Practical Herbalist Diploma Program

The Practical Herbalist (P.H.) Diploma program consists of the first year of study in the Master Herbalist program. This series of courses, including Herbology I and II, serves to prepare students for work within the health food industry, herb cultivation and processing.

Practical Herbalist program students complete year one only.

CLINICAL HERBALIST PROGRAM

YEAR 1

Semester 1	Semester 2
Introductory Biology & Biochemistry**	Herbology II**
Botany & Plant Identification	Anatomy & Physiology**
History of Herbal Medicine*	Nutrition I
Herbology I**	Herbal Pharmacy
Research Skills*	Farm Project (Spring)

* Courses that are now available by correspondence. **Courses that are now available by correspondence and on-line.

COMPLETION OF YEAR ONE EARNS ‘PRACTICAL HERBALIST’ DESIGNATION. NO ELECTIVE COURSE WORK OR THESIS REQUIRED.

 

Program Courses

INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY:

This introductory course is an overview of basic concepts such as inorganic and organic chemistry, cellular function, chemical and biological evolution, and ecology. This course is currently being re-written for correspondence and will be available in the new year.

BOTANY & PLANT IDENTIFICATION:

Botany and plant identification are absolutely essential skills in the repertoire of clinical herbalists. This course provides an overview of plant nomenclature and taxonomy, as well as plant structure, morphology and anatomy. This class will also show you how to use a plant key. This is a hands-on course and will not be available in a distance learning format.

HISTORY OF HERBAL MEDICINE:

This course is an anthropological overview of the origins and development of herbal medicine all over the world, to modern times.

HERBOLOGY I:

Folklore and modern herbal research combine in this exceptionally complete course – the cornerstone of the diploma programs. Learn basic botany for identifying plants, review each body system’s function and design, and discover herbal formulas for the treatment of each system. Both the novice and the studying practitioner will benefit from this course. It provides essential groundwork for practice and practical information for self-treatment. Also available in correspondence format.

HERBOLOGY II (Pharmacognosy):

In this advanced course, the chemical properties of herbs are discussed, as well as their responsibility for the therapeutic and nutritional values. Expanded knowledge is presented on the reasons for various biological effects of herbs with up-to-date research material. The energetics and alchemy of botanicals is also reviewed. Also available in correspondence format.

RESEARCH SKILLS:

This course is designed to introduce to the student the research skills needed by a professional herbalist, including research methods, presentation, and memory and concentration skills. Included as well is an overview of research tools available on the world-wide-web, and a review of the important texts and academic journals most commonly used by herbal researchers.

HERBAL PHARMACY:

This course is a thorough review and practical exposition of herbal remedy preparation, including bolus, infusion, decoction, infused oil, salve, liniment, cream, pessary and suppository, fomentation, bath, powder, pill, capsule, maceration, percolation, fluid extract, and spagyric tincture. Students will have the opportunity to practice the skills they have learnt under direct supervision. This is a hands-on course and will not be available in a distance learning format.

ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY:

This course is a comprehensive review of the major physiological systems of the body and an introduction to anatomical terminology and surface anatomy. This course will be taught over two semesters. This course is currently being re-written for correspondence and will be available in the new year.

FARM PROJECT (Spring):

This course is an introduction to the basic methods of sustainable agriculture, including soil preparation and amendments, planting, composting, and harvesting. This is a hands-on course and will not be available in a distance learning format.

Details of the Practical Herbalist Diploma program are subject to change.

April 2006