Judy Lieblein begins the program with an in-depth look into herbal energetics. Learning and understanding the language of herbal energetics is a natural, easy, exciting and empowering way to work with herbs. Herbal energetics has been used in India, China, Tibet and in the Americas by indigenous native tribes for thousands of years. The energetic system is a method to understand how a plant moves through the body, mind and senses affecting the different organs, body systems and tissue states. We will be exploring the 6 tastes, the 20 attributes, the 5 elements and 6 tissue states to provide a deeper understanding of how plants work in our bodies.

The tongue provides important clues helpful for assessing what’s happening in the body and where imbalances need to be addressed. We will learn how to read the tongue as a map to determine the health of individual organs and signs of potential imbalance and constitutional issues.

Students are expected to have a basic understanding of making plant medicine including tinctures, glycerites, oils, liniments, and salves. This Module we will focus on some advanced medicine making techniques, including:

- Understanding plant chemistry and best solvents and techniques for medicine making.

- Solvent exchange

- Percolation method of extraction

- Tea & tincture concentrated powders and solid extracts

- Nasal irrigation, boluses and suppositories, and more.

- CBDs and THC: Understanding Cannabis

Kia Sanford will teach the nutritional components of this program, including:

- Macro-nutrients, vitamins and minerals with an emphasis on indications and ailments caused by deficiencies as well as using nutritional supplements and food as supporting adjuncts to an herbal protocol.

- Medication induced nutrient depletions.

- Diet as a key to health: dietary trends and considerations.

Students must have completed a first-year comprehensive herbal program or otherwise show proficiency in a Western herbal materia medica, basic anatomy and physiology, conditions and therapeutics as well as basic medicine making skills. Upon registration, a phone interview will be setup to ascertain if this program is a good fit for you.

While a desire to be a clinician is not necessary for admission, the financial means, drive and motivation for completion of studies is key.

In addition to classroom lecture and experiential “hands-on” core intensives, each student is expected to work independently or in teams to complete assignments on schedule. Certification is based on participation and successful completion of all assignments.

It is recommended that each student build a good herbal reference library. Suggestions will be offered throughout the course on recommended books.

Teachers for this program will be Cheryl Fromholzer, Judy Lieblein, Ryan Sian, Kia Sanford, Carolyn Seeley and Karen Aguiar. For a complete list of Core Faculty and Guest Teachers, please visit: Faculty Listing