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Saturday International Herb Symposium Workshops

1 Saturday Morning Workshops 7 – 8 a.m.

1. ‘Talk Story’ Healing Traditions & Hawaiian Wisdom w/ Hawaiian Elder Raylene Ha`alelea Kawaiae`a (Hawaii).

The Hawaiian culture has developed over millenniums and is rich, intricate, complex and filled with story and legend. Much of the teaching of cultural and spiritual values is done through sharing story.  Raylene will talk story with us, sharing, asking questions, and opening our hearts/minds to a new way of seeing and being in the world.

2. Interdisciplinary, Complimentary Approach to Understanding and Healing Trauma w/Dr. Almendares. (Honduras)

 Millions of people in the world today suffer from trauma, a crippling condition which disables its victims and can haunt them for decades.  In this workshop we will look at an interdisciplinary, complimentary approach to understanding and healing trauma. Dr. Almendares will share his experiences working with the Center for Prevention of Torture and alternative therapies used in the treatment of torture survivors.  A compassionate doctor, humanitarian and torture survivor, Dr. Almendares is the founder of the Center for Prevention of Torture.  Inter/Adv

3. Daily Lifestyle Impact on Long Term Health w/Dr. Quang Van Nguyen (Vietnam).

In traditional Chinese medicine, we recognize that many seemingly small details of daily life have incredible impact on our long term health.  Dr. Quang Van Nguyen will discuss lifestyle adjustments and present Chinese herbal formulas to help resolve minor health imbalances and promote long term physical and emotional well-being.

4. High Heels, Handbags and Hormones ~ Women and Back Pain w/Michelle Lyons (Ireland).

Find out how to protect your spine. What is good posture? The right type of yoga and Pilates for spinal health. How can you strengthen your spinal muscles quickly and effectively? Foods to eat, foods to avoid. Supplements and herbs – what really works? Stress management and relaxation techniques all are topics that will be covered in this informative class.

5. Mushrooms in Cancer Therapy w/George Vaughan.

   Medicinal mushrooms have been found to be very effective for cancer therapy both when used by themselves and in conjunction with other herbs. Mushrooms have also been found to be very beneficial when used as adjunct or adjuvant therapy for those patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation.  This class will provide an overview of some of the most effective medicinal mushrooms for cancer therapy and provide information on use, dosage and preparations.

6. Using Herbs Aggressively to Reverse “Terminal” or “Incurable” Disease w/Dr. Michael Friedman.

 Dr. Friedman will discuss patient case studies in which patients were able to recover from terminal liver cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and Diabetic Nephropathy using herbs as a primary treatment. Inter/Adv.

7. Graceful Aging ~ A Holistic Approach w/Mindy Green.

The wellness revolution has reached the beauty industry with botanical ingredients, but what else can we do to stave off the inevitable aging process besides applying hopeful creams? Plenty! We will discuss numerous spa techniques that can be duplicated at home for a fraction of the cost, and learn about youth enhancing foods, herbs, essential oils and lifestyle dos and don’ts to maximize health and wellness and keep you looking your best, regardless of the years you’ve lived.

8. Epigenomics and Herbalism w/Dr. Ryan Drum.

Epigenomics is the discovery and study of inheritable characteristics that occur without changes in DNA base-pair sequences. Epigenetic factors could greatly influence herbal therapeutic efficacy, and other traditional healing modalities. This will be a discussion of the latest cutting edge research. Adv.

9. Herbal Medicine for Guys w/Michael Phillips.

Not your typical Men’s Health Workshop where the ladies discuss a guy’s shortcomings and what he could do better, this is one guy speaking to other guys about “guy conditions” and what makes sense plant-wise to feel better. Herbal husbands learn much over the years about blunt wounds, aching joints, sore muscles, acid reflux, heart support, and how to improperly deal with stress. Whatever the medicine, we always include some Monty Python inspired humor to round out the dose! (everyone welcome).

10. Traditional Uses of Medicinal Plants  w/Dona Enriqueta Contreras (Mexico)

This workshop focuses on the importance of health in a traditional sense using qualities of traditional healing from an indigenous perspective. Each illness has its beginnings and secondary unfoldings.  We will learn to detect the root of illness at the psychosomatic level and apply medicinal plants in the context of shock, vibrational cleansing, anxiety, loneliness and sadness.

HW 11. Plants as Teachers; an Experiential Plant Walk w/Pam Montgomery.

  The best teachers you will ever have are the plants themselves. Through direct experience you can engage your senses to gain greater understanding of the edible and medicinal properties of plants.  Through depth perception and coherent exchange you gain access to the vast wisdom and healing abilities of plants.

HW 12. Edible & Medicinal Wild Herb Walk w/Guido Mase’.

Join Guido as he shares botanical identification, medicinal applications, clinical usage and other interesting tidbits of the local and naturalized flora. Int/Adv (Meet in Dimple #1)

Understanding and Treating Lyme Disease, a panel discussion. Join several herbal practitioners as they discuss herbal and wholistic protocols for treating Lyme disease and also strive to develop a better understanding of the disease itself.  Case studies will be presented.  Panel members still to be announced.  

“I am excited to see M.D.’s becoming comfortable with herbs, but what really thrills me is seeing three year olds putting plants on boo-boos.  That is the revolution” ~ Susun Weed

2 Saturday Mid-Morning Workshops 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (Please note; these * classes will run till 1)

1. Rawvolution: An Introduction to Raw Foods w/Brigitte Mars.

 Are you tired of feeling cooked, burnt, fried and toasted? Want to feel more fresh alive and vital? Come to this talk and demonstration on how simple it is to incorporate living foods into your lifestyle.

2.  Essential Oil production in the Aromatic Plant w/Rhiannon Harris (Provence, France).

  Where, why and how? This class explores different aspects of essential oil production within the plant, the role of essential oils and the relevance of these aspects to the practicing aromatherapist/herbalist. Beginner/Inter

3. Reading the Body; Tools of Assessment w/Margi Flint.

  This class will be spent learning to read the face, tongue and nails as assessment tools.  We’ll discuss signs of hot, cold, damp and dry conditions, significance of tissue color in diagnosis and the use of pulse analysis when selecting remedies.  This knowledge is a valuable tool for practitioners, and will alter the way you look at all those who sit before you. Hands on participation.  inter/adv

4.  Aromatherapy Product Making w/Tim Blakley.

In this hands-on class, we’ll start with various formulas and how they can be incorporated into products.  We’ll cover blending and formulating as well as basic safety.  From there we go into the product making where each attendee will be able to make at least 2-3 products to take home including, Spritzer, Massage, Bath Salts, Personal oil blends, body polishes and more.  Beginner

5. A Child’s Materia Medica w/Dr. Mary Bove

.  Herbal medicine has much to offer in the way of kid friendly herbs which can offer an effective natural treatment for many of the common health concerns and illnesses which effect children. This class will look specific herbs, herbal preparations, and dosing for children.

6. Sexy Herbs: Optimizing Sexual Health, Performance & Pleasure with Herbs w/Ed Smith.

  Class will cover h erbal sexual tonics for men and women, nutrition for sexual health and herbal aphrodisiacs and eroto- enhancers. Treatment of sexual maladies: infertility, impotence and erectile dysfunction, frigidity, etc. Class includes a colorful slideshow.

7. Sage and the Nervous System w/Aaron Jenks.

The ethnobotanical and pharmacological evidence for the use of Salvia  in the treatment of pain, anxiety, and insomnia.  Sage species are especially indicated in nervous system complaints. My research explores the traditional use of these plants as well as contemporary pharmacological/biochemical research. The presentation will show photos of the plants (and hands-on samples where available) and describe their therapeutic application. Inter/Adv 

8. What Herbs Grow Here? w/Steven Foster.

Join Steven for a virtual herb walk through the fields and forests of New England to gain a better sense of the herbs around you.  Steven Foster began his herbal career in Maine, and will share information on the identification and use of 50 of the most important herbs found in the Northeast.

9.  Enteric Infections and Herbal Strategies w/Bevin Clare.

Learn about the most common types of parasitic, bacterial and viral causes of diarrhea, their differential diagnosis, and strategies for rebalancing the digestive system after infection. Will include  discussion on treating ‘traveler’s diarrhea’, the most common infection acquired abroad.  Intermed.

10. San Pedro Cactus and the Art of the Ancient South American Cultures w/Michelle Viteri (Ecuador/England).

We’ll discuss the ethnobotanical, spiritual and medicinal uses of this ancient sacred plant with specific emphasis on the uses of San Pedro in traditional South American Cultures.  Cultivation, preparation, and ceremonial uses will be shared.

11. The Healing Path of Flower Essence Therapy w/Kate Gilday.

Each flower holds the radiance of the sun and can impart its unique vibration to the person receiving it, healing some of the emotional and spiritual wounds that keep us from seeing the light and blossoming of our human souls. In our time together you will learn what flower essences are, how to prepare and use them for yourself, family and animal friends as you move more gently along your life path with the help of the flowers.

12. Four Humour Medicine and the Minerva Garden in Salerno, Italy w/Robin Dipasquale.

The Minerva Garden in Salerno, Italy, was the first simpler’s garden in Europe, created in the 13th century for the purpose of teaching herbs as medicine.  It was originally built based on the four humour principles correlating to the four elements. This class will discuss the application of the four humour principles in herbal clinical medicine, interspersed with stories and photos of this beautiful garden.

HW 13. A Walk on the Wild Side: Learning Wild Plants  w/ Matthais & Andrea Reisen.

  Let’s wander beyond the tame lawns and find the wild ones’ growing on the edges, in the meadows and the wooded glades. We’ll taste, touch and smell as we go along letting our learning be a sensual delight while gaining first-hand knowledge and experience of the plants we encounter.

“Talking to plants is one way of talking directly to Spirit” ~ Rosemary Gladstar

3 Saturday Afternoon Work Shops 2 - 3:30 p.m.

“In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations… on those faces that are yet beneath the ground” ~ The Great Law of the Six Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy

1. Treatment and Prevention of Infections with Herbal Medicine w/Christopher Hobbs.

Christopher will review the most effective herbs for treating many kinds of infection including gut infections, Lyme disease, giardia, skin infections, and more. Review the traditional use, chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and modern clinical uses of the most effective herbs. Inter/Adv

 

2. “Kunye’ Tibetan Massage w/Dr. Phuntsog Wangmo (Tibet).

Kunye is the type of massage that is taught in the Tibetan Medical Tradition and is an exclusive therapeutic practice of that tradition.  It is a therapy that is mentioned in some very ancient major texts of the Bon and of the Buddhists. This is a special opportunity to learn the practice of Kunye in this country. Everyone welcome to attend, but especially recommended for massage practitioners.

   

3. The Bowl of Light w/ Raylene Ha`alelea Kawaiae`a (Hawaii).

The story of my Kupuna (ancestors) tells me that each of us was given a bowl filled with light. The question is, how do we keep it filled in the today’s world?  An empowering “talk story” discussion, of Hawaiian values and walking the talk that will give you amazing insights into your own ‘bowl of light’.

4. Drugs and the Mind w/Chris Kilham.

  Psychoactive plants, from coffee to ayahuasca, occupy a unique and highly valued place in traditional societies, modern life, and medicine. In this seminar we'll examine many of the psychoactive plants, where they come from, what they do, and the benefits they offer.

5. Tranquil Heart and Mind through Ayurveda w/Anne McIntyre (UK).

Using the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda  we can discover much about our mental constitutions and gain more understanding of our inner selves. We will discover how balancing our Doshas in a very practical way through herbs, foods and lifestyle can help us to find inner calm and happiness and free us from suffering the pain of low self esteem, phobias, anxiety and depression. Begin/inter

  6. Traveler’s First Aide w/Rosemary Gladstar.

Herbal first aide remedies and tips from an herbal gypsy.  When traveling it pays to be prepared. What favorite remedies do fellow traveler’s have to share? What goes into a traveler’s first kit?  Rosemary will share her favorite remedies for healthy traveling and a sample traveler’s first aide kit peppered with stories of her travels, first aide along the route, and a colorful slide show.

7. Bio-communication, Our Exquisite Birthright w/James Green.

Realize it or not, we talk continually with plants, animals, living foods, and the cells of our body.  We’ll look at some of the recent ‘discoveries’ that clearly demonstrate the impeccable intelligence of our cells and kinship with all life and explore the cutting edge of consciousness research and how it relates to plants, our relationship with  them, and healing.

8. Prostate Power w/Susun Weed.

Baby boomer numbers are swelling and so are their prostates.  Your loved ones and your clients need help dealing with a problem that affects virtually every man in America.  There are, of course, delicious foods, and easy life-style changes that can reduce the risk of prostate enlargement (BPH), prostatitis, and prostate cancer.  This workshop will include research from Susun’s upcoming book, “Down There the Wise Woman Way, A Guide for everyone with Genitals”. Women welcome

9. The Twelve Organ Systems w/Matthew Wood.

  A comparison of the TCM and Western astrological systems, Rudolf Steiner, and biomedicine with physical, psychological, and spiritual analogies. Inter/Adv.

10. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease w/David Hoffmann.

An exploration of the etiology, pathophysiology and various treatment options for this all too common problem. Inter/Adv

11. The Dream Path w/Crotalo Sesamo (Italy).

 We always dream, even when we are awake. This precious ‘inner sense’ can be trained so that we can participate in different realities in our daily life. There is a magical dimension of dreams, not the psychological or the psychoanalytic one, and it is possible to experience lucid dream, actively interpreting and guiding our own dreams.

HW 12. A Walk in the ‘Wild’ w/Janice Schofield Eaton (Alaska/New Zealand).

  Explore the wondrous 'weeds' and herbs of the Wheaton campus in this herb walk that will focus on edible and medicinal plants and how to identify them. Beginners welcome.

HW13. Walk with the Senses w/CoreyPine Shane.

On this herb walk, we will identify common and uncommon medicinal plants, then use our senses to understand the actions and energies of those plants in a very direct way. We will especially focus on common plants that aren’t commonly used in modern herbalism.

“Over the years in the US it has been my deep pleasure and honor to experience the vibrant, living tradition that is the diversity of US herbalism. To me it is Viriditas at work on a cultural level. This profoundly important phenomena should be cherished, not formalized or structured to death”
~David Hoffmann

4 Saturday Afternoon Special Intensive Playshops 4 - 7 PM

These hands on `playshops’ (more play than work!) are offered for respite from a heady weekend.  All materials, samples, and handouts are included.  $35 fee.  Be sure to register ahead of time at the IHS Information Booth. Playshops don’t overlapwith  other workshops, but do overlap Sat. afternoon Intensives.

1. Natural Cosmetics and Herbal Skin Care with Kate Rakosky.

Discover how to create exquisite natural skin care products using herbs and flowers from your garden and common kitchen ingredients.  Participants will discover how to recreate a spa in their own homes.  This is a hands-on participatory, fun opportunity to make moisturizing facial/body creams, massage oils, facial scrubs and masques, herbal facial steams/footbaths, bath salts, salt/ sugar scrubs, toners/spritzers, body and tooth powder, herbal mouthwash, and a luscious lip balm. Great Fun & Great Products!  Recipes and samples to take with you.  (Craigen Hall-Basement)

2.  Herbal First Aide; Making an Herbal First Aide Kit for Home and Travel with Nancy Phillips.

What are herbalist’s favorite remedies for home and travel? Just what goes into a good herbal first aide kit? Join community herbalist, Nancy Phillips, for this informative hands-on participatory class. You’ll learn about herbal first aide for the home and travel, and how to make herbal products such as salves, tincture, liniments, and other remedies for your first aide kit. Demonstration, recipes and samples shared.  Great class for beginners!

5 Saturday Late Afternoon Workshops Various Times

“Don’t hurry; Don’t worry. You’re only here for a short visit. So be sure to stop and smell the flowers” ~ W. Hagen (1892 ~ 1969)

1.Henna Delights with Henna Queens, Andrea Reisen & Penny Clare.

Have you always wanted to henna your hair, but never dared?! Here's your opportunity! The Henna Queens are back! We'll help you select best color(s) to bring out the henna lights in your own hair.  We'll provide the henna in a rainbow of colors from blonde to brown to red (and colors in between)! Colors are always stunning, but never guaranteed!  Must bring a towel (preferably old & absolutely not the college towels!!), old t- shirt, plastic bag, and hairpins. $5 material fee. 

2.Introduction to Palmistry with Linda Patterson.

  Have you always wanted to read palms?  This is your opportunity! Join professional palm reader and herbalist, Linda Patterson to learn what secrets your palms hold and how to unlock the mysteries of reading between the lines.

3.Herbal Update: The latest Research, Regulation and Market Trends" w/ Mark Blumenthal

of the American Botanical Counsel and founder/editor of HerbalGram. Join Mark in this lively, entertaining and informative update/discussion on the latest herbal research and herbal regulations.   

4.The Herbal Nurses Forum: Building a Professional Practice with Nurse-Herbalists Bonnie Kavanagh & Marguerite Uhlmann-Bower.

The focus of this open forum will be to update on professional practice issues and continue dialogue for nurses who wish to include herbs and herbalism in their practice.

5.Useful Wild Plants of New England with Arthur Haines.

Plants were used extensively by aboriginal people for cordage, hafting materials, clothing, hunting weapons, insect repellents, etc.  This hands-on participatory workshop is intended to show ways that native people used wild plants for their daily living.  Many hand-made items will be available for show, including baskets, clothing, hafted stone blades, clay pots, and cordage from different plants. Class will include hands on demonstrations.  (Please note: class size is limited to 12 students.  Sign up ahead of time at the IHS Info booth)  

6.The Wonders of Wayside Weeds… a Medicinal Plant Walk w/jim mcdonald.

Common weedy plants are the foundation of most herbalists’ repertories, and for good reason.  We’ll take a deeper look at the specific indications and the surprising and overlooked uses of some of our most beloved medicinal plants.

7.Stewards of Healing Herbs; Medicinal Plant Conservation and Cultivation.

  A beautiful slide presentation of At Risk North American Plants followed by a discussion of what we can each do to help preserve our native plants and herbal traditions. Facilitated by UpS Ex. Director Lynda LeMole and UpS board members.

8.Botanica Artista; Art & Plants with June Ellen Bradley, artist and herbalist.

  Anyone can draw.  And anyone can see the energy of plants.  Join June Ellen exploring ‘the truth of the green’ with pen and paper in hand.  Following a short meditation on a plant, June Ellen will give instructions on how to draw both botanically and energetically.  $5 material fee for pen and drawing paper (or bring your own).

9.Planting the Seeds of Herbalism w/Kathleen Gould.

Once the herbal seed has been planted in your spirit, what do you do next? Come visit with Kathleen as she shares her journey into herbalism and how you can take your next step. Her inspirational stories will leave you knowing you too can make a difference and fulfill your herbal dreams.

10.Afternoon Yoga Session.

Tired of so much sitting? Your body feeling stiff? Stretch; open your body, mind, and spirit with these simple yet powerful yoga postures.

11.Yoga Journey to the Heart of the Rose w/Lydia Russell-McDade.

Join Lydia for an inspiring and uplifting Plant Spirit Yoga Journey!  We will flow through a graceful and strengthening series of yoga poses, designed to reveal the heart-opening nature of the Rose and to bring alive its healing essence within our own bodies.  This will be a moderately challenging yoga practice; not recommended for beginners.   Bring a yoga mat and a blanket.

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