Intro to Herbalism 101

Course Introduction:

• Overview of the course objectives and structure.

•  Importance and benefits of herbalism.

 - Herbal Terminology

• Introduction to common herbal terms (e.g., preparations, actions, energetics, etc.).

• Understanding plant nomenclature: common names vs. botanical names.

• Glossary of key herbal terms for reference.

-Resources

• Recommended book and supply list.

• Online resources and communities for herbalists.

- Herbal Safety Guidelines

• Importance of proper identification and sourcing.

• Safe dosage and administration of herbs.

• Potential herb-drug interactions and contraindications.

• Understanding individual sensitivities and allergies.

- Introduction to Energetics

• Understanding the concept of energetics in herbalism (e.g., warm, cool, dry, moist, tone, lax).

• How energetics relate to the body’s constitution and imbalance.

- Practical Applications

• Matching herbs to individual needs based on energetic principles.

• Practice examples.

- Foraging Fundamentals

• Introduction to ethical and safe foraging practices.

• Tools and equipment recommended for foraging.

- Plant Identification

• Using field guides and plant identification apps.

• Common edible and medicinal plants.

- Foraging Etiquette

• Respect for public and private lands.

• Leave no trace principles.

• Conservation practices and respect for nature.

• Avoiding endangered species and overharvesting.

• Understanding and following local regulations.

• A quick and easy overview of commonly worked with herbs:

1. Plantain

2. Calendula

3. Chamomile

4. Tulsi

5. Dandelion

6. Burdock

7. Nettle

8. Yarrow

9. Ginger

10. Echinacea

11. Elderberry

12. St. John’s Wort

13. Passionflower

14. Lemon balm

15. Rose

- Introduction to Herbal Preparations

• Overview of different types of herbal preparations (tinctures, teas, salves, syrups, etc.).

  - Hands-on Medicine Making

• ·Step-by-step guide to making basic herbal remedies:

1. Tinctures

2. Infusions and Decoctions

3. Vinegars and Oxymels

4. Syrups

5. Oil infusions

6. Salves and Balms

  - Storage and Shelf Life

• Proper storage techniques for herbal preparations.

• Understanding shelf life and signs of spoilage.

-Course Project & Chat

• ·Course project: Create a personalized herbal remedy based on what you have learned.

• Sharing experiences and learnings from the project – Live chat session about what you’ve learned and how your herbal preparation is working for you.