Course Outline

(subject to change)

FC1

Introduction – the history, scope and philosophy of plant-based medicine

This unit touches on many different approaches to the art, and includes consideration of –

• The safety and effectiveness of herbal medicine
• How it is regulated and overseen
• The extent to which it could be said to be ‘evidence-based’

FC2

Plant science

• Introduction to plant classification
• Introduction to plant anatomy
• Introduction to the basic pharmacology of the main plant families

FC3

Human science 1 (anatomy and physiology)

• A systematic review of the structure and function of the human body.

FC4

Herbal Medicine 1

The first of three Materia Medica units, each of which includes consideration of 5 common medicinal plants. In this Unit we consider –

• Fennel
• Chamomile
• Elder
• Lemon Balm
• Meadowsweet

FC5

Human Science 2 (physiology and comparative nutrition)

A review of the main nutrient classes (carbohydrate, fat, protein, water soluble vitamins, fat soluble vitamins, minerals, trace elements, and essential fatty acids) and their relevance to human health. This unit does not present any specific approach to diet, but includes general reference to widely accepted principles of healthy eating.

FC6

Herbal Medicine 2

• Hawthorn
• Marigold
• Lime Blossom
• Lavender
• Nettle

FC7

Human science 3 (introduction to pathophysiology)

A systematic review of the changes that occur in healthy tissue when the body is exposed to factors that provoke illness, and how various body systems, organs and tissues combine to mount a healing response.

FC8

Herbal Medicine 3

• Thyme
• Marshmallow
• Yarrow
• Cleavers
• Dandelion

FC9

Taking an in-depth look at commonly seen conditions by the medical herbalist and other primary Health Care workers.

In unit 9, you will:

• Learn the broad concepts of conventional pathophysiology, of URTI’s, sinusitis and gastro-oesophageal reflux.
• Learn about each condition from a Western herbal medicine viewpoint, and how herbal medicines are not applied to the patient as if they are natural versions of conventional drugs.
• Learn what you can do for yourself in terms of changes to diet and lifestyle, and the role of domestic medicine.
• Have the opportunity to make a medicinal compound, and test your understanding of the actions of the 15 herbs we have studied in this Foundation Course.

FC10

Taking an in-depth look at commonly seen conditions by the medical herbalist and other primary Health Care workers.

In unit 10, you will:

• Learn the broad concepts of conventional pathophysiology, of osteorarthritis and insomnia.
• Learn about each condition from a Western herbal medicine viewpoint, and how herbal medicines are not applied to the patient as if they are natural versions of conventional drugs.
• Learn what you can do for yourself in terms of changes to diet and lifestyle, and the role of domestic medicine.
• Have the opportunity to make a medicinal compound, and test your understanding of the actions of the 15 herbs we have studied in this Foundation Course.

FC11

Taking an in-depth look at commonly seen conditions by the medical herbalist and other primary Health Care workers.

In unit 11, you will:

• Learn the broad concepts of conventional pathophysiology, of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and commonly encountered skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
• Learn about each condition from a Western herbal medicine viewpoint, and how herbal medicines are not applied to the patient as if they are natural versions of conventional drugs.
• Learn what you can do for yourself in terms of changes to diet and lifestyle, and the role of domestic medicine.
• Have the opportunity to make a medicinal compound, and test your understanding of the actions of the 15 herbs we have studied in this Foundation Course.

FC12

In this final unit we draw together ideas and concepts from the previous units and unite them into a cohesive whole.

You will:

• Have the opportunity to complete your personal plant project.
• Be introduced to further concepts underpinning herbal medicine such as how our co-evolution with plants has altered our genome, making herbal medicine a safe option for most people.