Curriculum outline:

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 suchs as how our co-evolution with plants has altered our genome, making herbal medicine a safe option for most people.

Study methods:

The delivery of this course takes place through a VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) called Moodle.

A range of learning and teaching activities take place via this online delivery platform including -

• Detailed monthly lessons, embedded into the delivery platform, featuring filmed tuition by expert practitioners and underpinned by text, graphics and other additional files and links
• Signpost sessions comprising film and text guidance on progression through the course, assessment (where applicable), and the timing of feedback
• Monthly real-time webinars offering guidance on all matters relating to the course
• Bespoke filmed interviews with internationally renowned practitioners, supporting the learning aims of the course
• Opportunity for students to collaborate on line via BigBlueButton, our high-quality, open source web-conferencing system.

All video materials are accompanied by downloadable slide presentations, notes and other break-out materials, including photos, public domain audio and video snippets, and relevant 3^rd-party links

Foundation Course – Practical Information

Course FAQs

• How much are the fees?

• Can I complete it in less than a year?

• What equipment do I need?

• Do I need a garden?

• Is it all online?

• What is assessed / not assessed?

• Will I be able to sell my own products legally?

• Will I learn how to grow/forage plants?

• Do I have to attend every webinar?

• Will I be able to prescribe herbs once I complete the course?

• Once completed will I definitely be able to join the Professional Course?

• Will I receive a certificate?

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How much are the fees?

Can I complete it in less than a year?

No, a unit is released each month for 12 months.

What equipment do I need?

A small hand lens and tea making equipment.

Do I need a garden?

No, herb samples may be purchased online to assist with course content.

Is it all online?

Yes, all lessons are delivered and assignments submitted via our online Learning Management System.

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What is assessed / not assessed?

Students looking to proceed to study on the Heartwood Professional Course, and those wanting detailed feedback on their assignments, follow an assessed pathway involving various tasks and quizzes.

Successful assessed completion of the Foundation Course involves A) attending (or viewing a recording of) a minimum of 10 out of the 12 monthly live webinars and B) completing and submitting all Unit assignments for grading. Some students choose to opt out of all assignments and webinars, and thus their work is not assessed.

Will I be able to sell my own products legally?

It depends on what your products are.

You cannot make any medicinal claims about products that you sell unless you have followed specific procedures.

For further guidance, see: 

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/

and

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-traditional-herbal-registration-thr

Will I learn how to grow/forage plants?

Not directly, but you may from time to time receive invitations to attend one-day events at the Heartwood Physic Garden in East Sussex covering a variety of topics of special interest.

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Do I have to attend every webinar?

All webinars are recorded and archived and are available to view at any time during the course. When you view a recorded webinar, that fact that you have watched it is logged on the Learning Management System and counts as attendance for assessment purposes.

Will I be able to prescribe herbs once I complete the course?

It is Heartwood’s strict policy that only qualified and insured medical herbalists who have completed a full professional training in herbal medicine - and who belong to a recognised professional practitioner organisation - should prescribe herbal medicines.

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Once completed will I definitely be able to join the Professional Course?

Entry criteria for the Professional Course are as follows:

A) Learners who successfully complete all tasks, quizzes, assignments and achieve a merit or distinction in their monograph, will be able to apply for a place on the Professional Course.

B) 4 GCSEs at grades A-C / grade 4 or above (including English, Maths and a Science); or BTEC Level 2/First Diploma (in a relevant subject with merit or distinction); or NVQ Level 2; or equivalent Level 2 qualification.

C) Those without GCSE English at grade C / grade 4 or above need to offer proof of proficiency in English, for example:

• Cambridge Advanced Certificate (CAE) / Cambridge C1 Advanced - 185 overall with a minimum of 176 in each skill
• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) / Cambridge C2 Proficiency - 185 overall with a minimum of 176 in each skill
• IELTS (Academic) - 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in each skill
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) - 69 overall with a minimum of 62 in each communicative skill
• TOEFL iBT Institution code: 0394 - 100 overall with a minimum of 25 in writing and 23 in each of the other skills
• Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE) - Level III (ISEIII) with merit in each skill

Note: Applications from those over 21 with an existing qualification and/or experience in another therapeutic discipline are considered for course entry on a case-by-case basis.

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Will I receive a certificate?

Yes, a certificate of completion will be awarded at the end of the course providing you have met all of the requested criteria.

Foundation Course leader Anita Ralph says:

"I am excited about being involved in the Heartwood Foundation Course as it is a wonderful way to reach out to people who are interested in exploring concepts and ideas within herbal medicine, but do not know where to access high quality, professionally authored content. Open to all, whether for professional or personal reasons, the course is egalitarian, interactive, informative and hopefully extremely interesting! Herbal medicine is unique in its diversity, and plants with the capacity for healing have had strong cultural significance for all peoples at all times in history. They have colour, fragrance and beauty, and often feature at landmark moments in our lives. They also fuel our scientific fascination for understanding plant-derived chemicals and their potential positive impact on our health and our environment.”

ANITA RALPH MSc MNIMH MCPP

Senior Tutor Mary Tassell comments:

“For me, herbal medicine represents the inherent right of everyone to care for and provide healing for themselves and those they love. From the simplest herbal home remedy to the most complex and scientifically researched bespoke prescription, the practice of herbal medicine offers us the opportunity to connect with the environment in which we live with both insight and intelligence. I am very happy to have the chance to be involved in Heartwood, and to ensure that access to such a fundamental form of medicine continues to be made available to all at a high standard.”

MARY TASSELL MSc, MNIMH