Course Topics

The Herbal Therapy Program is offered as a distance program only. As a student you will work with our dedicated teacher by email, phone and with scheduled teleconference calls.

The topics listed below are combined within six 4-week modules. See the Academic Calendar for a listing of the specific contents of each module.

Terms and Resources

• The history of herbalism beginning thousands of years ago from Ice Age discoveries to the herbal trends of our times
• Standards of commerce and researched evidence of effectiveness
• Botanical terminology: understanding the basic terms of herbal actions and use
• Discussion of a Materia Medica as the backbone of an herbal practice

Materia Medica

• Students will become proficient in approximately 50 herbs throughout the program.
• Study of body systems and herbal therapy for each system including nervous system, endocrine, musculo-skeletal, respiratory, immune, cardiovascular, urinary and reproductive
• Descriptions of plant properties, actions, indications, historical uses
• Dosage requirements, along with internal and external uses
• Appropriate applications: tea, tincture, capsule, topical, etc.
• Current research and data supporting the efficacy of each herb
• Proper collecting and storing

Materia Medica: Pregnancy and Children

• Pregnancy and children’s herbs and their properties, actions, indications, and current research
• The cycle of child-bearing and herbal support
• Products in the marketplace
• Safety guidelines and proper dosing
• Methods of administration as glycerites and topicals

Materia Medica: Topicals

• Description of herbs appropriate for topical use, including botanical names, actions and indications
• Well known herbs of commerce
• Salves/emollients/therapeutic sprays
• Specific formulations
• Historical use of well-known dessert Southwest plants
• Proper dosing and current research

Materia Medica: Culinary Herbs and Spices

• The application of culinary herbs and spices for therapeutic purposes with emphasis on the medicinal benefits, including current research and historical evidence
• Plant properties, actions and indications
• Examination of the nutritional qualities of the herbs and spices
• Creation of recipes/foods incorporating the culinary plants
• Understanding of edible flowers and their creative uses
• A look at plant-based alternative sweeteners

Materia Medica: Skin Care and Facials

• Anatomy and physiology of the skin
• Distinction of basic skin types and appropriate skin care for each type
• Herbs and natural materials for the skin
• Beneficial ingredients in skin care lines
• Harmful ingredients in skin care lines
• Steps of a natural, herbal facial and how to perform one

Botany

• Plant names and classifications
• Evolution of plants and the division of plants
• Monocotyledon and dicotyledon plant classifications
• Distinctions of lichens, ferns and naked-seed plants
• Plant properties defined including carbohydrates, tannins, alkaloids and basic characteristics
• Dissection of plants for identification purposes

Herbal Preparations

• Indications for specific remedies, applications and specific uses
• Lab time to understand and create preparations
• Infusions
• Decoctions
• Pills
• Capsules
• Alcohol-based Tinctures
• Glycerites
• Poultices and compresses
• Fomentations and plasters
• Salves and healing balms

Labeling and Manufacturing

• Definition of labeling for business production and personal use
• Application information for personal or small business apothecary
• Industry requirements and legal regulations
• Label development for product resale
• Structure/function claims
• Labels in the current marketplace

Dosing: Chronic and Acute

• Differentiation of chronic illness and acute illness
• Differentiation of herbal remedies for chronic and acute conditions
• Proper herbal preparation and application
• Application of dosage range
• Development of a chart for herbal use and application

Intake and Evaluation

• Office procedures: intake and evaluation
• Interview procedures including information gathering and recording
• The evaluation process
• Forms and recordkeeping
• Waiver and consent information

Business of Herbology

• Career options and avenues of business in the field of herbs
• A closer look at businesses currently in operation
• State and federal guidelines for starting a business
• The different business models for operation
• Professional organizations in the industry; AHPA, AHG, United Plant Savers

Drug/Herb Interactions

• Common Pharmaceutical Drug Prescriptions
• Potential Interactions
• Herbal Safety