Course overview
The bulk of the course is a series of weekend field/collecting trips to an array of areas throughout Arizona. Destinations are geared to expose students to the greatest number of relevant medicinal plant species that any one area has to offer. Outdoor, on-location lecture (and Q & A), supervised plant collection (wildcrafting), processing plants on-site, and field preparations are the main activities. The overall experience will be intellectual yet hands-on.

In addition to the field trips, one day will be dedicated to classroom herbal preparation instruction. The majority of low to medium tech preparations will be demonstrated with the proper equipment: teas, tinctures (fresh, maceration, and percolation), fluidextract (discussed), oil, salve, ointment, suppository, essential oil distillation, and hydrosol (yes – we will steam distill an aromatic herb -Ginger, Cinnamon, or Lavender are always good choices- in order to produce an essential oil and hydrosol). A portion of this day will also be used to go over necessary equipment/supplies for our field trips.

White Mts. 2010

Course objective
This course enables a student to confidently recognize, gather, prepare, and reasonably use dozens of medicinal plants commonly found throughout the Southwest. Attentive students will also learn how a number of related subjects (botany, chemistry, physiology, and phytopharmacology) apply to the field. The interplay and proper application of these subjects make ‘grassroots’ botanical medicine effective, and this is what I strive to communicate.

After completing this course students will be familiar with the most effective regional botanical medicines, and their proper preparations, for the treatment of an array of self-limiting, non-emergency, chronic, and function health problems.

Schedule

• Sunday 7/1/12 – Herbal preparations and equipment/supply discussion.
• Saturday 7/14/12 – Field trip to Santa Rita Mts. or Chiricahua Mts., 5000’-7000’ (TBA).
• Saturday 8/4/12 AND Sunday 8/5/12 – Field trip to White Mts. (Arizona), 8000’-9500’ (Overnight).
• Saturday 8/25/12 – Field trip to Patagonia-Arivaca areas, 3000’-5000’.
• Saturday 9/8/12 AND Sunday 9/9/12 – Field trip to desert around Tucson (specific areas TBA).

Preparation day (indoor)
1pm-5pm, Sunday 7/1/12 at Sabino Canyon Executive Suites, 5215 N. Sabino Canyon Rd. Tucson, AZ 85750. Bring a notebook and pen.

Field trip logistics and what to expect
For each field trip the exact meet-up time and place will be set at least a week prior to that particular date. This will be communicated to the group via e-mail or phone. Meeting times will generally be between 8am and 10am depending on the traveling time from Tucson. Once we have organized at the meeting point the group will caravan/car-pool to the site. Days can be composed of one longer on-foot excursion or a series of stops along a route traveled by vehicle. Ending times for each day is impossible to determine exactly, but usually we will be finishing up between 3pm-5pm.

For the White Mountains trip everybody will need to leave the afternoon/evening the day before in order to get the meeting point for Saturday morning. Saturday night you are on your own and lodging is up to you. There are abundant campgrounds and motels (Springerville/Eagar) in the area. The Sunday morning meeting place will also be in the White Mountains area – but different than Saturday’s. All of this will be discussed prior to the trip.

Collecting Anemopsis

The field trips start in mid-summer, after a week or two of needed monsoon rains which serve to enliven the plant life and give us better collecting options. It is a hot time for low elevation Arizona. This is one reason why our first and second trips will be in the mountains where it is cooler than Tucson elevations. The ‘warmest’ trip will most likely be our last field trip weekend in September.

Collecting plants is involved work – some plants are relatively easy (like collecting lettuce from a garden) but others that necessitate root or bark gathering are labor intensive. I teach the most efficient methods – but there is only one way to dig a root properly in rocky soil with hand tools. Students need to be prepared to do the job properly even if it means hard work.

What plants will we see?

• Santa Rita or Chir. Mts: Hoptree, Horehound, Wild cotton, Juniper, Datura, Red root, and Goldenrod.
• White Mts: St. jonhs wort, Nettles, Skullcap, Valerian, Osha’, Raspberry, and Wild mint.
• Patagonia-Arivaca: Passionflower, Kidneywood, Walnut, Sonoran hyssop, Barberry, and Wild cherry.
• Tucson area trips: Chaparral, Desert lavender, Tobacco, Yucca, Ocotillo, Brittlebush, and Elder.

These are only a few examples. We will see hundreds of plants and students will have the opportunity to gather dozens more than what are listed here.

Teaching style and etiquette
I take my role as instructor very seriously and strive to be fair and professional in all aspects when teaching. I am also fairly traditional in my educational approach: the course is not a lackadaisical free-for-all. Additionally if someone’s clearly not valuing the material and becoming problematic – I will politely ask that person to leave the course. It comes down to a division of mental labor – I’d rather have the ‘problem child’ leave early (or not apply) so I can devote my time and energy to the ones who value being here.

Phytolacca

Whether a beginner or already knowledgeable, the good news for those who are beginning to understand the value of this course and its focus – you will have my unwavering attention, experience, and knowledge at your disposal. Satisfying your sincere desire to understand will take precedence.

Other considerations and FAQs

1. Applicants need to be in good (or average but robust) physical condition. A number of the field trips will be in 90-100 degree temperatures. During others we will be walking 2-3 miles at a time, with daypacks and tools. The high elevation trip to the White Mts. may be challenging to some due to the lowered oxygen level. Some of the excursions will be through hilly, rocky, and uneven off-trail terrain. Being in ‘athlete condition’ is not necessary, but comfortably walking in the heat at a fair pace for several miles without undue strain is necessary.
2. What is the program’s usual demographic? 60% female/40% male. 50% under thirty/50% thirty and above.
3. Age restrictions? This is an adult course. I’ll take 18-20 year-olds, but they have to very mature for their age.
4. What is the maximum class size? 12 is the cutoff. 8-10 is a good-sized group.
5. Will we have time to collect plants? Yes, it is encouraged.
6. What about environmental and plant scarcity concerns? We’ll only be collecting plants that are very common and widely distributed with minimal impact techniques.
7. Can I audio or video record the program? No. But note-taking and plant photography are encouraged.
8. Can the program be pro-rated? Can I pay for just one or several outings? No. All or nothing.
9. What if I miss a field trip, can I finish the remainder of the class? Yes. Communicate the day that is being missed and when you’ll be back.
10. Can I meet up with the group if late for a field trip? No. Meet-up times/places will be set for each field trip morning. After we depart from the meet-up point we’ll be out of reach for the rest of the day.
11. What are the usual ending times for the field trips? It depends on a number of factors, but most days will be between 3pm-5pm; a couple of days will be around dusk. Plan on spending the entire day in the field. We all should be home for dinner….but don’t make plans on it! Also see the next question.
12. Can I leave a field trip early? No….BIG pet peeve here. If a student has something else he/she would rather do that day and the field trip conflicts, a choice needs to be made before hand – either the field trip OR the something else, not both.
13. What if I don’t have access to a vehicle? Not having access to a vehicle will preclude you from the course – at least initially. Ride sharing and car pooling often occur informally after the first trip or two, but it’s best to assume that it may not happen.
14. What kind of vehicle do I need? For the majority of the trips we will be traveling on (well maintained) dirt roads, so a truck or suv is optimal, but a regular car will be fine with an attentive driver. Whatever your vehicle, be sure it is well maintained with a good spare tire. 4x4s are fine, but not necessary.
15. What about food and lunch breaks? It’s best to have lunch, snacks, and water in a day-pack ready to go (or easily assembled), before we get to our meeting point. Occasionally we’ll be by the vehicles for lunch so food won’t need to be in a day-pack but can stay in a cooler (I’ll let everyone know before hand if lunch needs to be packed or not). Either way ‘lunch’ will be a short 15-20 min break, and not a good time to cook a meal from scratch.
16. What should I wear during our trips? In desert elevations, I recommend dressing for protection with breathable cloths – long sleeve shirt, full-length pants, hat, sturdy footwear, and sun-screen. For the White Mts’. trip, it will be cooler, and the plant life less thorny – dress for comfort.
17. What about tools, alcohol for tinctures, and all other supplies? We’ll go over this as a class on the classroom preparation day.
18. When will we know whether the class is going to the Santa Ritas or the Chiricahuas? I’ll let the class know on the preparation classroom day. The decision has to do the how the plants are doing at each area, which will necessitate a scouting trip in late June.
19. Can I bring my dog? or children or friends to tag along? No.
20. Are there discounts for couples, students, etc.? Or work-study? Or barter or trade deals? No. This course is already one of the most reasonably priced series around…students will be hard-pressed to find a better deal for the quality (and quantity) of information being presented.

Cost and payment options
The cost of the entire program is $395.00. This price does not include supply, traveling, or any other miscellaneous expense that may be incurred during the program. Realistically, additional out-of-pocket expenses (gas money, food, alcohol for tinctures, miscellaneous tools, etc.) will cost anywhere from $100.00 (extremely frugal) to $400.00.

Refund policy
All monies paid are non-refundable, with two exceptions: one, if a deposit is received after the class fills to capacity and two, if an applicant is not selected due to fitness, commitment issues, etc., then the deposit will be refunded.

What to do next

1. Call (520-731-3379) or e-mail [info(at)tcbmed(dot)com] with any questions. If calling leave your contact info on the answering machine (it is a generic recording) and a good call back time.
2. If there are no questions, send a $100.00 deposit with the application to: Charles W. Kane, PO Box 5472, Oracle AZ 85623. I accept personal checks, money orders, and cashiers checks (made out to Charles W. Kane).
3. After receiving your deposit/application I will call to answer any remaining questions and/or to confirm one way or the other if you are in the program.
4. The remaining ($295.00) is due on the classroom preparation day (same payment methods or cash are fine). I do not accept credit cards, however if you have a paypal account you can easily transfer funds from your credit card to your bank account and then write a check.
   

   Collecting Ligisticum

About Charles W. Kane
Herbalist, wildcrafter, teacher, and author, Charles W. Kane has been utilizing southwestern plant medicines for over twenty years. He has written Medicinal Plants of the American Southwest, Sonoran Desert Food Plants, and Herbal Medicine: Trends and Traditions. His books are found from university libraries to bookshops. He is currently in the finishing stages of Medicinal Plants of the West – a book cataloging the higher elevation plant medicines of the western states. Starting in 2013 Kane will begin to organize research studies (in vivo) on the effectiveness of specific medicinal plants.

Southwestern Medicinal Plant Series & Application Form – PDF

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• 160 southwestern plant medicines are profiled in-depth
• Each plant’s medicinal use and therapeutic indication are fully covered
• Geographic range and botanical description are detailed
• Chemical breakdown, preparation, dosage, and cautions are covered
• English, Spanish, and scientific names are listed
• Preparation instructions include: teas, tinctures, syrups, salves, ointments, oils, washes, fomentations, and other modes of application
• Therapeutic index, glossary, bibliography, and a complete general index serve as valuable additions
• Nearly 100 colors photos further assist the reader in plant identification

           
            Barnes and Noble                          Amazon                          Other

Sonoran Desert Food Plants: Edible Uses for the Desert’s Wild Bounty

The to-the-point pocket manual covers 50 common Sonoran Desert plants. Their identification, use, and preparation frame the material’s core. 77 color photos, state-by-state location maps, cautions, and ethnobotanical tid-bits serve as accents. Residents who enjoy the desert around Phoenix, Tucson, and Yuma will surely benefit the most from Kane’s latest, as will anyone interested in the wild edible plant life of the Greater Southwest. The 52 page booklet retails for $8.95 and can be purchased through all fine booksellers.

Sonoran Desert Food Plants: Edible Uses for the Desert’s Wild Bounty
By Charles W. Kane
ISBN: 9780977133369
Publisher: Lincoln Town Press
Publication Date: August 1, 2011

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“A frequently-expressed concern of laypeople regarding herbal medicine is that it takes too much effort to decide which sources to trust. Some scientists criticize popular herb use, believing that Western herb traditions have no discernable system or standards. Herbal Medicine: Trends & Traditions admirably addresses both ends of the spectrum, communicating how to use herbs effectively, safely, and within guidelines understandable at any level of expertise. In his introduction, Charles W. Kane addresses the common fears of the herbal neophyte as well as the researchdriven expert. This book is mainly a materia medica, but with useful additions. Clinical herbalists will appreciate a vitalist orientation without jargon. In the introduction, terse philosophical paragraphs explain why Kane avoids formulas for symptoms and conditions. This harmonizes well with the emphasis in integrative medicine on “patient-centered medicine,” a term coined by Michael Lerner of Commonweal. Kane concisely summarizes actual rather than theoretical applications of herbs representing a standard Western dispensary. Actions such as “astringent” or “vulnerary” are as significant a shorthand for the Western tradition as descriptive terms are in Eastern systems of medicine. Using these actions in context, Kane gives simple physiological effects to make herbal actions more understandable. The author has taken pains to answer lay questions alongside those concerns more likely to occur to a professional. The first question his book helps answer may be, “Do I need to go the Emergency Room, make a doctor’s appointment, or treat this with herbs?” Assuming self care is appropriate, Trends & Traditions provides a way for the reader to choose from among over 100 popular herbs. A few hundred more herbs are listed in appendices that are usefully divided into a therapeutic index, a repository with preparation and dosing details, plus a grouping of herbs by botanical family. The beauty of connecting to nature is evident in Trends & Traditions’ 58 color plates. Kane provides a short, fine guide on the ethics of gathering to readers who are new to herbal medicine. Proper drying with low technology leads from introductory pages into the section on preparations, ranging from tea to syrups, tinctures, and an explanation of percolation that is inviting to anyone previously intimidated by phytopharmacy. The preparations section is as comprehensive as a modern herb guide needs to be. Appendices that augment the section include “Weights and Measures,” and worksheets to practice making percolations. There is a 30-page bibliography where several scientific papers are cited for each herb, though for Cannabis sativa (Cannabaceae) the omission of Dr. Ethan Russo’s published body of work seems odd. The materia medica section describing medicinal uses for each herb is the most extensive. Firmly rooted in the Western tradition, Kane writes with confidence about the system that draws from Eclectic, Physiomedical, historical, and contemporary branches of herbal medicine. The monograph format abides throughout, though it has been extended by Kane to weave in points on wild-crafting, medicine-making, constitutional concepts of human physiology, and more philosophical discussions. Herbs appear in alphabetical order by common name, from agrimony (Agrimonia spp., Rosaceae) to yucca (Yucca spp., Agavaceae). Each entry begins with the family, binomial, synonyms, a botanical description full of color and detail for newer herbalists yet accurate terms of identification to suit more experienced collectors. Information includes distribution, collection technique, and, as needed, commercial availability. Short paragraphs on chemistry, or constituent lists, are fairly standard but up to date and accurate. For instance, yerba mate’s (Ilex paraguariensis, Aquifoliaceae) alkaloids reflect scientific consensus rather than unsubstantiated marketing claims. The actions given for each plant cover internal and topical uses in each of the relevant body systems the herb helps. Kane points out useful herb combinations for specific problems, and offers prevention tips in addition to the occasional entertaining aside. How to use the herb is followed by a bulleted list of indications for a quick review of highlights. Kane avoids any controversy regarding the way doses are given, perhaps in light of his explicit aim to communicate in common language. The materia medica section could be improved with line drawings of each plant not represented in photos. In a comprehensive resource, a picture is worth an awful lot of botanical words, and those new to plants are likely to benefit from even a small image. First drafted as a counterpoint to Army life while Kane was stationed in east Afghanistan, this herbal guide sustains a vital, positive feel, though sometimes the tone is sober. As if the immediacy of larger issues during the initial period of writing informed Kane’s style, there is a welcome and blunt summary on key points. In contrast to herbalists who have written lengthy introductions defining the place of herbs in modern healthcare, Kane suggests that the usefulness of plants needs no justification, though there is room for clarification. Herbal Medicine: Trends & Traditions shares with readers the pragmatic experience of a focused man rather than the notions of one who reads and teaches about herbs. The point of the book, then, is to communicate in an accessible way how plants help people. Trends & Traditions achieves its aim with a clarity that makes it an essential resource for everyone who wishes to use both popular and less familiar Western herbs for medicine.”

“Sustainably harvesting medicinal plants and preparing them in time-honored ways to preserve their therapeutic potential calls for knowledge and skills that are increasingly rare. This second edition offers a wealth of such information. Expanding on the popular first edition, Kane, an herbalist, succinctly addresses how to identify and collect some 100 plants known for their medicinal properties. He provides information on the types of herbal preparations that can be made from each plant and, in a section titled “Preparations,” the processes for making them. Entries are alphabetically arranged by plant name. They include a botanical description, geographical distribution, chemistry, medicinal uses, indications (health conditions with which the plant is most often associated), tips for collecting, preparations/dosage, cautions, and other uses.

The 200-plus photographic plates and prints provide a delightful visual tour of the Southwest’s medicinal flora. Guides to medicinal plants that focus on specific geographical areas are especially valuable because of their ecological detail. One of the best guides available for medicinal plants in the American Southwest, this volume will be useful for a broad range of readers and of particular appeal to herbal medicine enthusiasts. Kane also recently published Herbal Medicine (CH, Jun’10, 47-5391), a broader compendium of the most popular plants in Western herbal medicine. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-level undergraduates and above; general readers.”

“Teaching Herbs. Most natural remedy seekers know of echinacea, aloe, andeucalyptus. Their sothing and healing powers have kept practitioners and at-homers alike coming back and growing more. But few know the potential of alfalfa, and capability of dandelions, or the possibilities of garlic. Even fewer know how to correctly prepare these for optimal results.

Charles W. Kane’s Herbal Medicine: Trends and Traditions clearly answers questions of “when” and “how” to use herbal medicines, outlining over twenty ways to prepare medicines and use them correctly.

The book is written for practitioners who may have steered away from herbal remedies by faulty research. Herbal enthusiasts looking to expand their knowledge of chemistry, preparations, uses, and variations will find their questions answered.

Mostly though, Herbal Medicine is written to teach. Strong terminology could steer non medical professionals away, but Kane defines this difficulty as an opportunity to stretch the mind beyond the confines of prescribed medicine. Still, the book is complete with an index, a photo section, and even a glossary that defines the jargon.

This resource is so much more than Grandma’s stash of cranberry juice, warm milk, and lavender oils. Though the “plants help people” approach is as old as the family tree, this deeper look into alternative treatment is attention-grabbing and inspiring.”

“Herbalists of the Southwestern United States will be pleased to see this valuable addition to the region’s materia medica. Herbal Medicine of the American Southwest combines the comprehensive information of a reference book with the confidence and practical knowledge of an experienced clinical herbal practitioner. Charles Kane has written a handsome, user-friendly guide that details the description and distribution, chemistry, medicinal uses, indications, preparations, dosages, contraindications, and comparative cultural and historical information for over 210 western plants within 100 profiles. The bulk of the plants mentioned are found within the American Southwest, while others have an expanded western range and can often be found growing across the continental United States. Some of the plants are native to the region, while others, like the showy, red flowered Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia pulcherrima [L.] brought into this region from subtropical or tropical America and were planted in desert landscapes as ornamentals, and somehow were able to survive.

Charles Kane was auspiciously introduced to plant use as a young boy by his grandfather, an experienced backwoods-man, who would take him and his brother on outings to collect wild cresses and onions. The elder’s favorite plant for treating the young boys, who would occasionally get rashes from tromping around in the vicinity of poison ivy, was jewel weed (Impatiens spp. Balsaminaceae). Later as a young adult Kane discovered for himself how plants could be powerful tools of healing. Through self-study and learning from experienced regional herbalists, including the legendary Michael Moore at the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine in historic Bisbee, Arizona, Charles developed a unique, eclectic style of herbalism. Kane combines traditional and modern herbal uses, western physiology, and constitutional diagnosis in his private practice through the Tucson Clinic of Botanical Medicine. He also personally collects and prepares most of the herbs he dispenses. Kane addresses the controversial issues of wildcrafting practices with a light-handed, sustainable approach, abiding by 6 sensible guidelines in which he explains to the reader that the respectful wildcrafter takes only what he or she needs and should never collect more than 10% of any stand of plants.

The majority of the plants Charles has chosen to profile, such as acacia (Acacia greggii Gray, Fabaceae), mesquite (Prosopis velutina Wooton, Fabaceae), creosote bush [aka chaparral] (Larrea tridentata [Sessé & Moç. ex DC.] Coville, Zygophyllaceae), and prickly pear (Opuntia engelmannii Salm-Dyck ex Engelm, Cactaceae) are some of the best-known medicinal plants of the region, while others, such as trixis (Trixis californica Kellogg, Asteraceae), deerweed (Porophyllum ruderale ssp. Macrocephalum [DC.] R.R. Johnson, Asteraceae), chinchweed (Pectis papposa Harvey & Gray, Asteraceae), and hopbush (Dodonaea viscose [L.] Jacq., Sapindaceae) are used by the indigenous healers of the Southwest region but rarely, if ever, are discussed in medicinal herb guides. Common and scientific names are given for the plant and the plant family, as well as the Spanish name, when applicable. The book includes a glossary of medicinal terms and a general index. A therapeutic index, which cross-references plants included in the book according to the various ailments for which they are used, will undoubtedly be advantageous to those unfamiliar with materia medica of the Southwest. In the format explanation Kane gives the reader clear and precise directions on how to prepare herbal infusions, decoctions, and cold infusions, as well as how to make fresh and dry plant tinctures. This section also gives succinct recipes for making a cough syrup, eyewash, douche, fluid extract, fomentation, liniment, herbal oil, poultice, powder, salve, and sitz bath. He cautions the reader that, when using herbs, less is probably better. “A little will help, a lot may harm. Any plant properly dosed in small amounts can be medicinal. The same plant may be toxic in larger amounts.” His wise and practical advice for using herbs in pregnancy is, “If an herb is affecting the mother-to-be then it is affecting the fetus. The herb’s activity is usually delivered to the baby through the breast milk as well. While pregnant or nursing, limit herbs that have strong physiologic activities. In these times think of food as medicine.”

The plant monographs are a combination of folk medicine, well-researched scientific findings, and conclusions found in the latest scientific journals. The bibliography is arranged clearly and neatly. I particularly like the way in which the author lists references separately for each plant, making it easy and accessible for the reader who may choose to do further research on an individual plant. The author’s photography is also commendable. Included in this compilation are 252 excellent color photos, which will make field identification of the plants nearly effortless. As an extra special bonus, the book is additionally illustrated with mesmerizing watercolor prints painted by Frank S. Rose, a veteran artist and signature member of the Southern Arizona Watercolor Guild and Western Federation of Watercolor Societies.”

“Charles Kane combines his love of medicinal plants and 15 years of experience with herbal medicine in his recently published Herbal Medicine of the American Southwest. The comprehensive field guide to plants from Acacia to Yucca instructs on collection, preparation and use of the Southwest’s botanical bounty. Each plant’s chemical makeup, medicinal uses and distribution are detailed.

Kane believes on must interact with the land to truly understand it. Part folk medicine, part scientific study, Herbal Medicine is enhanced with more than 250 detailed color photographs and 80 vivid watercolors by Frank S. Rose, who has been painting wildflowers and other plants for decades and is a signature member of the Southern Arizona Watercolor Guild.”