What are They? Chemicals that can increase and decrease the production of hormones in our body by disrupting the normal functioning of the endocrine glands. They especially affect estrogen, androgen and thyroid hormones. This throws many organ systems out of balance. This term is often used interchangeably with Xeno-estrogen or Xeno-hormones. This is an important […]
Archive | Body Systems
Plant Profile: Hawthorn Berry
Botanical Name: Crataegus spp. There are many Crataegus species. While there are personal favorites among many in the herb community, there are no definitive therapeutic differences among the various species. Family: Rosaceae Common Names: Hawthorn(e). The small tree flowers in May so some form of this month’s name is often used such as Mayflower or […]
Men’s Health: Resources for the Prostate
The following sources are provided for learning more about prostate health. Links to both mainstream medicine and herbal medicine are included. 1. This link is from the National Institute of Diabetic and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Its main focus is Prostate Enlargement, also known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH. 2. This link shares […]
Plant Profile: Yerba Santa
Botanical Name: Eriodictyon angustifolium is the narrow leafed species found around Sedona, the Verde Valley and the Superstition Mountains. This is the one I have used the most. E. californicum is a much broader leafed species from northern California. It is more common in the wholesale herb trade. I consider these two species to be […]
10 Month “Foundations of Herbal Medicine” Course for 2019
Many people begin using herbs in small steps – something for sleep, a cold or maybe a headache. As one continues on the herbal path of independent study, information is pulled from many sources. After a few years, this person begins to identify as an herbalist and continues to increase both the learning and use […]
Nootropics and Improving Cognitive Function
Understanding how our brains function and learning ways we can support that is part of the Advanced Topics in Herbal Medicine. The following links are resources to support the information shared during class. Brain Overview http://www.daviddarling.info/encyclopedia/B/brain.html Brain Anatomy http://www.mayfieldclinic.com/PE-AnatBrain.htm Alzheimers http://www.innerbody.com/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease Hypomania v Mania http://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/breakingbipolar/2010/08/what-is-the-difference-between-mania-and-hypomania/ Neurotransmitters http://www.brighthubeducation.com/science-homework-help/62633-neurotransmitters-in-the-brain/ Neurons http://www.brighthubeducation.com/science-homework-help/62839-function-and-structure-of-neurons-in-the-brain/ Synapse http://www.brighthubeducation.com/science-homework-help/109310-how-brain-synapses-work/#imgn_3 Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor […]
Plant Profile: Calendula Flower
Botanical Name: Calendula officinalis Family: Compositae Common Names: Marigold, Pot Marigold These common names can be confusing and imprecise so always check the botanical name before using. Part Used for Medicine: Flower Habitat in Which it is Found/ Harvesting Season/ Special Considerations: Calendula is found only as a culitvated flower in the Southwest. It is […]
Understanding Leaky Gut Syndrome
In recent years, the issue of intestinal inflammation, commonly known as Leaky Gut Syndrome, has become a topic of much discussion and some controversy. The protocol for Leaky Gut Syndrome is addressed in detail in our Advanced Topics in Herbal Medicine program. The following links have been gathered to support the information shared in class. […]
Heart Health Topics on the Web
These links have been gathered to assist people in accessing more information on a variety of topics related to the Cardiovascular Health class that is part of the Advanced Topics in Herbal Medicine program. 1. A selection of articles from the blog of Chris Kresser. This is one of the better health blogs out there. […]
The Role of Digestive Bitters in Human Health
Notes from the Digestive Bitters Class… Defensive Strategies in Nature All animals have some way to defend themselves. The defensive mechanism may be armor, a poisonous sting or bite, camouflage or the ability to outrun a predator. Some animals, such as mice and rabbits, simply outbreed their predation rate. The goal of all these strategies […]