This class is an introduction to Herbalism. Learn about herbal traditions as well as specific foods and plants to optimize health. Study the medicinal properties of plants used for the digestive, respiratory, circulatory, nervous, and immune systems. Learn proper methods for herbal cultivation, harvesting, and storage to protect herbal efficacy. Basic herbal preparations such as herbal teas, tinctures poultices, and soaks are discussed. Students will learn to prepare simple herbal formulas. Please note that general plant actions (i.e. carminitives, cholagogues, expectorants, etc.) are covered. Detailed phyto-chemistry of medicinal plants is not discussed in this class.

6 Classes: Sundays; Feb. 21, 2010 to Mar 28, 2010; 2pm - 4pm

It is strongly recommended that students who take Medical Botany also take the Herbal Preparations Workshop.