There are extensive options for herbal training. The following list is only a small percentage of herbal education schools. They are listed in no particular order. If you are considering an herbal education it is important to pick a school that resonates with you and your specific interests. The American Herbalist Guild (AHG) has a great article entitled “Guide to Getting an Herbal Education” that you may wish to read before choosing a school. Many of the following offer distance learning programs.

• California School of Herbal Studies
  Located in Sonoma County, the California School of Herbal Studies is one of North America’s oldest centers for herbal education. The school teaches from the tradition of western herbalism, with a materia medica primarily made up of North American and European herbs. Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine perspectives and herbs are used to complement the Western tradition. Offers full time, 8 month intensive offers students a broad based foundation in herbal medicine. For those who can’t make a full time commitment we also offer a broad range of weekend series courses and one day workshops.
• Sage Mountain Herbal Learning Center
  Founded 24 years ago by Rosemary Gladstar and Karl Slick, Sage Mountain Herbal Retreat Center & Botanical Sanctuary is one of New England’s foremost learning centers for Herbs and Earth awareness. The Center offers internships, herbal conferences, travel, workshops and The Science and Art of Herbalism distance learning course.
• Rocky Mountain Herbal Institute
  RMHI empowers independent herbalists and health care providers across the globe, providing quality distance-learning courses in Chinese herbology and environmental health. Offering: Interactive-learning and database software, Clinical-case-oriented curriculum, 3 levels of herbalist certification, Distance learning and Seminars.
• Northeast School of Botanical Medicine
  The Northeast School of Botanical Medicine offers two programs and a traditional styled herbal apprenticeship to help students gain a comprehensive understanding of the clinical application of herbal medicine along with an informed respect of the plants vital to this medicine.
• Bastyr University
  Bastyr University, located north of Seattle, Washington, offers multiple degree programs. One of the world’s leading academic centers for education, research and clinical service in the natural health arts and sciences, Bastyr continues to be in the forefront of developing the model for 21st century medicine.
• East West School of Herbology
  The East West School of Planetary Herbology correspondence course trains home herbalists, health professionals and clinical herbal practitioners. Led by alternative health pioneer and American Herbalist Guild founder Dr. Michael Tierra, O.M.D., and clinical herbalist/acupuncturist Lesley Tierra, L.Ac., AHG, East West is the only course that teaches Planetary Herbology, a unique approach to herbal medicine which integrates plants and diagnostic tools from the three major healing traditions of the world.
• Pacific School of Herbal Medicine
  The Pacific School of Herbal Medicine offers community classes and a professional clinical training program in American herbal medicine based in Western physiology and anatomy, modern clinical use of plants, and the gentle traditions of simpling, wildcrafting, and folk medicine. All our teachers are experienced practitioners, wildcrafters and community health organizers. We teach people about their environment and bodies, raise people’s awareness of plants, and train practitioners to be physiologically literate, culturally competent and sensitive, and ecologically aware.
• Connecticut Institute for Herbal Studies
  Founded in 1992, the Connecticut Institute of Herbal Studies focuses on Traditional Chinese Medicine and offers a Certified Herbology Program with a foundation in both theory and clinical diagnosis as practiced in China today.
• North American Institute of Medical Herbalism
  The North American Institute of Medical Herbalism, Inc. offers introductory, advanced, and clinical training in medical herbalism and clinical nutrition in the vitalist tradition.  They offer classroom, clinical, field training, and distance learning formats.
• Heart of Herbs Herbal & Aromatherapy Education
  The Program encourages the student to develop the necessary skills to practice and live the herbal healing arts as well as a profound understanding of the spirituality and essence of Herbalism.
• Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine
  Offers classes in the tradition of Roots Herbalism – the kind where your hands get dirty as you develop life-long relationships with plants. Their classroom is the outdoors – garden, forest, field, mountain, and stream in Asheville, NC.  “We do not limit our focus to medical herbalism, but instead offer a total plant experience through our study of Botany, Sustainable Wildcrafting, Plant Ecology, Plant Identification, Wild Foods, Organic Gardening, and Permaculture.”
• PrairieWise Herbal School
  Located in Kansas, the school offers workshops, prairie plant walks, lectures, a one-year basic herbalism program and an extensive 3-year clinical program. PrairieWise Herbal School teaches herbal medicine using hands-on, experiential training. Within the school we explore the essence of the plant from a variety of viewpoints including shamanic studies, scientific research, folkloric uses, eclectic medicine and modern western herbalism.
• Tia Sophia Institute
  Tai Sophia’s Master of Science in Herbal Medicine program, the nation’s first, is designed and delivered by an international faculty with the clinical and research background to redefine the practice of herbalism.
• Clayton College of Natural Health
  Clayton College of Natural Health has the advantage of being one of the first schools to offer formalized distance education courses of study in the United States grounded in natural health sciences.

Elderberry, typically European or black elder (Sambucus nigra) has been receiving widespread publicity for its role in reducing flu symptoms, soothing sore throats and coughs as well as boosting the immune system. Numerous scientific studies on the effectiveness of elderberry have been conducted.

Following is an overview of studies on elderberry from Blackelderberry.info

• 2009 – (Catchpole) During an in-vitro study carried out in London by Retroscreen Virology in October 2009, black elderberry extract was found to be at least 68.37% effective against the H1N1 strain otherwise known as Swine Flu Pandemic strain.
• Black Elderberry has a more potent antiviral effect than Echinacea
• Black elderberry extract has been found to be effective against the H5N1 strain of Avian Flu  (Zakay-Rones et al 1995)
• Black elderberry extract contains a unique compound called Antivirin® that can help protect healthy cells and inactivate  infectious viruses
• When given to patients, scientists have found the black elderberry extract, has the ability to ward off flu infections quickly  (Zakay-Rones 2004)
• Black Elderberries are rich in anthocyanins which are a type of flavonoid –  anthocyanins are antioxidants that may protect cells from free radicals and support your body’s immune system.
• Black Elderberries have almost 5 times as many anthocyanins as Blueberries and twice the overall antioxidant capability of cranberries

Making your own elderberry syrup is an easy and inexpensive way to create your own cough remedy. One thing to keep in mind when making herbal medicines is to use the best quality herbs possible. The quality of your medicine will be determined by what goes into the making of it. Mountain Rose Herbs offers the highest quality organic, fair-trade elderberries.

Elderberry Syrup

½ cup dried whole  elderberries
3 cups of filtered water
1 cup of honey (local is best)

Place the berries in a saucepan with the water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Crush the berries. Strain liquid into a bowl. Stir in honey. Bottle and refrigerate. Will keep several months.

For coughs, colds and flu take 1 teaspoon every 2-3 hours. This also makes a delicious syrup for pancakes, ice cream or mixed into sparkling water for a refreshing and healthy drink.

If you are not up to making your own elderberry syrup, an excellent product is  Sambucol Black Elderberry Original Formula

Fresh elderberries are commonly made into jellies, pies and wine.

The elder plant has been used throughout history for it’s medicinal value and as such, has many folkloric uses.  In the Middle Ages it was considered a Holy Tree, capable of restoring good health, keeping good health and as an aid to longevity. All parts of the elder are useful. American Elder, Sambucus canadensis, is another common species to be used medicinally.

A hot infusion of dried elder flowers will induce sweating and drive out a fever. A cold infusion of the dried flowers is useful for sore and inflamed eyes as a compress.

Elder flowers and berries are gentler that the other parts and are safe to use in larger doses internally. In addition to the studies listed above, elder flowers and berries act as a blood purifier so they work on the entire body.

The leaves, flowers, bark and twigs can be made into a poultice to relieve soreness, inflammations, swollen glands, bruises and joint stiffness.

A salve or ointment  made from the elder is useful for burns and scalds.

All parts of the plant can be used externally for the complexion; removing spots, soothing irritation, removing freckles and preserving and softening of the skin if used faithfully both internally and externally.

The inner green bark is cathartic, purges the digestive system, so should be taken in small doses.

The leaves are typically used externally because of their strong purgative properties. They can be made into an herbal oil which can be used on the skin or the oil can be used to make a healing salve.

Elder berries are high in iron and thus good for treating anemia.

Additional historical information is available at the online version of A Modern Herbal by Mrs. M. Grieve. This site also includes recipes for elderberry wine.

The printed version is available here: A Modern Herbal (Volume 1, A-H): The Medicinal, Culinary, Cosmetic and Economic Properties, Cultivation and Folk-Lore of Herbs, Grasses, Fungi, Shrubs & Trees with Their Modern Scientific Uses. This is a fun 2 -book series if you are interested in herbal history and folklore.

It was interesting to go through the web statistics and determine the most popular posts for 2009. Following are the 5 most popular posts for 2009 with a brief summary. If you haven’t had the chance, please click the link and read the entire article.  Thank you for reading and visiting A Journey into Herbal & Natural Healing. There will be more consistent postings and well as the release of the herbal eBook – A Journey into Herbal & Natural Healing.

• Detoxification with the 3-Day Detox Diet
  “There are many detox diets out there. One must realize that not all detox diet programs are suitable for everyone. A 3-day detox diet just might be wise to start with to test the diet program and it is also a milder way of detoxifying your body.”
• The Healing Properties of Our Local Weeds – Dandelion
  “Dandelion is a very safe, valuable and useful plant with many medicinal uses. It is considered a tonic (tones the body), reduces water weight gain, a mild laxative, helps to eliminate toxins from the blood, promotes healthy digestion and will soothe an irritated stomach, acts as an anti-rheumatic, helps support the liver and kidneys, keeps the bowels in a healthy condition, stabilizes blood sugar, reduces blood pressure, has shown anti-tumor properties and clears the skin of impurities.”
• Apple Cider Vinegar to the Rescue!
  “It assists in creating a proper functioning metabolism, aids in weight loss, boosts the immune system, reduces joint stiffness, reduces muscle pain from exercise, reduces cholesterol, regulates water within the body and reduces water retention, reduces excess sodium, reduces excess mucus, helps to regulate blood pressure, assists in blood circulation, cleanses the blood, inhibits unfriendly bacteria, increases concentration and memory, regulates body temperature, and increases vitality and energy. Natural apple cider vinegar aids the liver in detoxifying the body and helps to digest rich, fatty, greasy foods (which you shouldn’t be eating anyway!), and promotes the proper metabolizing of proteins, fats and minerals.”
• Herbal Associations
  A compilation of herbal associations and organizations, many of them with extensive online articles and newsletters.
• Breathe Freely
  Advantages of using a Neti Pot include: Soothes dry nasal passages, gently washes away dust, pollen, and environmental irritants, offsets the effects of breathing dry indoor air (especially in winter), removes excess mucus… naturally,helps you breathe freer when practicing yoga or meditation

Rooibos tea has a sweet, mild, nutty flavor. Rooibos has increased in popularity not only because of its wonderful color and taste; but because of all the great health benefits it provides.

Rooibos has no caffeine and is low in tannin, so it can be enjoyed without any unpleasant side effects.

Many studies have been conducted on Rooibos and the following are some of the health benefits that have been discovered:

• Eases irritability, headaches, nervous tension and insomnia.
• Acts as an anti-spasmodic agent, to relieve stomach cramps and colic in infants
• Can be used to treat hay fever, asthma and eczema
• Placed directly on the skin, it can slow the aging process
• Boosts the immune system

Modern medical institutes and, most notably Japan have taken quick notice of the medical benefits of consuming this beverage and have amassed findings on Rooibos including anti-viral, anti-spasmodic and anti-allergic properties. They have also found that Rooibos is over 50 times more active in anti-oxidant properties then green tea!

Rooibos is also high in many minerals:

• Copper
• Iron
• Potassium
• Calcium
• Fluoride
• Zinc
• Manganese
• Alpha-hydroxy (great for the skin)
• Magnesium

Rooibos tea is available “green” which is unfermented. This tea is considerably higher in anti-oxidants, trace minerals, and nutrients, when compared to the traditional red Rooibos. It brews up a golden color, is not as sweet and has a more herbal flavor.

Some tea suppliers offer a vanilla-flavored Rooibos which is nice. Other herbs can also be mixed with Rooibos such as mint. It also makes a caffeine-free base for chai tea.

Rooibos Chai Tea

2 cups water
2 cardamom pods or about 1/8 teaspoon seeds
1 cinnamon stick
2 whole cloves
2 black peppercorns
2 teaspoons loose, Rooibos tea
2 teaspoons honey
1/2 cup milk or soy milk
1 tablespoon peeled and sliced fresh ginger

Crush the spices with a mortar and pestle or other method. Combine the first 5 ingredients in a stainless steel or nonstick saucepan and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Add the tea and simmer 5 minutes. Stir in the milk and honey. When back to a simmer, add the ginger. After one minute strain the tea into cups.

A great supplier of organic, fair trade Rooibos tea is Mountain Rose Herbs.

Proper water temperature, tea-leaf volume and steeping time all effect the outcome of tea. Improperly brewed tea can be bitter or flavorless.

Typically extracts made from FRESH plant material use equal parts of material to equal parts of solvent such as a ratio of 1:1 and extracts made from DRIED material will require more material against solvent such as a ratio of 1:4

These standard ratios are acceptable to use. However if you wish to use more exacting ratios, a comprehensive list is available here: Michael Moore’s Tincture Formulas

As an example, Echinacea (cone flower) is listed as such:
ECHINACEA ANGUSTIFOLIA
ROOT and FLOWERS. Tincture [Fresh Plant 1:2, Dry Plant, 1:5, 70% alcohol], 30-100 drops as needed.

To make a tincture of Echinacea with FRESH PLANT:
One part by weight of the fresh, chopped herb steeped in 2 parts by volume of grain alcohol. Steep 2 – 4 weeks. Strain & press herb.

For example: 2 oz. fresh herb (1 part by weight) to 4 oz. (1/2 cup) of grain alcohol.

To make a tincture of Echinacea with DRIED PLANT:
One part by weight of the dried herb, steeped with 5 parts (by volume) of solvent. Steep 2 – 4 weeks. Strain & press herb.

For example: 2 oz. dried Echinacea steeped in 10 oz. solvent – 70% of 10 oz. = 10 oz. x .70 = 7 oz. grain alcohol and 3 oz. distilled water

Grain Alcohol is 198 proof (just under 100%) and Vodka is available as 100 proof (50%).

In making a tincture using the standard ratio:
FRESH PLANT: 1 part plant to 1 part grain alcohol. Fresh plant already has water in it so it is advisable to use grain alcohol so as to not dilute the tincture more.
DRIED PLANT: 4 parts plant to 1 part alcohol. 100 proof vodka is suitable.

Crystal Healing Associations & Organizations

• Crystal Academy of Advanced Healing Arts
• Association of Melody Crystal Healing Instructors
• The Crystal Conference
• Affiliate of Crystal Healing Organizations
• International Association of Crystal Healing Therapists
• Crystal Healing Federation

Additional Crystal & Crystal Healing Resources

• Crystals and Gemstones
  A great overview of crystals as well as extensive photos and descriptions of crystals as they are used in healing.
• The Magic of Crystals

Recommended Books on Crystal Healing

Explore how herbs and other natural methods can enhance health and well-being. Discover how a healthy, holistic lifestyle works to balance mind, body & spirit.

This new eBook is based on the herbal & natural healing workshops I teach.

Includes herbal “recipes” from Mystic Naturals’ herbal products and covering such herbal & natural healing topics as:

• Herbal History
• Collection, Drying & Storing Herbs
• Herbal Teas, Infusions and Decoctions
• Herbal Teas
• Herbal Tea Blending
• Herbal Tea Recipes
• Infusions (Medicinal Use) Dry Plant
• Decoction (Medicinal Use) Dry Plant
• Natural Ingredients for Body & Skin Care
• Oils & Butters
• Other Ingredients
• Essential Oils & Aromatherapy
• Flower Essences
• Homeopathic Remedies
• Basic Herbal Preparations
  Infused Oils
  Tinctures
  Glycerites and Vinegars
• Stress & Relaxation
  Herbs for Stress & Relaxation
  Stress Reduction Techniques
  Sleep & Insomnia
• Herbs for Sleep & Insomnia
  Essential Oils – Aromatherapy
  Homeopathic Remedies
  Herbal Dream Pillows
• Immune System
  Herbs for the Immune System
• Herbal & Natural Skin Care
  Herbs & Natural Ingredients for Skin Care
  Essential Oils
• Herbal First Aid
  Herbal Salves
• Natural House Cleaning Solutions
• Detoxifying Your Body
• Romance & Aphrodisiacs
• Herbal & Natural Healing for Pets
• Glossary
• Resources

The Neti Pot is actually very easy to use and soothing. I was expecting the fearful feeling of inhaling a wave but it’s not like that at all. I found the trick to be in the proper head angle and the correct temperature of the water. It did take me a couple of days to get the routine down but now it’s as easy as brushing teeth.

“Rinsing with saline solution is a time-honored practice in the Orient. Here in the West, the nasal wash has been used for decades as a means of treating sinus problems, colds, allergies and chronic post-nasal drip and to counteract the effect of environmental pollution. Those practicing yoga and other meditative disciplines use the nasal wash to ensure free air flow through both nostrils.”

Some of the advantages of using a Neti Pot include:

• Soothes dry nasal passages
• Gently washes away dust, pollen, and environmental irritants
• Offsets the effects of breathing dry indoor air (especially in winter)
• Removes excess mucus… naturally
• Helps you breathe freer when practicing yoga or meditation