HERB1: 'Hedgerow Herbalism'

This 4-day course, is one of our 'Guest' courses, written and presented by local herbalist, Jennifer Boys. Can be taken as separate 'stand-alone' days

Jennifer is a qualified herbalist, having trained over for 4 years with leading American herbalist, Michael Tierra, in Western and Chinese herbal Medicine. She has a busy practice in 'Neal's Yard Remedies', Guildford and is an Adult Education Tutor for Surrey and lectures at both Bristol Cancer Help Centre and UWE in Bristol.

The course blends the folklore and historic traditions of herbal medicine with modern usage. Emphasis will be on the medicinal properties of local plant-life, wild and cultivated, and how to prepare and use herbal remedies.

Since time began, humankind have managed their healthcare by identifying and using plants as a source of food and medicine. Today over 80% of the world's population still turns firstly to herbs for healing; but here, in the affluent West, traditional methods have mainly given way to applied science and traditional herbal knowledge is being lost.

The 'Hedgerow Herbalism' course is an inspiring look into the medicine chest of easily accessible and safe herbal remedies. We will explore the different ways in which herbs can be prepared and used.

Whether you are a complementary therapist or simply and interested individual, we are confident that you will find this course enjoyable and rewarding.

SYLLABUS

Day 1: Women Through Their Ages

A day to reconnect with herbal remedies historically used to alleviate symptoms of female health issues. Covering our lives from Puberty to Menopause and beyond! Discover how herbs can alleviate painful periods, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), Poly-cystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), teenage (and older!) acne and other skin conditions, Menopausal misery, arthritis and weight issues, Other common issues such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), allergies and Stress will also be discussed.

Day 2: Hands on Herbalism

A day for everyone to reconnect with the roots (and leaves, berries, flowers and bark!) of practical self-help with herbs. Learn how to use popular culinary herbs to relieve symptoms of everything from the common cold to digestive upsets. Find out the best over-the-counter herbs available for alleviating symptoms of ailments from childhood illnesses through to grown-up aches and pains; from acne to arthritis, coughs to constipation. Hear a little history behind our popular herbs such as Sage and Lavender. We will concentrate on easily available English medicinal herbs.

Day 3: Herbal Help for Therapists Many therapists are constantly asked by their clients for herbal recommendations for their ailments or even more crucially, if they know if a particular herb is safe to take alongside prescribed medication. In today's workshop, we will discuss some popular herbs and the way in which they are commonly used. We will explore some familiar presenting symptoms including anxiety, insomnia, high blood pressure, digestive problems and some safe herbal options. Many therapists will have cancer patients amongst their clients; often patients undergoing prolonged hospital treatment (and cancer patients in particular) will use popular herbal remedies to boost their immune system or energy levels and we will discuss safety issues around some commonly used herbs. There will be plenty of time for participants to discuss their concerns and issues over herbal remedies and their usage.

Day 4: Herbal Medicine for a Modern World

In the 21st century, many people in the Western world are turning their backs on modern drug therapy and seeking out more natural solutions to their problems. There are so many herbal products available over the counter - a testament to the popularity of our ancient wisdom but how do you know which herb to use for which problem? Today's workshop will discuss HERBAL FIRST AID - natural solutions for every day mini crises, from splinters to stings, burns to bruises, mouth ulcers to midge bites and more!! How do you use your herbs? Herbs come in so many guises, which is the best for you? Where do you find your herbs? Do you grow them, pick them or buy them? What do herbs taste like? Try some of our popular herbs in teas and tinctures. All of this - and more - will be discussed, dissected and tasted.

Comments from Students:

'The Tutor is very, very knowledgeable and imparts that knowledge freely and clearly. Everything I wanted to know - and more'.

'Clear, concise information with good hand outs and willingly given. The Course was easy to absorb and yet allowing questions and answers to be shared. Excellent handouts and a very good venue'.

'Excellent and very informative'.

No prior experience is required for this Course.

Studies normally commence at 10.00 a.m. and finish between 4.00-4.30 p.m.

Many Associations accept our Courses for CPD including the IFPA (24 Category A Points) & CThA (20 CPD credits).

Certificates of attendance are awarded to completing Students.

Date Location Cost

Day 1: 22 May 2008, Day 2: 2 June 2008, Day 3: 3 June 2008, Day 4: 27 June 2008





Ash, Surrey



£360 or pro-rata for separate days