The Lord hath created medicines out of the earth; and he that is wise will not abhor them. Ecclesiasticus 38:4

This course is designed for the practitioner who wants to understand Western Herbal Medicine - the basic theory, pharmacognosy, therapeutic constituents in herbs, preparation of herbal formulas, prescribing and dosages, curative herbs for many diseases as well as obtaining tried and tested formulas that have been used successfully in clinical practice over many years. There are many downloadable files and videos to facilitate the learning process.

What is herbal medicine?
Herbal medicine, also called botanical medicine or phytomedicine, refers to the use of any plant's seeds, berries, roots, leaves, bark, or flowers for medicinal purposes. Modern research is bringing herbal medicine into the mainstream therapies as more and more research shows their value in the treatment and prevention of disease.

Diploma in Herbal Medicine
This Diploma Course in Herbal Medicine can be taken as a stand-alone course for the existing practitioner that wants to add herbal medicine to their existing protocols. There is enough information and herbal formulas that have been successfully used in clinical practice for the practitioner to begin immediately practicing. Some of these formulas are worth their weight in gold as they have successfully cured many patients of a variety of different ailments.

Taken as part of the Professional Diploma in Herbal Medicine, given that much of the groundwork has already been covered in other modules, then this is not repeated here as one would expect in many herbal medicine courses of 3-4 years duration – many of these years are taken up learning basic anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology and subjects that have already been covered in the other Diploma modules taken as part of the Professional Diploma.

However, enough biochemistry and pharmacology will be studied to enough depth to get an understanding of how herbs work from a western, biomedical perspective. This will also give an insight into how certain western drugs work

Students will also learn techniques of herb identification, so they can identify the correct herbs, and ensure they are of the best quality. They will learn procedures of setting up a herbal pharmacy, or of getting the most from an external pharmacy if they prefer to use one instead of setting up their own. Legal issues regarding prescribing will also be addressed.

The course structure will consist of 10 lessons:

1. The History and Principles of Herbal Medicine

* The history of herbal medicine
* Traditional use of herbal medicine and its evolution over the years
* How do herbal medicines work?
* What is phyto-therap
* How safe are medicinal herbs?
* The advantages of herbal treatment
* Research into herbal medicines

2. Classification and Preparation of Herbs

* A definition of a herb
* Methods of classifying herbs
* Classifying herbs based on their properties
* Classifying herbs based on their usage
* Classifying herbs as per active constituents
* How to prepare herbal infusions, teas, ointments etc.
* How can we identify and classify herbs
* Photo archives

3. Herbal Materia Medica

* What is materia medica
* How can a materia medica be used
* Using materia medica according to primary therapeutic actions - stimulants, relaxants, astringents, depuratives, demulcent, antiseptics, diuretics, cardiovascular agents, diaphoretics, pulmonary agents, hepatic, cholagogues, gastrointestinal agents and nervines.
* Common ailments and their symptoms
* The best herbs to use for common ailments

4. The Pharmacology of Herbal Medicines

* Pharmacokinetics
* Absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of remedies
* Basic components: acids, alcohols, carbohydrates, gums and mucilages, phenols, tannins, coumarins, anthraquinones, flavones and derivatives, volatile oils, saponins, cardioactive and cyanogenic glycosides and alkaloids.
* Remedies and their pharmacology for the urinary system, cardiovascular system, digestive system, respiratory system, nervous system, endocrine system, reproductive system, the skin, infectious conditions and tumours.

5. Using Herbs in Clinical Practice

* The different types of diagnosis
* Conducting patient interview
* Visual diagnosis
* Linking diagnosis and a person’s constitutional characteristics
* The stages of the treatment process
* Emergency situations
* How herbs, drugs and food can interact

6. Herbal Medicine in the Treatment of Women

* Common illnesses in women
* Herbs for treatment of infertility in women
* Herbs for pregnant and nursing women
* Phytoestrogens and their use in treating menopausal effects
* Treatment of infertility and menopause

7. Herbal Medicine in the Treatment of Children

* Common illnesses amongst children and their herbal remedies
* Herbal medicines to build immunity and resistance
* Administering herbal remedies
* Herbal medicine for calming hyperactive children

8. Herbal Medicine Used as First Aid

* Why are herbal medicines a good first-aid option?
* Items to keep in a first-aid kit
* A herbal first-aid kit that can be used at home
* A herbal first-aid kit that can be used when travelling
* Common injuries and their first-aid treatment

9. Personal Care Herbal Products

* Treating skin disorders with herbal remedies
* Caring for your hair and skin with herbal remedies
* Herbal products for personal care
* Having a herbal bath
* The benefits of using herbal products

10. Herbal Formulas Used in Clinical Practice

* Herbal formulas for men
* Herbal formulas for women
* Herbal formula or children

EXAMINATIONS
There will be comprehensive examinations that students take online which are timed - it is best that students begin these exams when they are ready - having read through all the lessons and spent some time revising - there is a pass mark of 60%, with 80% or above being awarded a 'Distinction' which will appear on the Diploma Certificate. Failure to obtain a minimum pass mark of 60% will entail a 'retake' with a fee of €50 Euros.

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