Nutritional Herbalism Learn How Herbs Work Within Your Body

Nutritional Herbalism: Learn How Herbs Work Within Your Body

Full 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.

Outcomes:

1. The student demonstrates his or her knowledge by taking a weekly quiz at the end of each class. 2. By dialoguing with the facilitator as needed and dialogue with the return of the weekly quiz. 3. By performing satisfactorily on the final exam.

Assessment:

By the end of the semester, students in this course should possess the following knowledge and skills: 1. Be able to identify different herb forms. 2. Be able to discuss the nutritional benefit of herbs and have a good understanding ofhow they act within the body. 3. An understanding of the main body systems and which key herbs best support them. 4. 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. 5. An understanding of plant personalities and their therapeutic uses. 6. 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. 7. An understanding of the Nature of Disease (not just the symptoms)the balance or harmony/disharmony between our constitution and the environment.

Week 1 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 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 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 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 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.

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SAMPLE LESSON WEEK 1
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Welcome to Nutritional Herbalism. This is an introductory class for the beginning herbalist where you will learn some basic concepts starting with the following:

· How the Body Uses the Herbs We Take
People have used herbs for centuries as both food and medicine. They are natural and safe to use ONLY if you understand the actions they take in the body, and if your constitution is able to handle that action.

· Degree of Action or Concentration
1st Degree = FOODS (macronutrients) can be consumed in large amounts with no noticeable effect on the body.
2nd Degree = MEDICINAL FOODS (garnish, accent and flavoring foods) have a mild effect on the body and they are safe to use on a regular basis as a dietary supplement.
3rd Degree = MEDICINES (used to balance our bodies when they are sick) they should not be taken over a long period of time.
4th Degree = DRUGS/POISONS (these are herbs that can kill or cause serious damage in one single overdose.

· Why Should We Use Herbs?
1. To Cleanse the body
2. Regulate our system
3. Nutrition
4. Raise the Energy Levels in the Body
5. Stimulate our Immune system

· Herb Types
You will study the different herb types. Learn which herbs act as an Analgesic, Antibiotic, Emetic, Hepatic and more.

· Herbal Preparations
You will learn how to use herbs in different applications such as; Bolus, Compress, Decoction, Extracts, Infusion, Ointments, Oils, Poultice, Capsules and more.


SAMPLE OF EXERCISES FOR LESSON 1
Fill in your answers and email or mail them to me

Foods and herbs have a direct action on our bodies and it is important for us to understand these actions when we work towards wellness. List the "4 Degree''''s of Action" or concentrations of foods/herbs.

1. ___________ 2. ____________ 3. ____________ 4. ____________

Macronutrients have a mild degree of action. List two macronutrients, their action and how you would apply it. Do the same for Medicinal foods, Medicines and Drugs/Poisons
(i.e. Food: cucumbers Action: cooling Application: place on swollen/irritated eyes)

Multiply Choice: choose the best herb for each situation listed
In the "Why Should We Use Herbs" section you learned that herbs:
1) Cleanse the body
2) Regulate our system
3) Raise the energy levels in the body
4) Stimulate our immune system
5) Offer nutrition
Use your herb book to make your choices and study each herb that you choose.

Many herbalists consider herbs "Wild Vegetables" - Foods that are packed with the nutrients that are missing from supermarket vegetables (organic not included). You will be given a list of several high nutrient-containing herbs and asked to give the vitamin and mineral content for each and an example of when you would add it to your building program.


Give a condition for Herbal Preparations and discuss why you feel that approach would be better than just taking the herbs internally.

Clarifications

You can email your Instructor AS OFTEN AS YOU WISH to seek clarifications. We will respond as soon as possible.

This is a gradable assignment and you will receive a grade of (A B S)

Deadline: Seven (7) days from the date of this assignment

Contact Hours: 24