HERB 502 provides a comprehensive study of botanical materia medica. Graduates of this course will be expected to demonstrate an advanced knowledge base of the materia medica, principles of various concepts in botanical studies including acquiring a strong theoretical understanding of the efficacy based on current research papers of selected botanicals such as alteratives, demulcents, cathartics, anthelmintics, astringents, and diuretics. Graduates of this course will be expected to demonstrate a sound knowledge base of specific therapeutic groups of herbs and to appraise and relate the botanicals to each physiological system of the human body. Students of this course will also be expected to locate, review, and critically evaluate primary research in order to appraise the efficacy of the therapeutic action, active constituents and methods of administration for each botanical, contraindications and drug-herb interactions for each botanical, and regulatory status for each, and effectiveness for CAM protocols. Students will be expected to employ concepts and theory to complete projects, practical experiments and labs, and to critically evaluate various concepts, approaches, methods, and issues in the field in relation to botanical studies. Students will also formulate an experiment to prove a hypothesis of their design, analyze their results, and present them in a format recognized by the science communities.
The ability to analyze various historical influences upon the use of the botanicals studied, the impact of the botanical on allopathy and vice versa, the current regulatory status of the botanical in the United States, Canada, UK and Australia, and contemporary developments in use of the botanical, as measured by objective and essay examinations.
A strong theoretical understanding of the botanicals studied, including the family, Latin name, and parts used, active constituents, therapeutic pharmacological actions and applications, as measured by objective examinations, essay examinations, peer-reviewed projects, and the application of principles to case studies and projects.
A solid knowledge base of the Materia Medica studied, with the capacity to: distinguish, compare, and contrast the botanicals studied in terms of their constituents, therapeutic pharmacological actions, applications, research based use, dosage, duration, safety issues, and other relevant concepts; evaluate indications based on constituents, contraindications, precautions, potential adverse effects, and toxicology.
Evaluate indications based on constituents with specific emphasis on life cycles such as pregnancy, children and elderly along with referral strategies as measured by essay and objective examinations and application of these botanicals to case studies.
A solid knowledge base of relevant phytochemistry of the botanicals studied, with the capacity to distinguish, compare and contrast the types of mechanisms of action (active constituents, therapeutic pharmacological actions and applications) of the alterative, demulcent, cathartic, anthelmintic, astringent, and diuretic botanicals studied as measured by objective examinations, essay examinations, peer reviewed projects, and the application of principles to case studies and projects.
The ability to make herbal preparations by hand from the botanicals studied, and the capacity to critically evaluate various issues regarding selection of botanicals, preparations, dosages, and frequency of dosing, with respect to their application to specific cases, as measured by practical and essay examinations, laboratory practice in making remedies, and application of these principles to case studies and case management.
The ability to critically evaluate and describe potential herb/drug and herb/supplement interactions for the botanicals studied based on current research and constituents as measured by essay and objective examinations and application of these botanicals to case studies.
The ability to critically evaluate and critique various concepts, approaches, methods, and issues in the field of herbal medicine and the ability to critically assess basic and clinical scientific studies examining botanical medicine as measured by essay examinations and projects.
The ability to locate and evaluate botanical information and plant identification sites on the Internet, including general techniques for plant identification, ethical wild crafting, sustainable harvesting, harvesting status (is it on the UPS endangered list) and field identification, and to apply these to plants studied in the student's environment as demonstrated by objective examinations, essay examinations, projects, and labs.
The theoretical knowledge of the steps required to function as an herbalist under the Health Freedom Acts of California or Minnesota, including credentialing for Master Herbalists and educational training requirements (hours/credits) for professional memberships, such as the American Herbalists Guild.
Required Course Pack:
The HERB 502 Herb Kit includes the following experiential learning supplies:
Required Textbooks:
View the required textbooks for this class, including ISBN, edition, and retail price, by visiting our Required Textbooks page.
Total Course Price:
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Candidates must possess a baccalaureate degree or higher from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the US Department of Education. Candidates must submit official transcripts directly from the issuing institution along with one professional letter of recommendation. All applicants must be recommended for admission by the ACHS Admissions Committee.
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5005 S. Macadam Ave.
Portland, OR 97239
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PST
800-487-8839
503-244-0726
Monday through Friday
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