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Friday International Herb Symposium Workshops

1 Friday Morning Workshops 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

11 - 12:30 Plenary Sessions ~ VISIONS OF HEALING

(1.) The Greening of Medicine w/Dr. Tieraona Low Dog, David Hoffmann and Dr. Juan Almendares (Honduras).   

A philosophical and inspirational discussion of the current state of health care and how a shifting, or “greening” of consciousness, could improve the health and wellbeing of the People, as well as the Earth.  These three inspiring visionaries will share their insights and thoughts w/open discussion following.

(2.) Spiritual Herbal Healing Practices w/Dona Enriqueta Contreras (Mexico), Rocio Alarcon (Ecuador) and Raylene Ha’alelea Kawaiae’a (Hawaii).

Herbs have been used traditionally for spiritual as well as physical healing practices.  These three powerful healers will share their own journey as healers and teachers as well as some of the healing traditions, ceremonies, songs, and herbs used in their countries. 

(3) Stewards of Healing Herbs, Plant Conservation & Preservation with Tim Blakley, Christopher Hobbs, Steven Foster and UpS Ex. Director Lynda LeMole.    

“I don't trust a garden (or gardener) that hasn’t any weeds. Some wildness and uncertainty is a condition that is an honest representation of life. “ ~ Christopher Hobbs

2 Friday Afternoon Workshops 2 - 4 p.m.

1. Herbalism and Sustainability w/David Hoffmann.

An exploration of how herbs, herbalists and herbalism can contribute to a viable, sustainable future. We will explore contributions to sustainability of health care systems, fair trade and community economics, and maintenance of ecosystem health.

2. Herbs in Clinical Practice; Reflections on 20 Years of Practice w/Stephen H. Buhner.

Little known herbal interventions, unusual plants and their medicine, updates on Lyme protocols, the intelligence of organ systems, establishing rapport and bonding with clients, secondary gains in disease,  the elegance of repertories, weaknesses in clinical training, the impact of practitioner belief systems on healing. A rant of brilliance and scope ~ be prepared to have unexamined beliefs challenged.  All invited.

3. Scent Listening for Herbalists; Reducing Stress with Aromatic Plants w/Mindy Green.  

As herbalists we all like to drink flowers, swig trees and wet our whistles with leaves, but how skilled are we at discerning the calming messages that ride the wind of scent? Experience an aromatic journey through history and the olfactory system as we learn to ignite the Spark of Holiness through fragrance – the ethereal and spiritual link between nature and humanity. We’ll discuss nervine teas, experience soothing plant aromas and learn stress reducing techniques to regain tranquility in our lives.

4. Trees: Their Magic, Their Medicine w/ Dr. Robin DiPasquale. 

The Magic and symbolism of trees is ancient knowledge.  We share their medicine from bark, buds and flowers.  This class will look at some historic ideas about trees in various cultures, as well as the medicine, including gemmotherapy, the potent gifts from the buds of trees. 

5. Case Studies in Vitalist Herbalism w/Paul Bergner. 

A series of case studies with follow-ups, demonstrating the herbal strategies in the vitalist paradigm will be presented.  Some specific strategies to be demonstrated are: dietary and botanical treatments to restore normal digestion in chronic disease; herbal and lifestyle strategies to restore normal circadian rhythm; case studies with the iatrogenic effects of pharmaceuticals causing the chief complaint; and case studies requiring detective work "outside the box" to remove an obstacle to cure. Intermed/Adv   

6. The Six Tissue States; Energetics of Traditional Western Herbalism w/Matthew Wood.

A survey of the most useful energetic systems. How to look at plants and people energetically.   How those astringents, bitters, flavonoids, and your favorite herbs fit into a simple energetic system. Inter/Adv.  

7. The Art of Creating Effective Herbal Formulas w/Amanda McQuade Crawford. 

Herb formulas for the specific person according to temperament of plant and person are improved by study of energetics. But where to begin?  This class will contrast three formulas for building effective formulas based on sacred geometry: the point, the line, the triangle, the square. begin/inter

8. Magical Herbs w/Susun Weed. 

Green magic is all around. It flies with the fairies, dances with the devas, is revealed in the secret language of plants, and is transferred in plant spirit medicine.  We’ll explore the magic of psychoactive plants, mojo bags, flying oils, love charms, and dream pillows.  We will learn how to combine our intentions with the energies of the plants to create more of what we want in life.

9. Plant Spirit Healing w/Pam Montgomery.

Plant Spirit Healing accesses the sentient nature of plants that have the capacity to raise consciousness to a level where true healing can take place. Going beyond symptomatic treatment Plant Spirit Healing addresses the source of dis-ease and brings alignment with one’s true self and path. More than a healing modality, this leading edge perspective carries an evolutionary imperative that will change your life. 

10. The Home Pharmacy w/Janice Schofield Eaton

Learn herbs to know, to grow, to wildcraft, and keep in stock for family and four-footed friends. This is a great introduction for beginners on the art and science of herbalism and all you need to know to get started. Examples to taste and to touch included. Begin/Inter

11. The Chinese Herb Garden in Botanical, Cultural & Seasonal Context w/ Jasmine Rose Oberste, M.S., L.Ac.

 An introduction to the Chinese calendar and slide show of Chinese Herbs growing and harvested.  Many of the photographs are from the Guangxi Medicinal Botanical Garden in southern China, the largest medicinal herb garden in Asia.  Class will conclude with recipes that include Chinese herbs which support our bodies' transition through the seasons. 

HW 12.  Weeds for your Needs w/Doug Elliott.

We will roam rich wooded areas of the campus focusing on the great variety of medicinal, edible, and otherwise useful wild plants - their botany, natural history and folklore, as well as their traditional and contemporary herbal uses.  

HW. 13. First Aid Plant Walk w/June Ellen Bradley.  

While hiking or camping, how would you respond to a first aid need?  Using common weeds and Nature’s bounty, we will summon an entire pharmacy on the walk.  You will be amazed as you learn to see the woods in an entirely different way. Great walk for beginners.

“We just need to love one another and that’s it. That’s the alpha and the omega of it…. Healing occurs, it starts with and ends with loving each other, and caring for each other as much as we care for ourselves. It’s the golden rule, it’s the way it works in medicine, in politics and in every aspect of life. That would be my wish for people, if I had no other words to say, to love one another”
~ Dr. Bill Mitchell, from Numen, the Nature of Plants (May, 2006)

3 Friday Late-Afternoon Workshops 4:30 - 6 a.m.

(Please note; these * classes will run to 6:30)

* 1. Depression: An Integrated Approach w/Dr. Tieraona Low Dog.

An in-depth discussion of treatment strategies for depression in adults, adolescents, pregnancy, post-partum, peri-menopause and elders; including situations when self-care and natural approaches are appropriate and when referral to a mental health professional should be considered. Inter/Adv

*2. Plants and Shamanism: Practical Activities in our daily life w/Rocio Alarcon (Ecuador).

Rocio will share how shamanistic practices can support us against the stress and negativities that impact our daily life. She will share specific practices that use healing plants from our gardens and that are practiced in the Andes and tropical rain forest of Ecuador.

* 3.  Herbal Support during Menopause w/Kate Gilday.  

There are a number of foods/herbs that can nourish us through menopause, helping us move through the hot flashes, mood swings, osteoporosis and other health challenges we may face.  Black Cohosh, Vitex, Sage, Milky Oats and Vervain are a few of the herb allies you will meet in this class and learn how to use wisely as you move more gracefully through this powerful time of transition.

 * 4. The Doctrine of Signatures w/Brigitte Mars. 

We’ve all heard of this concept of how plants can give us hints as to their attributes by the way they look, grow, taste, and smell. Come explore this ancient concept that includes color, aroma, shape and even astrology and see its relevance for our present time.

* 5. Botany for Herbalists ~Some Surprises w/Christopher Hobbs.

 Christopher will bring you up to date on exciting and profound changes in our view of plant relationships. Did you know that horsetail is really a fern, plantain in the snapdragon family, and yerba santa is a borage? By learning more about the natural ancestral relationships of plants, herbalists can gain many new insights for understanding our green allies. Intermed 

*6. Growing and Harvesting Healing Herbs w/Michael Phillips.

Individual herbs that suit the small farm niche are a vital part of community medicine. Healing herbs need to be dried in such a way to preserve medicinal integrity along with the very spirit of the plant. Michael, an experienced herb grower, will share soil-building tips, plant specifics, wildcrafting do’s and don’ts, drying techniques, and marketing insights about herb farming.

7. Empowering Herbal Medicine & Managing Energy w/Dr. Quang Van Nguyen. 

How do we work with clients from a heart centered space and still maintain appropriate boundaries to prevent being drained or feeling burn-out?  Dr.Quang Van Nguyen will talk about how the practitioner can manage his or her own energy while working with clients in the healing arts including massage, acupuncture, nutritional or herbal consulting or otherwise.

8. Clinical Uses of Fresh Herbs and Medicinal Foods w/Bevin Clare.

Fresh herbs and medicinal foods add a vital and dynamic aspect to our herbal practice. Taste, experience and find out about their clinical applications and preparations in supporting wellness, immunity, fertility, and digestive and cardiovascular health. Inter/Adv 

9. Therapeutic Uses of Sea Vegetables with Dr. Ryan Drum. 

Ryan, considered one of the countries experts on medicinal uses of seaweed, will discuss the advances and trends in seaweed therapeutics. Recent Laboratory in vitro and in vivo studies using seaweeds and seaweed extracts have resulted in new therapeutic approaches to antiviral uses (HPV, HIV, Herpes), thyroid support, and obesity management. Case studies and effective therapeutic seaweed protocols will be shared.Inter/Adv.

10. Breast Health and Care, Naturally w/Dr. Mary Bove.

Breast care is an important part of breast disease prevention. In this class, Mary will share botanical and natural ways to improve breast health and prevent breast problems. Common breast complaints discussed include FCB disease, yeast infection of the nipple, atopic dermatitis, and breast infection. Intermed  

11. Medicine Hunt, the Search for Cures w/Chris Kilham.

The global search for new plant-based remedies leads to all continents and many cultures. In this seminar, we'll examine traditional medicinal plants from around the world, their cultures, their compounds, and their benefits.

12. Connecting to Mother Nature w/Dona Enriqueta Contreras.

Unfortunately, in this day and age, human beings are not connected to nature the way our ancestors used to be.  We must reconnect ourselves with all the Sacred elements of the Mother Earth in order to initiate our use and absorb the values of Mother Nature. Dona Enriqueta will share ceremonies and traditions used to connect with Nature, our source of life.

HW 13. Midsummer Medicines Medicinal Plant Walk w/Jim mcdonald.  

Join jim, Michigan herbalist, for a hike through wood, field & thicket and explore the world of the unique and ubiquitous plant medicines we share this land with.  We’ll discuss the identification, ethical harvest, medicinal & energetic uses of our green relations through a blend of story, experience and lore.

Remember, the active ingredient in plants is friendship ~ Kathleen Maier

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