Herbalism: A Guide To Basic Herbal Actions from Udemy

When studying herbalism it is important to be aware of the basic herbal actions. Herbalism is a beautiful science that can accomplish so many health goals. This course will teach you all about the the basic herbal actions and which herbs are classified in each of the following categories:

*Adaptogens

*Alteratives

*Aromatics

*Astringents

*Bitters

*Nervines

*Carminatives

*Demulcents

*Diaphoretics

*Diuretics

*Emollients

*Expectorants

Learning the herbal actions are important for making decisions on which herbs to use to address your health goals, this course will teach you how to utilize the proper herbs.

Charlene Rossiter

Herbalist, Energy Healing Practitioner

I am a Herbalist and an Energy Healing Practitioner. I have been studying nutrition and health for over 15 years and help my clients overcome health and wellness issues through nutrition, lifestyle choices, stress management and energy healing practices. I believe the body has an incredible ability to overcome health problems when our lives are simplified through natural healing practices and nutrition

I would like to share with you some of the successful techniques I have used to help clients overcome multiple health and wellness issues and live more fulfilling lives.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Learn what the basic herbal actions are, what they mean, what they accomplish and which herbs fall into each category.
Learn to identify the listed herbs through beautiful photos.
Learn how to utilize the herbs to accomplish the herbal action.

Learn how to make tinctures, teas and tonics.
Learn how to make herbal infused oils, honeys and syrups.

Learn what the basic herbal actions are, what they mean, what they accomplish and which herbs fall into each category.
Learn to identify the listed herbs through beautiful photos.
Learn how to utilize the herbs to accomplish the herbal action.
Learn how to make tinctures, teas and tonics.
Learn how to make herbal infused oils, honeys and syrups.

Syllabus

Introduction

How To Make Tinctures, Tonics, Teas, Oils, Syrups and Honeys

Adaptogens

Nervines

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides a foundational understanding of herbal actions, which is essential for formulating effective herbal remedies and addressing various health concerns

Teaches how to prepare tinctures, teas, oils, syrups, and honeys, which are common methods for extracting and administering herbal remedies

Explores adaptogens, nervines, alteratives, and other key herbal categories, which are important for understanding the diverse applications of herbs

Includes a disclaimer, which is important to note, as herbal remedies may interact with medications or have contraindications for certain individuals

Relies on photos to identify herbs, which may not be sufficient for accurate identification in the field or when purchasing dried herbs

Taught by a herbalist and energy healing practitioner, whose approach to health may not align with evidence-based medicine for all learners

Reviews summary

Herbalism: basic actions & preparations

According to learners, this course offers a helpful introduction to the field of herbalism, particularly focusing on understanding basic herbal actions. Students appreciated the clear explanations of what different herbs do and how they work within the body. A major positive highlight frequently mentioned is the inclusion of practical demonstrations on how to make common herbal preparations like teas, tinctures, oils, and syrups, which many found very useful for practical application. While considered excellent for beginners and those new to herbal concepts, some students noted that the course provides a solid foundation but may lack the depth required for more advanced study or clinical practice.

Instructor is clear and passionate.

"The instructor's passion for herbalism really shines through."

"Charlene is knowledgeable and explains the concepts in a simple, easy-to-understand way."

"I found the teaching style engaging and easy to follow."

"You can tell the instructor has real-world experience."

Learn to make teas, tinctures, oils, etc.

"The sections on making tinctures, teas, and oils were incredibly practical and easy to replicate at home."

"I really enjoyed the hands-on aspect of learning how to make my own herbal remedies."

"Getting practical instructions on preparation methods was a big plus and very useful."

"Knowing how to prepare herbs is just as important as knowing their actions, and this course covers it."

Helps understand what different herbs do.

"This course made understanding the various herbal actions much clearer for me."

"The explanations provided for each herbal action were easy to grasp and follow."

"I finally understand the 'why' behind using certain herbs thanks to how the actions were broken down."

"Learning the basic actions is key, and this course explains them well."

Perfect entry point into herbalism.

"This course is a fantastic starting point for anyone curious about herbalism but doesn't know where to begin."

"Provides a solid foundation on basic principles, exactly what a beginner needs."

"I felt the pace and content were perfect for someone just starting their herbal journey."

"An ideal introduction to the world of medicinal plants and their uses."

Good intro, but not for deep study.

"While a good introduction, this course doesn't go into enough detail for advanced learners or practitioners."

"Covers the basics well, but I wish there was more information on contraindications or deeper applications."

"Provides a broad overview, but if you're looking for in-depth knowledge, you'll need to supplement this."

"Satisfying for general interest but insufficient for professional clinical use."

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 Herbalism: A Guide To Basic Herbal Actions with these activities:

Review Basic Botany Concepts

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Strengthen your understanding of plant properties by reviewing basic botany concepts before starting the course.

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Review plant cell structure and function.
Study plant life cycles and reproduction.
Familiarize yourself with plant classification.

Read 'Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs'

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Gain a foundational understanding of herbal medicine with a beginner-friendly guide covering herbal actions and plant profiles.

View Herbs for Children's Health, 3rd Edition: How... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs'.
Read the introductory chapters on herbal actions.
Review the plant profiles relevant to the course.

Review 'The Modern Herbal Dispensatory'

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Deepen your understanding of herbal preparations and actions by studying a comprehensive herbal medicine-making guide.

View The Modern Herbal Dispensatory: A Medicine... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'The Modern Herbal Dispensatory'.
Read the sections on herbal actions and preparations.
Take notes on key concepts and recipes.

Four other activities

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Create an Herbal Action Flashcard Set

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Reinforce your knowledge of herbal actions by creating a set of flashcards for each action and associated herbs.

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Choose an herbal action from the course.
List the herbs associated with that action.
Write a brief description of the action and herbs.
Create a flashcard for each herb and action.

Herb Identification Practice

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Improve your ability to identify herbs by sight by using online resources or field guides to practice identification.

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Gather images of herbs from the course.
Use online resources or field guides for comparison.
Test yourself on herb identification.

Design an Herbal First Aid Kit

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Apply your knowledge of herbal actions by designing a first aid kit using herbs from the course.

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Research common first aid needs.
Select herbs that address those needs.
Create a list of items for your kit.
Explain the purpose of each herb in the kit.

Create a Materia Medica Entry

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Solidify your knowledge by creating a detailed materia medica entry for a specific herb covered in the course.

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Choose an herb from the course syllabus.
Research the herb's properties and uses.
Compile information on its actions, indications, and contraindications.
Write a comprehensive materia medica entry.

Career center

Learners who complete Herbalism: A Guide To Basic Herbal Actions will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Herbalist

A career as a herbalist involves using plant-based remedies to promote wellness, and this course directly supports that goal. The course provides a foundation in understanding basic herbal actions, which is crucial for any herbalist. It details the actions of adaptogens, alteratives, aromatics, astringents, bitters, nervines, carminatives, demulcents, diaphoretics, diuretics, emollients, and expectorants, giving an herbalist the foundation for selecting herbs based on their properties. Additionally, the course demonstrates how to prepare tinctures, teas, tonics, oils, syrups, and honeys, which are all important for any herbalist to learn.

See salaries and explore the career path for Herbalist

Holistic Health Practitioner

Holistic health practitioners take a comprehensive approach to wellness, and this course supports such a pursuit. The course's focus on herbal actions, and specific herbal categories such as adaptogens, nervines, and demulcents, provides practical information for a holistic approach to wellness. This course also teaches how to make herbal tinctures, teas, tonics, oils, syrups, and honeys, which may be used in a holistic health practitioner's approach to wellness plans. The various herbal actions covered in this course are invaluable for a holistic health practitioner.

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Botanical Product Developer

Botanical product developers create plant-based consumer products, and this course provides pertinent knowledge for such a role. The course gives a solid grounding in herbal actions, which is necessary for formulating effective herbal products. A botanical product developer can use the knowledge of adaptogens, alteratives, aromatics, and other categories to create products with specific properties. Further, the course's instruction on preparations of tinctures, teas, oils, syrups, and honeys aligns directly with the process of developing such products. The detailed information on herbal actions provides the necessary background for this role.

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Herbal Product Retailer

An herbal product retailer sells a variety of herbal remedies and products, and this course is valuable because it provides a solid foundation in their usage. This course gives a thorough overview of herbal actions which is key to being able to recommend products to customers. An herbal product retailer may be very interested in the section of the course that discusses adaptogens, alteratives, aromatics, astringents, bitters, nervines, carminatives, demulcents, diaphoretics, diuretics, emollients, and expectorants. The course may be very beneficial for someone who wishes to sell herbal products.

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Aromatherapist

An aromatherapist uses plant-derived essential oils to improve physical and emotional well-being, a profession that benefits from this course's curriculum. While not solely focused on essential oils, this course's emphasis on aromatics along with other herbal actions is valuable. An aromatherapist would find the information about carminatives, demulcents, and expectorants useful. The knowledge of tinctures, teas, tonics, oils, syrups, and honey preparations in the course may directly translate into an aromatherapist's practice. This course may be particularly valuable to someone who wishes to take a holistic approach to aromatherapy.

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Naturopathic Doctor

Naturopathic doctors use a variety of natural therapies, including herbal medicine, to address health issues. This course may be very helpful as it teaches the basic herbal actions, including adaptogens, alteratives, aromatics, astringents, bitters, nervines, carminatives, demulcents, diaphoretics, diuretics, emollients, and expectorants. A naturopathic doctor can use this information to choose specific herbs for their patients. This course will be beneficial to a naturopathic doctor as it teaches how to prepare tinctures, teas, tonics, oils, syrups, and honeys, which are common ways to administer herbal remedies. While a naturopathic doctor requires advanced education, the course provides a valuable foundation.

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Nutritionist

Nutritionists provide guidance on diet and nutrition, and this course may broaden their understanding of natural therapies. This course explores the herbal actions of various plants, which is useful for a nutritionist interested in broadening their approach to wellness. For instance, a nutritionist could integrate the knowledge of adaptogens, nervines, and carminatives into their recommendations. The practical approach of the course, including teaching how to make tinctures, teas, and tonics, may be of use to a nutritionist who wants to suggest lifestyle adjustments in addition to dietary changes. This course may be particularly relevant to those who want to incorporate natural remedies into their practice.

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Wellness Coach

Wellness coaches guide clients toward healthier lifestyles, and this course may be useful to them. The course focuses on several herbal actions and remedies that could be integrated into a holistic approach to health. A wellness coach may be able to incorporate the knowledge of adaptogens to help clients manage stress, or nervines to address sleep and anxiety, or diuretics and diaphoretics to assist with detoxification. The course's hands-on preparation methods could be incorporated into wellness plans. By understanding herbal actions, a wellness coach may be able to recommend lifestyle changes in conjunction with herbal remedies.

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Cosmetic Formulator

Cosmetic formulators develop beauty and personal care products, and this course provides knowledge pertinent to using botanicals in formulations. This course focuses on numerous herbal actions, and in particular emollients, which are commonly used in cosmetic formulations. In this course, cosmetic formulators learn how to prepare herbal infused oils, honeys, and syrups. This practical knowledge is highly useful when developing natural cosmetics. The course may be very useful to those who want to create natural cosmetics.

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Health Educator

Health educators promote wellness through outreach and education, and this course may enhance their knowledge base in the area of herbal remedies. The course's focus on different herbal actions provides a framework for explaining the purpose and usage of various herbs. A health educator could use the knowledge of adaptogens, nervines, and other herbal categories in their workshops and presentations. This course may also be valuable for developing educational materials about herbal medicine. This course may enhance a health educator's knowledge of holistic health practices.

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Personal Care Product Maker

A personal care product maker creates items like soaps, lotions, and balms for individual use or small retail, and this course may be very helpful. The course discusses emollients, which are common ingredients in things like lotions. The course also teaches how to make herbal infused oils, honeys, and syrups. This hands-on information is highly relevant to making personal care products. A personal care product maker may especially value learning the properties of the herbs that are discussed in the course.

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Massage Therapist

Massage therapists manipulate soft tissues to relieve pain and promote relaxation, and this course may complement that skill set. The course details the actions of emollients, which are frequently used in massage therapy as a means to soothe the skin and enhance the overall therapeutic effect. Furthermore, the information about infused oils may be useful for a massage therapist interested in creating their own massage oils with beneficial properties. A massage therapist may find the techniques for making herbal-infused oils in this course particularly useful, as they could integrate them into their practice.

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Food Scientist

A food scientist studies the chemical, nutritional, and biological properties of food, and this course may offer a very useful perspective. While food science includes a broad range of topics, this course's exploration of plant properties and herbal actions may be beneficial when developing functional foods and beverages that include herbs and botanicals. A food scientist may find the practical information about preparing tinctures, teas, tonics, and syrups useful for creating health-focused formulations. The knowledge of categories of herbal action could be helpful to a food scientist working with herbs.

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Pharmacist

Pharmacists dispense medications and counsel patients, and this course may provide an alternative perspective to traditional pharmaceuticals. While not directly related to traditional pharmacy, this course's curriculum on herbal remedies and actions can be useful knowledge for a pharmacist interested in a more holistic view of health. A pharmacist may find the information about specific herbs used as adaptogens, alteratives, aromatics, astringents, bitters, nervines, carminatives, demulcents, diaphoretics, diuretics, emollients, and expectorants useful. This course may provide a broader perspective on health and wellness.

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Yoga Instructor

Yoga instructors lead students through physical poses and breathing exercises and may benefit from a broader holistic approach. This course may be useful as an ancillary study because of its emphasis on relaxing herbal actions, such as nervines and adaptogens. A yoga instructor may be able to recommend herbal remedies to complement the practice of yoga, especially when there is a focus on relaxation and stress. The course may be useful in enhancing the wellness aspects of a yoga practice.

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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 Herbalism: A Guide To Basic Herbal Actions.

The Modern Herbal Dispensatory

Save

Provides a comprehensive guide to herbal medicine making. It covers various preparation methods like tinctures, teas, and syrups, aligning perfectly with the course's objectives. It serves as an excellent reference for understanding herbal actions and creating effective herbal remedies. This book is commonly used by herbalists and students alike.

The Modern Herbal Dispensatory: A Medicine-Making...

Hardcover

Herbs for Children's Health, 3rd Edition

Save

Is an excellent introduction to herbal medicine. It covers basic herbal actions and provides detailed profiles of common medicinal herbs. It's particularly useful for beginners to build a solid foundation in herbalism. This book is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions.

Herbs for Children's Health, 3rd Edition: How to...

Kindle Edition

Herbalism

A Guide To Basic Herbal Actions

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Herbalism: basic actions & preparations

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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