HOME HERBALIST
STUDY PROGRAM
PROGRAM OUTLINE
This 125 hour herbal program covers all areas that herbalists need to focus on when caring for themselves and others. This program is by no means comprehensive and individuals should consider additional study after this program if considering using herbal medicine outside of the personal home environment or in a clinical setting.
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This program will be initiated in January 2018 and is expected to be presented through Learn It Live over the course of two years. Each class will consist of a number of modules which can each be purchased individually. To complete the program and earn a 'Certificate of Completion' each student must complete each module for each class and complete an exam for each class. Exams will be varied by the topics focused upon in each class.
CLASSES
Class Title # of Modules Total # Hours
Materia Medica
Human Physiology
Wellness
Herbal Product Preparations
Herbal Philosophy
Herbal Chemistry
Research Literacy
Legality of Herbal Medicine
Plant Identification
6 Modules
5 Modules
4 Modules
3 Modules
2 Modules
1 Module
1 Module
1 Module
1 Module
30 Hours
25 Hours
20 Hours
15 Hours
10 Hours
10 Hours
5 Hours
5 Hours
5 Hours
FEES FOR CLASSES AND EXAMS
Each module has a fee to attend or view the class. This is estimated at $10 an hour which will vary due to hours per module. Classes may be attended with out sitting exams.
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Each class has a set exam based on the material in the class. Fees for exams will vary by the complexity of the exam or class density and are based off the hourly rate of a private class with an herbalist from The Dancing Herbalist or $50 an hour.
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS AND DETAILS
JANUARY 2018 CLASSES
January 2018 will begin the first four modules of this program. Each of these modules will consist of 3-4 sessions that are approximately 1.5 hours each and will meet once a month. Take one module at a time or all four during a trimester for one session every week. Past recordings of modules can also be purchased so you can catch up with the current modules at any time.
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To sign up for a module, click the link in the lists below. Current classes for live viewing are also listed below.
Trimester 1
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Trimester 2
Human Physiology 2
Wellness 2*
Materia Medica 2*
Herbal Philosophy 1
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Trimester 3
Human Physiology 3*
Materia Medica 3
Herbal Philosophy 2*
Herbal Chemistry 1*
NOTICES
When a module has been scheduled, links will appear both to the left as well as below for each module within the class descriptions. All modules will be recorded and can be purchased at any time.
Trimester 4
Human Physiology 4
Materia Medica 4*
Wellness 3
Herbal Product Preparations 2
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Trimester 5
Human Physiology 5*
Materia Medica 5
Wellness 4*
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Trimester 6
Materia Medica 6*
Herbal Product Preparations 3*
Research Literacy 1*
Legality of Herbal Medicine 1*
CURRENT TRIMESTER SCHEDULE: TRIMESTER 2
We are currently holding for more students to complete Trimester 1 before recording trimester 2. We are currently planning the following classes:
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Human Physiology 2 Materia Medica 2
Wellness 2 Herbal Philosophy 1
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY
Human Physiology consists of 5 modules, covering 20-25 hours of material.
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Module 1 focuses on the digestive system and the liver and gallbladder, the two systems most commonly discussed in the herbal community as they are directly altered through herbal intervention.
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Module 2 builds the foundation for module 3, discussing the nervous system and it's relationship to the musculoskeletal system. The second half of the module shifts to the interaction of the musculoskeletal system and the lymphatic system.
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Module 3 uses your foundation information of the nervous system to look at the the various actions of the circulatory and respiratory systems.
Module 4 highlights the immune system and discusses the detoxification methods of the skin and urinary systems.
Module 5 looks at the reproductive systems of males and females including a discussion of the endocrine glands of the entire body.
WELLNESS
Our wellness class consists of four modules totaling 15-20 hours. It is recommended that you purchase A Beginner's Guide to Wellness to accompany your work for this class.
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Module 1 of wellness matches the human physiology module 1 and focuses on nutrition. This is done through a lens of conscious observation which is the theme that runs through all of the wellness modules.
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Module 2 continues the discussion on food and nutrient needs and includes discussion on water and the importance of hydration.
Module 3 focuses on movement support as well as the challenges behind general behavior change.
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Module 4 completes the wellness class by exploring our need for sleep and how sleep in addition to meditation and a variety of psychological tools can be used to support significant stress reduction.
MATERIA MEDICA
Materia medica is the study of the medicine we use as herbalists, the plants themselves. This is an ongoing class. Each week will cover two-three herbs in detail on a similar theme. Each module will cover 7-10 herbs depending on the trimester. Module 1 begins with a discussion on how to read herbal monographs.
Module 1
Reading a Monograph
•Nettles
•Milky oats/Oat Straw
•Plantain
•Chamomile
•Lemon balm
•Red clover
•Red raspberry
Module 2
•Ginger
•Cayenne
•Turmeric
•Prickly Ash
•Rosemary
•Ginseng
•Skullcap
•Valerian
•Catnip
Module 3
•Cardamom
•Hawthorn
•Cinnamon
•Marshmallow
•Slippery Elm
•Artichoke
•Eleuthro
•Astragalus
•Ashwaghanda
Module 4
•Dandelion
•Burdock
•Gentian
•Mugwort
•Yellow dock
•Motherwort
•Schisandra
•Milk Thistle
•Calendula
Module 5
•Garlic
•Peppermint
•Echinacea
•Elder
•Licorice
•Sage
•Thyme
•Cleavers
•Chickweed
Module 6
•Cramp bark
•Damiana
•Angelica S.
•Willow
•Passionflower
•Rose
•St. Johns W
•Yarrow
•Mullein
•Comfrey
HERBAL PRODUCT PREPARATION
Herbal product preparations explores the vast array of ways herbs can be prepared to be used as medicine. This class consists of three modules totaling 10-15 hours.
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Module 1 starts with basic preparations including the various methods of making teas, infusions and decoctions, how to make and use herbal powders, and how to make herbal tinctures.
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Module 2 develops the tincture making process to discuss using different menstrums and how they can alter your medicine. We discuss herbal honeys, vinegars, syrups and related herbal products.
Module 3 moves outward and focuses on topical herbal preparations including poultices, washes, infused oils, salves, and a discussion on herbal cream making.
HERBAL PHILOSOPHY
Herbal philosophy in our Western society is modern science. This class looks at the traditional philosophies that have developed our modern herbal medicine traditions. We can only truly understand how to work with the plants when we understand how physiology and disease were understood hundreds of years ago.
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Module 1 focuses on Eastern philosophy from China and India. We will begin with an outline of Ayruveda and move into the five elements model of Traditional Chinese Medicine. This module concludes with a brief discussion on tongue and pulse diagnosis.
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Module 2 looks at more Western herbal philosophy, discussing the traditional Greek humoral system, both traditional and modern Native American uses of herbs, as well as how the New Age community uses herbs today for both ritual and medicine.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION
This one module class teaches you the basics of plant identification so you will be able to start to identify your local plants. We will begin with using Newcomb's Wildflower Guide as a basis and build to using vocabulary from local floras so you will be able to learn more about identifying plants local to you. This module is key if you are to use any wildcrafted medicinal herbs.
RESEARCH LITERACY
With so much fake science out there it is important to be be able to read a research a paper or book and determine if the information included in it is valuable and truthful. This one module class focuses on this as well as teaching you how to do basic herbal research from both traditional and modern sources to develop your herbal knowledge over time. Herbal medicine is a never ending field and it could take many life times to master.
LEGALITY OF HERBAL MEDICINE
There is a lot of debate over the legality of herbal medicine in the United States and it varies from state to state. This class will look at the general standpoint of the American Herbalist Guild, American Herbal Products Association, and current legal proceedings to keep you safe and allow you to be an effective health advocate for yourself and your family. This is a responsibility we must each take, to be thoroughly educated not only in our own medicine but also in the legal structure that we must work within.
HERBAL CHEMISTRY
While a daunting task, this one module class gives you an introduction to chemistry that is necessary knowledge for the herbalist. Not only will be be looking at how different classes of molecules tend to interact in the body we will also be looking in depth at how different methods of herbal extraction can maximize or minimize these compounds. Much of this information is necessary to ensure that you are using herbs in both a safe and effective manor.
HOME HERBALIST
STUDY PROGRAM
EXAM OUTLINE
After completing set modules you have the option to take exams to earn a Certificate of Completion. A total of 13 exams will need to be completed to earn the certificate offered by The Dancing Herbalist. If you are intending to complete the exam portion of this program, we recommend purchasing the wellness exams prior to beginning the wellness modules so you can work on them at the same time. Some of the classes recommend completing an exam prior to moving onto the next modules.
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY
This class holds two exams, one after module 3 and a second final exam. Each of these exams is a traditional exam style with a mix of question types. Upon purchase, the exam will be physically mailed to you to complete and mail back for grading. These exams are open book but as such, standards of completion are higher and a pass rate is set at 75%. Each exam is currently set at $50 per exam. It is recommended that you complete exam 1 prior to beginning any modules associated with trimester 4 and beyond.
WELLNESS
This class holds two review periods, one after module 2 and one after module 4. Exams for this class are more experiential and are done as a review of personal work. Completion of wellness related observational trials will be demonstrated by the mailing of a variety of journals to The Dancing Herbalist for review. While your learning is your own, we recommend for your support for this program that you participate in a number of wellness discussions in the Dancing Herbalist's Herbies. Review of your wellness related journals is currently set at $50 per review. It is recommended that if you intend to do these reviews that you purchase the associated journals prior to beginning module 1 in trimester 1.
MATERIA MEDICA
This class holds three exams, after modules 2, 4, and 6. Each of these exams is a traditional exam style with a mix of question types. Upon purchase, the exam will be physically mailed to you to complete and mail back for grading. These exams are open book but as such, standards of completion are higher and a pass rate is set at 75%. Each exam is currently set at $50 per exam.
HERBAL PRODUCT PREPARATION
This exam consists of two parts. Part one is a written exam on the theory and methods of herbal preparations including a portion dedicated to the math involved. For part two, please mail five of your personal preparations to The Dancing Herbalist for review. Tea blends will not be accepted for this. The cost for review is currently set at $50. If you would like your preparations returned please include an additional $20 for return shipping.
HERBAL PHILOSOPHY
For this class we ask for you to review your own personal constitution and patterns in three different herbal philosophical systems. This review will be presented to an herbalist with a discussion on the comparison between the systems as they relate to yourself. This discussion is currently set at a rate of $50 per hour and the needed discussion time is set by the reviewing herbalist.
PLANT IDENTIFICATION
There are two parts to this exam. Part one consists of an exam done through the internet on basic plant identification. Part two consists of a journal with a minimum of 10 plant identifications of plants that are local to your region. Review of this journal is currently set at a rate of $50 an hour with an expected review time of one hour.
RESEARCH LITERACY
This one module class focuses on learning how to research herbal medicine. For this exam you will prepare 5 monographs on herbs of your choosing using appropriate research techniques. These will be reviewed by an herbalist with you to discuss your skills and challenges for your future research. This assignment is pass/fail and your review follows a $50 an hour rate.
HERBAL CHEMISTRY
This exam is a classic written exam comparable to the human physiology and materia medica classes. Not only will this exam cover chemistry needed for medicinal use of herbs but also plant extract chemistry. Upon purchase, the exam will be physically mailed to you to complete and mail back for grading. These exams are open book but as such, standards of completion are higher and a pass rate is set at 75%. Each exam is currently set at $50 per exam.
LEGALITY OF HERBAL MEDICINE
This class requires a unique exam. Prepare a presentation or paper on how you will safely and successfully be able to support yourself and family using the skills you have learned from this program. This preparation will be reviewed by the herbalists from The Dancing Herbalist to earn your 'Certificate of Completion.' There is no cost for this exam but rather it is for us to ensure that we are turning out safe and effective herbalists into the community.