Mastering Herbal Formulation Course

UNIT 1: THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF HERBAL FORMULAS: ACTIONS, ENERGETICS, AND HERBAL PREPARATIONS

Introduction to the Course; Overview of Herbalism and the Holistic Approach; Herbal Actions; Herbal Energetics, Affinities, and Specific Indications; Herbal Preparations

The course begins with foundational concepts you need to determine how to combine herbs in a way that is safe, well-balanced, and effective. It sets the stage for the holistic approach to formula making that is discussed throughout the course and answers the questions:

• Why are we creating herbal formulas in the first place? 
• What role do Western energetics and tissue states, like hot/cold or excited/stagnant, play in formulation? 
• How can I categorize herbs in a way that makes formulation simpler?
• After I’ve crafted my multi-herb blend, how do I know whether it will be most effective in a tea, tincture, vinegar, or another type of herbal preparation?

Unit 1 provides in-depth coverage of herbal actions, energetics, indications, and preparations with handy (and gorgeous!) graphics that organize the information into a toolkit you can return to again and again. This unit also provides case studies so you can see examples of how to craft and revise formulations based on an individual’s needs.

UNIT 2: PHYTOCHEMISTRY

Basic Chemistry for Herbalists; Introduction to Phytochemistry; Plant Constituents; The Solubility of Plant Constituents

You don’t need a full course in chemistry to create stellar formulas, but you do need to have an understanding of some key chemistry concepts. Basic knowledge about phytochemistry can help you draw conclusions about actions, solubility, and the shelf life of particular herbs and will accelerate your abilities and confidence as an herbalist and formulator. For example, if an herb contains mucilage, you can guess that it has demulcent properties. If an herb contains resins, you know that those resins are probably not water soluble, and the herb might be better prepared as a high-alcohol tincture rather than a tea.

With this herbalist’s perspective on chemistry, you’ll be well on your way to creating the most phytochemical-rich preparations with the most appropriate menstruum for each herb in your apothecary! 

In Unit 2, we’ve got you covered with clear, easy-to-understand lessons on solubility, herb-herb interactions, and phytochemical classes. We also take a detour into the ecology of phytochemicals and the roles they play in the plants themselves to give you a broader understanding of plant constituents. And finally, we’ve got some fun science experiment videos so you can see herbal chemistry in action!

UNIT 3: HERBAL FORMULATION

Asking the Right Questions; Formulation Considerations; Formulation Step-by-Step; The Triangle Method of Formulation; Special Considerations for Topical Formulas; Teacher Tutorials; Course Conclusion

This comprehensive unit combines everything you will learn in Units 1 and 2 with a deep dive into the step-by-step details of creating an herbal formula for a specific person or situation. 

• We’ll start with guidance on gathering the information that you need before formulating—whether you are formulating for yourself, your family members, or eventually, your clients. 
• Next, we discuss a step-by-step approach to formulation, touching on important considerations including choosing herbs, incorporating synergy, considerations of taste and ease of use, safety, and appropriate dose. 
• We’ll share an overview of the triangle method of formulation, which you can use as a template moving forward for both simple and complex recipes.
• We’ll explore special considerations for topical formulas.
• Finally, we share guidance on troubleshooting and balancing formulas for individuals. 

In Unit 3, you’ll get plenty of formulation practice with worksheets, case studies, and exercises. We also present special guest videos to highlight the unique way in which individual herbalists create formulas for their clients.