MyHerbalStudies Community Policy

MEMBERS MUST READ THIS POLICY IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE PARTICIPATING IN DISCUSSIONS.

MyHerbalStudies (MHS) is a group created specifically for discussions of herbal topics in support of Herbal Academy courses and students’ herbalism education. Discussion topics may include:

• Herbal Academy course units, lessons, and general herbal studies
• Herbal projects or exercises from a course that you have questions on or desire feedback on
• Plant studies, e.g., verification, opinions, experience, regarding use of specific herbs
• Making various herbal preparations
• Herbalism topics informed by various cultures and personal experiences within those herbal cultures and traditions
• Anatomy and physiology, body systems 
• And other herbal topics, e.g., herbal traditions, formulations, and history of various herbal traditions to present, how you use herbs/herbal preparations, etc.  
• Nutrition, superfoods, fermented foods, supplements as they relate to the holistic approach of herbalism 
• Agriculture pertaining to growing herbs 
• Networking opportunities (NOTE: Please save your social media links and business features for the designated “Networking” post initiated by a moderator once per week.)
• Celebrate your herbal accomplishments! (NOTE: Please save your course completion certificates for the “Accomplishments” post initiated by a moderator once per week.)
• Introductions (NOTE: Please introduce yourself! You can do this when you join the group by posting on the “Introduction” post initiated by a moderator once per week.)

Note that we have compiled this MHS FAQ —you might find the answer to your questions here. This document will grow with time! https://theherbalacademy.com/myherbalstudies-faq/

**Note that you can use the search function in this group to find previous discussions on a particular topic, and the Herbal Academy blog is a great searchable resource. https://theherbalacademy.com/blog/ 

DISCUSSIONS ABSOLUTELY MUST BE RESPECTFUL, CIVIL, AND CONSTRUCTIVE.

Moderators will approve posts before they are published to the group. This will give moderators a chance to give individual attention to each post as they come in and help students to observe group policies. This also allows moderators to see discussion topics up front so they can help students rephrase questions if needed (e.g., in order to avoid asking for herbal recommendations for a specific person, avoiding photos of specific health issues, avoiding use of medical language). 

If you do not wish to participate in certain discussions, then do not join them. If you have concerns about something that is being discussed or the manner in which it is being discussed, please report the post by clicking on the menu in the upper right hand corner of the post to bring it to a moderator’s attention. If you have other concerns, questions, or constructive feedback about the group, please email us via the Contact Us page: https://theherbalacademy.com/contact-us/

PLEASE REFRAIN FROM THE FOLLOWING:

• Asking for recommendations for a particular person
• Use of medical terminology
• Giving or asking for medical advice
• Posting photos of particular health issues and injuries
• Advertising a business
• Discussing religion – promoting or refuting a religion or religious view
• Discussing politics – promoting/refuting a political party or view directly associated with a political party

See additional discussion on these topics further below.

ZERO HATE: THE FOLLOWING ARE ABSOLUTELY NOT ALLOWED AND MAY LEAD TO REMOVAL FROM THE GROUP:

• Hate speech
• Racism or denial that racism exists
• Foul language
• Hurtful, shaming, or disparaging comments
• Name calling
• Taunting/heckling/trolling
• Inflammatory posts or comments
  
• Hurtful sarcasm and implied language with the use of emojis
• Posting photos of violent or traumatic occasions or other graphic content
• Posts or comments naming or alluding to another participant(s) in a negative way 
• Repeating any action, behavior, or language that a moderator has asked you to discontinue
• Blocking an admin or moderator and behaving against the community guidelines in any way whatsoever.

PLEASE THINK TWICE BEFORE YOU POST OR COMMENT. STUDENTS WHO ARE USING THIS PLATFORM FOR ANYTHING OTHER THAN KIND, INFORMATIVE DISCUSSIONS ARE NOT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PURPOSE OF THIS HERBAL GROUP AND WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE GROUP. 

Participation in the MyHerbalStudies closed Facebook group for active students of select Herbal Academy programs is not considered a part of the curriculum of any Herbal Academy course or offer – it is an optional and free-of-charge activity designed to give participants an opportunity to connect with other participants and teachers. Participation in this group can and will be terminated for any person who engages in the activities which are not allowed. Refunds for courses are not granted to participants who are removed from MyHerbalStudies based on their behavior or interactions with other group members of the group or towards moderators. Refunds are not granted if participants choose not to participate in this forum. Herbal Academy has the right to discontinue this group platform at any time for any reason whatsoever without repercussion.  

If you choose not to participate in MyHerbalStudies or if you are removed from the group and you are enrolled in a course, you will still have access to Herbal Academy instructors by emailing student services: https://theherbalacademy.com/contact-us/

MEDICAL LANGUAGE: The practice of herbalism in the United States is protected by our First Amendment right to free speech, and as herbalists, the thrust of our practice is educating our clients. Herbalists cannot use words like “treat,” “prescribe,” “diagnose,” “patient,” “relieve,” and “heal” as these words are considered medical terminology (this is not an all inclusive list, and this can vary state to state and country to country).  Instead, herbalists can use words like “support,” “balance,” “educate,” and “client.” Besides enabling herbalists to avoid the practice of medicine, those words also reflect the holistic approach we are taking as herbalists.

DO NOT ASK FOR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A PARTICULAR PERSON: While it may be tempting to ask “what herb would you recommend for X particular person with X condition,” we do not allow this for a couple of reasons: 1) herbs are not drugs, and as herbalists we are seeking a holistic approach, one that benefits from looking at each person as a whole, and considering dietary and lifestyle changes along with herbal approaches; and 2) to avoid the practice of medicine, which by law is limited to those with a board-certified medical license (which, in some states also includes naturopaths). In the process of sharing ideas, there may be an unintentional crossing of the fine line between educating about herbs and practicing medicine. If you are researching potential herbal support for yourself, you could phrase a question to the group like “Which herbs have anti-inflammatory actions that can be used to support cardiovascular health?” or “What are the best herbs to use for a toddler for a wet cough?” This allows folks to share their experience with and knowledge of the plants with you without “practicing medicine.” In this case and in general, you should always independently research these herbs in other reputable sources before using them yourself or sharing that information with others.

PLEASE READ the following for more details: 

https://www.facebook.com/notes/myherbalstudies-student-community-by-herbal-academy/why-we-cannot-ask-for-recommendations-in-myhherbalstudies-and-tips-for-receiving/2237326846595639/

Guidance for phrasing posts: https://www.facebook.com/notes/myherbalstudies-student-community-by-herbal-academy/rephrasing-posts-examples/2237325666595757/

THIS FORUM IS NOT FOR GIVING OR RECEIVING MEDICAL ADVICE! Consulting with a clinical or Registered herbalist or medical practitioner trained in the use of herbs is encouraged for more serious ailments. If you have a medical condition, please SEEK MEDICAL HELP! It is important to receive a proper diagnosis/assessment for a medical condition before considering the use of herbs. It is also essential to discuss potential herb-drug interactions with your doctor or health care practitioner. DO NOT stop taking prescription medication without first consulting with your prescriber/healthcare practitioner. Please also keep in mind that some herbs are contraindicated in certain medical conditions, so always do your research.

POLITICAL TOPICS: Posts or comments that contain any language supporting or refuting a political party or action or ideal directly associated with a political party will be deleted with no further questions.

Additional content deemed political will be deleted. Continuing to post political content after you have made a post or comment that has been removed related to this criteria will result in removal from the group. 

Please note that social equality is related to wellness and healthcare and is an important topic in holistic herbalism today. Holistic health encompasses body, mind, spirit, environment, safety, and access to community and resources. While we cannot moderate every important topic that impacts wellness in our group, we do want to continue to make space to discuss issues that are affecting our students’ wellness, including social equality.

Posts supporting human rights and social equality will be approved so long as they are related to herbs, herbalism, nutrition, agriculture, or wellness, and do not violate other guidelines regarding language and content.

Moderators will ultimately decide amongst the team whether posts and comments are appropriate. Harassing or “trolling” approved posts will not be tolerated, these type of comments will be deleted, and this may result in suspension or removal from the student group.

CANNABIS: We recognize that hemp and THC-rich cannabis have a long history of use. Although the 2018 Farm Bill allows for the cultivation of hemp (meaning any cannabis plant with THC content of 0.3% or less), the FDA’s current position is that CBD and other cannabinoids are not allowed to be sold in products that are consumed, and each state has its own regulations regarding CBD products. THC-rich cannabis (meaning any cannabis plant with THC content of more than 0.3%) has been legalized for medical and/or recreational use in many but not all states and countries. It is important to determine whether these are legal in your location. Please note that possessing, using, distributing, and selling THC-rich cannabis are all federally illegal in the United States. Based on differing and often changing regulations of cannabis at the local, state, and federal levels in the United States and in countries around the world, Herbal Academy teachers cannot participate in cannabis (both hemp and THC-rich cannabis) discussions.

PLEASE DO NOT ADVERTISE: This is not a space to promote a business, fundraise, or market products to forum members. Once a week a moderator will initiate a post called “Networking” – this is where sharing your blog or business page to inform your peers of your herbal entrepreneurial pursuits is welcomed. Please limit any inclusion of your business name, business pages, links, logos or other identifiers to comments on this moderator-generated thread. We want to inspire and support each other in this way but prevent MHS from being diluted by many individual promotions. Please also keep this sharing informational and not commercial or sales oriented.

SEARCHING TOPICS: Because this is an active group, it’s possible that someone has already asked a question on the topic you are interested in! Because this is an active group, it’s possible that someone has already asked a question on the topic you are interested in! Consider furthering your research by searching your topic in the search box on the MyHerbalStudies main page. This is found in the upper right corner. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1460100857651579/permalink/2149637348697923

FOLLOWING POSTS: Instead of typing “following” in the comments of a post you’d like to follow, here’s a tip: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1460100857651579/permalink/1919869105008083/

ANY INFORMATION OFFERED IN THE MYHERBALSTUDIES FACEBOOK GROUP IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. The Herbal Academy and its teachers make neither medical claims, nor intend to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Members must do their own research concerning the safety and usage of any herbs or supplements and should refrain from offering other members recommendations and advice.

Participants will be asked to answer these approval questions upon joining:

1. Which courses are you in? MHS ACCESS: Intro, Intrmd, Adv, Business, Botany, Stress Mgmt, Fermentation, Mushroom, Skin Care, Formulation, CancerCare. NO MHS ACCESS: Becoming an Herbalist, Herbal Preps, Foraging, Materia Medica, Perfumery, Drawing
2. What username and email did you use during registration for an MHS included course?
3. I have read the guidelines: https://theherbalacademy.com/new-myherbalstudies-policy-guidelines/ and understand that my use of this group can be terminated for noncompliance to these rules.

Participants should be clear on the following points:

1. I understand that participation in the MyHerbalStudies group is voluntary/at will and is not considered part of the course curriculum or required for my participation in Herbal Academy. 
2. I have read carefully and will abide by all group guidelines. I understand that if I do not, I may be removed from the group. If I am unsure about the meaning of any guidelines I will ask for clarification. 
3. I understand that all posts should be herbal and/or health/wellness focused.
4. I understand that my posts must be respectful, civil, and constructive.
5. I understand that hate speech, racism, and otherwise hurtful, shaming, or disparaging comments are absolutely not allowed, and violating this rule may warrant immediate removal from the group.
6. I understand that I cannot use medical terminology, such as the words “treat” and “prescribe” and will avoid the use of disease terms in order to avoid the practice of medicine.
7. I understand that I cannot ask for recommendations for a particular person or animal or post photos of particular health issues or injuries. Posts that solicit or encourage participants to make suggestions for an individual will be moderated.
8. I understand that my use of this platform can be terminated for noncompliance to these guidelines and mandatory platform regulations. 
9. I understand that I am unable to post pictures of a particular health issue/concern, or of a specific individual’s health problem.