Spring 2012 Courses

STOCKSCH 297W- Herbal Approaches to Women's Health (2 credits)- SPIRE #70642
Tuesdays 4:00pm-6:00pm

This course will include an extended discussion of the use of medicinal herbs and foods for health and well being through all stages of a woman's life, puberty to menopause.
We will cover basic herbal medicine making techniques, comestic and health applications and physiological of the female reproductive system.
Practical experiential learning and personal health empowerment will be emphasized. Brittany Wood Nickerson

STOCKSCH 297S- Shamanism and the Modern World (1 credit) - SPIRE #70861
Tuesdays 4:30pm-6:30pm

Ancient cultures throughout the world used spirituality to explain their relationship to nature and their role in the physical world. The Peruvian Shamanistic belief system describes nature as being conscious and intelligent. Shamanism uses dreaming, fasting, rituals and sacred plants ceremonies to communicate with nature and heal the physical world. This class will investigate these practices and invite students to experience nature in a non-linear fashion. Students are asked to look at nature through the perspective of indigenous cultures and to determine if elements of these belief systems have relevance in modern society. Leryn Gorlitsky

PLSOILIN 280- Herbs, Spices, and Medicinal Plants (4 credits) (a GenEd Biology course) - SPIRE #52832
Tues/Thurs 9:30am-10:20am and Lab on Tues or Thurs (choose one) 10:30am-12:00pm
SPIRE # (any one of the following 52871, 52872, 52873 or 52874).  

Introduction to the growth, culture, and science related to the production and use of herbs, spices, and medicinal plants. Emphasis on plants used in the home with discussions on bioactivity of plant extracts. Laboratory practice in seeding, growing, oil extraction, and utilization of these plants. Examinations, project and identification of selected herbs. Lecture, lab. Lyle Craker
A Thursday evening section of PLSOILIN 280 is also offered, 6:30pm-9:30pm. This section includes both the lecture and lab. Contact instructor for admittance.

PLSOILIN 297D- Traditional Herbal Medicine Systems Part II (1 credit)- SPIRE #52878
Wednesdays 4:40pm-5:30pm

An examination of indigenous medical systems in the world to understand the choices of herbal medicines used by traditional healers and the similarities and differences in the approach of treatments.  Discussions on herbal medicines used in various societies in the fight against afflictions such as diabetes, obesity, and gastrointestinal disorders.  An assessment on medicinal plants that possess antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, and immune enhancing  activity.  A look at herbal medicines used around the world for improving men’s and women’s health.  Lecture.  No prerequisite (Part I of this course is not necessary for understanding Part II).  Nazim Mamedov

PLSOILIN 297K- Clinical Herbalism: Part II (1 credit)- SPIRE #56148
Thursdays 4:00pm-6:00pm

Taught by a practicing clinical herbalist, this course will cover the traditional understandings of human physiology, health, and sickness, according to Western, Native American, and Chinese health philosophies.  We will discuss how herbal medicine can be used to maintain or restore health and balance within the context of the different health philosophies.  The courses will include a survey of commonly used medicinal plants, an understanding of plant chemistry and the actions of the plants in human systems.  A major focus of the courses will be the appropriate preparation and applications of different types of medicinal plant extracts. Lecture.  No prerequisites (Parts I and II of this course can be taken independent of each other).  Chris Marano

Students interested in the agricultural production, medicinal utilization, or social aspects of medicinal plants are encouraged to consider an independent study project.  Students may pursue their own research interests or study under the guidance of a researcher in the Medicinal Plant Program.  Lyle Craker  

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Special thanks to Chris Kilham, Zoe Helene, Chris Marano, Zoe Gardner, and Gaia Herbs for the use of the photos.