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Dr. Angela Fisher

A brief look into the history and common uses of Eastern Medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda have more than 5000 years of exploration and experience. Yet most of our medical history is not included in a Western Practice of Medicine. Here we offer a quick look at what we hope will excite you into taking a deeper journey at where the practice of healing began.

Western medicine refers to a system where medical professionals utilize medical treatments to treat symptoms of diseases. Eastern medicine refers to nonconventional treatments that focus on the person rather than just the symptoms.

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A brief look into the history and common uses of Eastern Medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda have more than 5000 years of exploration and experience. Yet most of our medical history is not included in a Western Practice of Medicine. Here we offer a quick look at what we hope will excite you into taking a deeper journey at where the practice of healing began.

Western medicine refers to a system where medical professionals utilize medical treatments to treat symptoms of diseases. Eastern medicine refers to nonconventional treatments that focus on the person rather than just the symptoms.

Eastern medicine has been around for nearly 5,000 years and began when ancient herbalists experimented with plant substances and their effects on humans. There are substances that have been found to enhance health, beauty, energetics of the body, and the mind. Western medicine has only been around, in its current form, since the 19th century, although the roots began in ancient Greece and Egypt. It wasn’t until World War II that the development of synthetic drugs really began. This is also when the current Western medical system discovered it can manipulate certain actions in the human body through the use of synthetic pharmaceuticals. This difference is huge, as Eastern philosophy uses whole food formulas to nourish the body’s ability to heal itself, while Western philosophy isolates and forces therapeutic actions throughout the body by utilizing laboratory modified medicines.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Brief history of herbalism
  • Common old uses of herbs
  • Common modern uses of herbs
  • Traditional chinese and ayurveda

Syllabus

Brief introduction of what the course is about.
Introduction
History of Herbal Medicine
Ayurveda
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda, offering a glimpse into ancient healing practices that complement Western medicine
Covers the use of whole food formulas to nourish the body, which aligns with the principles of holistic health and wellness
Examines plant parts and important metabolites, which are foundational concepts for understanding herbal medicine and its effects
Introduces functional and psychedelic mushrooms, which have gained recognition for their potential health benefits and therapeutic applications
Discusses medicinal uses broken out by body system, which provides a structured approach to understanding the applications of herbal remedies
Includes a section on making your own herbal remedies, which offers practical experience in applying the knowledge gained throughout the course

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Reviews summary

Introduction to eastern herbal medicine

According to students, this course offers a broad overview of Eastern herbal medicine history and principles, including Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda. Learners particularly enjoyed the sections on functional and psychedelic mushrooms. While generally seen as a good starting point, many students felt the title "Become a Certified Herbalist" was misleading and that the course lacks the depth required for professional certification or practice. The content is considered informative for beginners interested in an introduction to the subject.
Requires additional resources for practical use.
"I finished this course feeling like I need to take several more to gain practical skills."
"You'll definitely need to supplement this with other books or courses for real practice."
"Provides theoretical basics, but lacks hands-on application details."
"A good foundation, but certification requires much more extensive study."
Covers many topics but lacks professional depth.
"It covers a lot of ground from history to botany and systems, but each topic is quite brief."
"A very basic look into Eastern medicine concepts. Good for someone completely new."
"Gave me a decent understanding of different areas but left me wanting more detail on practical application."
"Good as a jumping-off point for further study, not a complete education."
Suitable for those new to herbalism.
"If you know absolutely nothing about herbalism, this is a fine start."
"A very accessible course for someone just curious about the topic."
"Didn't require any prior knowledge to follow along."
"Great first step into the world of plant medicine."
Explores unique areas like mushrooms.
"Really liked the sections on functional and psychedelic mushrooms, not something you find everywhere."
"The historical context and discussion of different medicinal plant types were fascinating."
"Found the material on TCM and Ayurveda principles very interesting."
"The botany part was unexpectedly engaging."
Course title doesn't match depth provided.
"This is a good *introduction*, not a course to *become certified*."
"The course title is quite misleading. It is more of an overview and does not qualify you as a certified herbalist."
"If you're expecting to be a certified herbalist after this, you'll be disappointed. It's very basic."
"Great info, but definitely not enough to become a professional herbalist."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Become a Certified Herbalist with these activities:
Review Basic Botany
Reviewing basic botany concepts will provide a solid foundation for understanding plant parts, naming conventions, and important metabolites discussed in the course.
Browse courses on Plant Biology
Show steps
  • Review plant cell structure and function.
  • Study plant classification and taxonomy.
  • Familiarize yourself with basic plant anatomy.
Read 'The Herbal Medicine Maker's Handbook'
Reading this book will provide practical knowledge on preparing herbal remedies, complementing the course's theoretical aspects.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The Herbal Medicine Maker's Handbook'.
  • Read the sections on herbal preparations and dosages.
  • Take notes on key recipes and techniques.
Review 'Ayurvedic Medicine: The Principles of Traditional Practice'
Reading this book will deepen your understanding of Ayurvedic medicine, complementing the course's introduction to Ayurveda.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Ayurvedic Medicine: The Principles of Traditional Practice'.
  • Read the sections on doshas and Ayurvedic treatments.
  • Take notes on key concepts and principles.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Design an Herbal First Aid Kit
Designing a first aid kit will allow you to apply your knowledge of herbal medicine to practical situations, reinforcing your understanding of herb uses.
Show steps
  • Research common ailments suitable for herbal treatment.
  • Select herbs appropriate for a first aid kit.
  • Determine appropriate dosages and preparations.
  • Create a list of items for your kit.
Create an Herbal Materia Medica
Compiling a materia medica will reinforce your understanding of individual herbs, their properties, and uses, directly supporting the 'Material Medica' section of the course.
Show steps
  • Select 10-15 herbs covered in the course.
  • Research each herb's medicinal properties and uses.
  • Document your findings in a structured format.
  • Include information on dosage and safety.
Create a Presentation on a Medicinal Mushroom
Creating a presentation will solidify your knowledge of functional mushrooms and their medicinal properties, expanding on the course's introduction to functional mushrooms.
Show steps
  • Choose one of the medicinal mushrooms covered in the course.
  • Research its medicinal properties and uses.
  • Create a presentation outlining your findings.
  • Include information on dosage and safety.

Career center

Learners who complete Become a Certified Herbalist will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Herbalist
A career as an herbalist involves using plant-based remedies to promote health and wellness. This course, by exploring the historical context and common uses of herbalism, helps build a foundation for understanding traditional practices. In particular, the course's overview of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda, as well as its investigation of plant parts and important metabolites, provides essential knowledge for any practicing herbalist. This course may be useful if you are interested in becoming an herbalist.
Wellness Consultant
Wellness consultants guide individuals toward healthier lifestyles, often incorporating holistic approaches. This course, which introduces the history of herbalism, Eastern medicine, and the use of plant-based remedies, helps develop a comprehensive view on wellness. The exploration of Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as the lessons on functional and psychedelic mushrooms, may be useful in creating varied wellness plans. This course may be useful if you want to become a wellness consultant.
Alternative Medicine Practitioner
Alternative medicine practitioners use non-conventional treatments to promote health and well-being. This course's focus on Eastern medicine, including Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, may be helpful for a holistic practice. The course lessons on plant parts, metabolites, and functional mushrooms provides a useful understanding of natural therapeutic options, which are essential for those aiming to become alternative medicine practitioners. This is particularly helpful as Western medicine is not the focus of this course.
Apothecary
Apothecaries traditionally prepare and dispense medicinal substances, often plant-based. This course, through its exploration of the history of herbalism and common uses of herbs, may help provide a good background for those interested in working as an apothecary. The detailed lessons on plant parts, metabolites, and the different uses of various herbs and mushrooms are also very useful. This course may be useful if you wish to become an apothecary.
Health Educator
Health educators teach communities about health and wellness, often focusing on preventative measures. By introducing the history and traditional uses of herbal medicine, this course helps an individual develop a unique approach to educating others. The course's investigation of Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine also helps to demonstrate differing medical practices. The understanding of botany and plant parts, along with the lessons on functional and psychedelic mushrooms, creates a more robust understanding of health. This course may be useful if you want to become a health educator.
Botanical Researcher
Botanical researchers investigate plants and their properties, often with medicinal applications. This course provides a foundational understanding of the history of herbal medicine, as well as plant parts and metabolites, which are useful for any botanical researcher. The course's exploration of functional and psychedelic mushrooms, along with lessons on specific plant extracts, may be useful in identifying new areas of study. This course may be useful for those who wish to become a botanical researcher.
Nutritionist
Nutritionists advise individuals on healthy eating habits and the ways that diet affects health and wellbeing. This course's coverage of the history of herbalism and the use of whole food formulas may be useful for any nutritionist who aims to incorporate more holistic practices. The course's investigation of primary and secondary plant metabolites provides a deeper understanding of the nutritional benefits of plants and herbs. This course may be useful if you wish to become a nutritionist.
Holistic Health Practitioner
Holistic health practitioners focus on the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and spirit in health. This course, by exploring the history and practices of Eastern medicine, may be useful to any holistic practitioner. Specifically, the course's introduction to Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and the use of various plants, mushrooms, and their metabolites. These can be integrated into a holistic practice. This course may be useful to become a holistic health practitioner.
Natural Product Formulator
Natural product formulators design and develop natural health and beauty products. The course's detailed exploration of plant parts, metabolites, and their uses may be helpful for anyone entering this field. The course also introduces various herbs, mushrooms, and their medicinal applications. It may be particularly helpful in guiding the creation of effective products. This course may be useful if you wish to become a natural product formulator.
Health and Wellness Writer
Health and wellness writers create content on various topics related to health, including herbalism. This course, which provides an overview of the history of herbal medicine, different traditions, and the use of herbs, may be useful to a writer in this field. The course's lessons on botany, plant parts, and their medicinal uses may be useful in creating authoritative content. This course may be useful if you wish to become a health and wellness writer.
Horticultural Therapist
Horticultural therapists use plants and gardening to improve mental and physical health. This course offers insight into the historical uses of plants, which may be useful for a horticultural therapist. The course's exploration of botany, including plant parts and medicinal uses, may be helpful in any therapeutic application of plants. This course may be useful if you would like to become a horticultural therapist.
Research Scientist
Research scientists design and conduct scientific studies. This course introduces a variety of plant substances and their effects on humans, which may be useful for a researcher interested in natural remedies. The course's exploration of plant parts, metabolites, and their uses may be useful in identifying avenues of study. An advanced degree, such as a master's or PhD, is typically required to work as a research scientist. This course may be useful if you wish to become a research scientist in this field.
Science Journalist
Science journalists research and communicate scientific topics to the public. This course's exploration of the history of herbal medicine and its practices may be useful to a science journalist who wishes to write about this field. The course's introduction to botany, metabolites, and their applications may be useful for creating informative content. This course may be useful if you want to become a science journalist.
Pharmacist
Pharmacists dispense medications and advise patients on their use. This course's introduction to Eastern medicine and herbal practices may be useful in supplementing the conventional knowledge and services provided by a pharmacist. A pharmacist typically requires an advanced professional degree. This course may be useful if you want to become a pharmacist.
Personal Trainer
Personal trainers guide individuals on achieving their fitness goals. This course provides a background in Eastern medicine and herbs, which may be useful to complement training routines with holistic principles. The course may be particularly helpful in designing personalized wellness programs for unique clients. This course may be useful if you are a personal trainer who wishes to learn about alternative medicine.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Become a Certified Herbalist.
Provides a comprehensive guide to herbal medicine, covering everything from growing and harvesting herbs to preparing various herbal remedies. It valuable resource for understanding the practical aspects of herbalism. This book complements the course by providing detailed instructions and recipes for creating your own herbal preparations, expanding on the 'Make Your Own' section of the syllabus. It is commonly used by herbalists and students alike.
Provides a detailed overview of Ayurvedic principles and practices. It valuable resource for understanding the foundations of Ayurveda. This book adds depth to the 'Ayurveda' and 'More on Ayurveda Medicine' sections of the course, providing a more comprehensive understanding of this ancient system of medicine. It is commonly used as a reference by Ayurvedic practitioners.

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