Foundations in Herbal Medicine
Unlock the healing power of plants with this beginner-friendly course. Explore herbal traditions, basic plant energetics, essential herbs, and hands-on preparation techniques for personal wellness.
Welcome to Herbal Wellness Collective
Course Overview
Learning Outcomes
Disclaimer
Module 1 Introduction
Lesson 1: Foundations of Herbalism Learning Outcomes
Lesson 1 Roadmap
Lesson 1 Readings
1.1 Definition and Scope of Herbalism
1.2 Overview of Herbal History
1.3 Folk Herbalism: Tradition & Ancestral Wisdom
1.4 Clinical Herbalism: Professional Client-Based Practice
1.5 Scientific Herbalism: Research & Evidence-Based Applications
Downloadable: Herbalism vs. Modern Pharmaceuticals Chart
Activity: Exploring Your Herbalism Path
Lesson 1 Quiz
Lesson 2: Global Herbal Traditions Learning Outcomes
Lesson 2 Roadmap
Lesson 2 Readings
2.1 Herbal Traditions Around the World: Western Herbalism
2.2 Herbal Traditions Around the World: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
2.3 Herbal Traditions Around the World: Ayurveda
2.4 Herbal Traditions Around the World: Indigenous Herbalism
Downloadable: Herbal Traditions Comparison Chart
Activity: Which Herbal Tradition Resonates Most with You?
Lesson 2 Quiz
Lesson 3: The Role of the Herbalist
Lesson 3 Roadmap
Lesson 3 Readings
3.1 The Role of the Herbalist Today
3.2 Personal Herbalist
3.3 Community Herbalist
3.4 Professional Herbalist
Downloadable: The Herbalist’s Guide to Career Paths
Activity: Herbalist Pathway Exploration
Lesson 3 Quiz
Lesson 4: Herbal Ethics & Sustainability
Lesson 4 Roadmap
Lesson 4 Readings
4.1 Introduction to Herbal Ethics & Sustainability
4.2 Ethical Wildcrafting
4.3 Plant Conservation
4.4 Cultural Respect in Herbalism
4.5 Practical Applications & Herbalist Responsibilities
Downloadable: Herbal Sustainability Guide
Activity: Ethical Wildcrafting Case Study
Lesson 4 Quiz
Module 1 Recap: Introduction to Herbalism
Looking Ahead: Module 2 – Materia Medica Foundations
Module 2 Introduction
Lesson 1: Introduction to Materia Medica
Lesson 1 Roadmap
Lesson 1 Readings
1.1 What is Materia Medica?
1.2 Key Plant Constituents and Their Actions
1.3 Herbal Actions: How Herbs Influence the Body
Downloadable: Materia Medica Reference Guide – Plant Constituents & Actions Chart
Activity: Herb Detective – Identifying Constituents and Actions
Lesson 1 Quiz
Lesson 2: 10 Foundational Herbs & Their Uses
Lesson 2 Roadmap
Lesson 2 Readings
2.1 Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) – The Gentle Helper
2.2 Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) – The Digestive Ally
2.3 Ginger (Zingiber officinale) – The Warming Stimulant
2.4 Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) – The Mood Lifter
2.5 Echinacea (Echinacea spp.) – The Immune Booster
2.6 Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) – The Liver Detoxifier
2.7 Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) – The Lung Clearer
2.8 Calendula (Calendula officinalis) – The Skin Soother
2.9 Nettles (Urtica dioica) – The Nutrient Powerhouse
2.10 Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) – The Nervous System Tonic
Downloadable: Plant Monograph Template
Activity: Creating Your Own Plant Monograph
Lesson 2 Quiz
Lesson 3: Herbal Energetics
Lesson 3 Roadmap
Lesson 3 Readings
3.1 Introduction to Herbal Energetics
3.2 Cooling vs. Heating Herbs: Understanding Temperature Effects on the Body
3.3 Drying vs. Moistening Herbs: Managing Tissue Hydration for Balance
3.4 Tension vs. Relaxing Herbs: Balancing Nervous System & Muscle Tone
Activity: Creating a Personalized Herbal Energetics Profile
Downloadable: Herbal Energetics Self-Assessment & Guide
Lesson 3 Quiz
Module 2 Recap: Materia Medica Foundations
Looking Ahead: Module 3 –Herbal Preparations & Applications
Activity: Brew Three Ways – Exploring Teas, Infusions, and Decoctions
Lesson 1 Quiz
Activity: Extract & Compare – Tincture vs. Oxymel
Lesson 2 Quiz
Activity: Create Your Own Herbal Oil or Salve
Lesson 3 Quiz
Activity: DIY Powder & Capsule Project
Lesson 4 Quiz