Studies in Western Herbal Medicine | 2010

The 2010 program spans from April to August. Each month there will be one full day of lecture and 2 or 3 days of field study.

Schedule
April 18th – Lecture
April 23rd, 24th, and 25th – Field trip (low/mid elevation)

May 16th – Lecture
May 22nd and 23rd – Field trip (mid elevation)

June 6th – Lecture
June 11th, 12th, and 13th – Field trip (high elevation)

July 18th – Lecture
July 23rd, 24th, and 25th – Field trip (high elevation)

August 22nd – Lecture
August 28th and 29th – Field trip (low elevation)

Learning objectives
1. Develop and understand the key concepts of western herbalism; the why, what, and when of therapeutic plant use.
2. Understand western physiology’s relationship to medicinal plant application.
3. Learn how to identify plants by taxonomic keys and other more general approaches.
4. Learn primary plant preparations: tea, tincture (fresh/maceration/percolation), fluidextract, ointment, oil, salve, liniment, cough syrup, essential oil/hydrosol, suppository, and other preparations.
5. Understand field wildcrafting technique. Plant processing and storage.

Lectures
Concepts, ideas, and practical information regarding how to best intertwine plant usage and people will be covered.  We will draw upon traditional and present day perspectives surrounding the art and science of western herbalism.  Focus with be on Materia Medica (native and non-native plants), western physiology, herbal preparations, and generally on information that will make you a better-informed plant person.

When and where
A total of 40 hours of classroom lecture will be presented.  Lecture times will be from 9:00 to 5:00 on Sundays and held at:

Sabino Canyon Executive Suites
5215 N. Sabino Canyon Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85750

Field trips
Knowledge of powdered plants in capsules is one thing but an entire dimension is added when it is understood that plant medicines are initially living and exist in an environment of their choice.  These excursions (AZ, NM, and southern CA) are designed to bring about an affinity with plants in their natural settings. Potent medicines come from what you gather in the wild, not what is bought in a store.

Field study topics to be covered
1. Medicinal and edible uses of regional plants.
2. Plant identification.
3. Plant/Regional ecology.
4. Ethical wildcrafting.
5. Field processing and preparations.

Logistics
The May and August field trip weekends are day trips.  Each day we will leave early Saturday and Sunday mornings and return late afternoon or early evening the same day. The April, June, and July field trips are over-nighters; we will leave Friday morning and return late Sunday afternoon or early evening.  You will have ample time on the trips to collect and process plants.

What you will need
1. Car camping gear – food, tent, sleeping bag, etc.
2. Knife/pruners/shovel/trowel/paperbags/cutting board.
3. Three gallons of grain alcohol (Everclear) – this can be purchased at most liquor stores and supermarkets, also we can place a group order at wholesales prices.
4. Loop (10x), can be purchased at most gem/rock shops, or on-line.
5. Metric ruler that has millimeters as its smallest denomination and a razor blade.
6. Mason jars (Ball, not Kerr) – wide-mouth cups, pints, and quarts.
7. Notebook and pen.

Traveling expenses
Factor in necessary traveling expenses for our field trips. Done on a budget, plan on spending a minimum of $50.00 on each field trip on various things: campground fees, food, road-stops, etc.

Who should take this course
Individuals with mid-level to advanced understanding (enthusiast and/or practitioner) of the field (or complimentary fields) are the best fit for the course. At least having some knowledge of herbal medicines (even if it is through personal use/interest) will be helpful in grasping the core concepts. If you are a "square-one" beginner you will feel mentally overwhelmed. Here it is best to contact me and we can figure out if the program will work for you.

What can I do with this information
Even today with the large resurgence in herbs and other natural therapies, to identify, collect, and use the plants of your surrounding area is unique and rather specialized. The understanding that is gained from this program gives tools to an individual to become more adept at self-healing with herbs. The applied knowledge can also benefit family and friends through its application in times of need. For the practitioner, this course better delineates when and why to use herbs with a patient group.

Certification
A certificate of completion will be given after students complete this course of study. But understand though, what has meaning are the abilities and skills that come through study, application, and experience ...not a piece of paper.

If more than two classroom days or four field trip days, or four days total are missed certification will not be granted.

Interview, acceptance, and qualifications
Perspective students will be interviewed to determine their commitment to learning and completion of the course. Only individuals interested in completing the entire course will qualify. The program can not be parted-out (only coming on field trips for example).

A note on physical fitness: Applicants need to have at least an average level of physical stamina/ability/cardiovascular health. Some of the excursions will be 4-5 miles at 8-9K feet (easy pace) or the same distance in the desert heat. This does not pose a problem for average fitness levels - but couch potatoes will be sucking wind and/or be dealing with heat stress.

Do not bring on field trips or to classes
Friends, spouses, pets, and intoxicants (includes beer, wine, etc.). No exceptions.

Miscellaneous
Over the years I have noticed a peculiar tend with potential students. 70% of interested people really want to learn what I have to offer (if you are of this 70% then you most likely will be accepted into the program and get a lot out of it). The other 30%, strangely, come for other reasons. And often their real motivation surfaces after a month or two into the program. Here are a number of reasons I have encountered that will make for a poor experience:

1. Herbal medicine as a passing curiosity/nothing better to do with time and money/herbal medicine: "that sounds interesting".
2. My spouse/significant other wants me to take the course with them (but I could care less about herbs).
3. To find a girlfriend/boyfriend.
4. Maybe Charles will start a supplement/herbal product/instructional video company with me...I am asked every year...not joking.

By listing these points I hope to avoid misunderstandings that tend to cause disruptions in the program. The last thing I want to do is have to address drama, bad attitudes, and malcontent halfway through when it dawns on the individual that the course is not just a fun camping trip. I'm here to teach, not to baby sit or police. The course runs smoothly when students want to be here for the information and are focused on the material. It's important to ask yourself - what do I want out of this program? The answer should be self-evident. If it is not to learn about an utterly profound branch of medicine from an experienced practitioner and wildcrafter, you should not be here.

Moving on...

If you are starting out, this course alone does not make you a practicing herbalist. Involvement with medicinal plants transforms into this craft only after years of study. A series of weekends is not going to do it. That said if you have experience in the field this program may just be that final needed push.

A note on teaching style
I do not play the “cloaked in mystique” shaman game nor am I the new-age nice guy. Due to the associated demographic, most people have come to expect a neuvo-hippy experience when studying herbal medicines. If that is your mind-set, or that’s what you want, fine, but don’t expect to find that here - try the Pacific coast states for that stuff. It's about the plants and utilizing them to help people. All of the popular, but tiresome and trendy "spiritual"/social/political concepts that are rife throughout the field, just get in the way.

My teaching style is hands-on and generous, a mixture of old-school common sense and respect for the traditional teacher-student relationship. It is my job to teach you what I think is relevant in the most effective way possible. If you show true interest, you will have my full capacity. 

Cost and payment options
The cost of the entire program is $795.00 (a remarkably inexpensive price for an eighteen-day course). This does not include supply or travel expense. A non-refundable deposit of $100.00 is necessary to hold your place. The remaining $695.00 is due by the first day of class on April 18th. Space is limited to 12 students. Most years the class fills to capacity. Apply early to ensure yourself a spot. Checks, money orders, and cash are all accepted; credit cards and trade/barter are not accepted. All monies paid are non-refundable.

Lastly
To my knowledge there's only a handful of other programs (throughout the country) that are taught by real-time practitioners who practice what they preach...and most importantly, who are physically with you for the duration of the course. If you are enticed by empty degrees and mail-order badges there are plenty of these around. But if you want a one-of-a-kind program with a regional focus look no further.

What to do next
1. Fill out the application form, and mail/e-mail/fax to Charles Kane. (Do not send any money at this point).
2. I will call you to set up an interview. It will last about 30 minutes and will be held at: 1846 E. Innovation Pk. Dr. Oro Valley, AZ 85755.
3. At the end of the interview (or in several days) I will make my decision known to you. Once you are accepted into the program, then put down the deposit.