining Your Healing Energy

Lesson 4: Continuing to Grow

Ways to Continue Professional Development – Continuing Education
Ways to Continue Professional Development – Professional Networking

Lesson 5: Useful Resources and Organizations

Resources
Organizations

UNIT 14: YOU ARE AN HERBALIST

Lesson 1: Introduction to Clinical Practice

Choosing Your Target Audience
Considering Your Business Model Options
Your Potential Office Space and Business
Business Logistics and Legalities
Day-to-Day Business Needs and Considerations
Preparing for Your Clinical Work
Providing Remedies
Know Your Boundaries

Lesson 2: Herbalism and the Law

Legal Issues in Herbal Practice (VIDEO)

Lesson 3: Client Records and Confidentiality

Confidentiality
Clinical Recordkeeping Basics
Sample Intake Forms
Recordkeeping Logistics

Lesson 4: The Client/Practitioner Relationship

The Client-Practitioner Relationship (VIDEO)