2024 Symposium Recording Bundle
Below are the classes included in this recording bundle (please note that the virtual track is not included and these recordings do not earn you a Botanical Aging certificate, you can purchase the virtual track here):
An Energetics of Psychedelic Mushrooms: Perspectives of an Herbalist Supporting Sacred Circles
An herbalist's discussion of the energetics of psychedelic mushrooms, their use in sacred circles and a careful consideration of the varieties of experiences that may arise. An honest look into at least one contemporary folkway from an herbalist experienced in working with this medicine. One focus of this class will be sharing a formulary of familiar herbs that may be used in response to needs that may arise in the context of sacred circles. Includes herb tastings, reports and discussion. Note: This class will not be recorded.
Ashwagandha: Maintaining Healthy Testosterone Levels in Aging Men
Declining levels of testosterone in aging men is clearly a modern issue. Terry will discuss how to assess when your patient's health issues are due to low T, and how to get to the root of the diagnosis, including the use of symptom questionnaires. He'll also present guidelines for determining when a hormone replacement referral is needed, and when to recommend herbs like ashwagandha.
Energetic and Therapeutic Uses of Medicinal Mushrooms
In this interactive workshop, we’ll examine and taste dried mushrooms and mushroom powders to detect different textures, odors and flavors and use this information to help determine the various energetic qualities of each mushroom. Mushrooms covered include cordyceps, maitake, reishi (Ganoderma), turkey tail, shiitake, chaga, lion’s mane, hoelen (Poria coccus) and agaricus varieties and their therapeutic uses. Tips for preparing and administering them will also be covered.
Hidden Roadblocks to Herbal Success: Latex and Other Hidden Inflammatory Sensitivities in Herbs & Foods
This class explores commonly missed food, chemical and herb sensitivities that if unrecognized may lead to adverse reactions and poor clinical outcomes. We will look at sensitivities to latex and other foods and herbs that may trigger a response. The role of nightshades, Alpha-gal and others in poor outcomes will also be dicussed.
Keynote: Herbal Legacies: A Foreigner in His Own Country: Insights and Perspectives on Herbalism after Two Decades Abroad
After nearly two decades of living in China, immersed in Chinese medicine's clinical and scientific research branches, Dr. Garran returns home to the United States as a changed, if not older, man. His observations shed light on the differences and deficiencies of herbal medicine in the United States compared to those of China as he inspires us with his insights on the future of herbalism.
Presenter: Dr. Thomas Avery Garran
Lesser Known Chinese Roots for Healing
Learn about lesser known medicinal roots traditionbally used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to support wellness, longevity, healthy aging and improve the overall quality of life. We’ll focus on roots that may be unfamiliar to herbalists in the West, including Panax notoginseng, Angelica sinensis, Rehmannia glutinosa, Coptis chinensis, Ophiopogon japonicus (Mai Men Dong) and others. The historical use of herbs and roots in China and a brief introduction to Chinese Medicine will also be covered.
Let’s Talk About SEX
This sensory class explores the physiology of arousal, along with herbs to support long-term sexual health and vitality. The information presented will not use gendered language.
Mushwomb Medicine & Fertility Fungi
Although mushrooms are beneficial for all bodies, in this lecture we will explore the ways they can be especially useful in the various stages of a woman’s life. Traditional uses, new research and clinical applications of using mushroom medicine for optimizing fertility, PCOS, PMS, endometriosis, menopause, autoimmune conditions, fibromyalgia, gut issues and hormone dependent cancers will be covered. And the use of psychedelic fungi will also be celebrated as powerful teachers and allies for women's health.
Presenters: Lindsay Chimileski
Our Relationship with Mushrooms (Dawoli): A Cherokee Perspective.
This is a cultural, biological, and medicinal introduction to the Cherokee relationship with Ani-Dawoli, or "those that are mushrooms," and their use as essential foods, medicines, and in ceremonial practices. We'll also explore the biochemical constituents found in these mushrooms and correlate this with their use. Vicki shares Cherokee stories and language to deepen your understanding of one of the most ancient relationships between beings.
Phytochemistry for Herbalists: A Meaningful Overview
You may be familiar with phytochemistry terms such as alkaloid, phenolic, terpene, polysaccharide, glycoside, and understand what they mean from context clues, but can you explain what they mean, or give an overview of these constituent types in comparison to each other? Can you infer their functional qualities and their safety significance? This is a concise overview of these critical terms and their use in herbal practice that will deepen your ability to understand, and apply, herbal phytochemistry.
Rooted Cycles: Syncing Root Medicines to Menstrual Cycle Phases
Optimize monthly menstrual cycles with root medicines! Learn how to safely synchronize healing roots with each of the four menstrual cycle phases to promote long-term body balance. We will look at the clinical use of roots to support hormonal ebb and flow throughout the menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal phases to ease discomfort and promote well-being.
Roots of Maasai Medicine
Living between Tanzania and Kenya, Maasai people are one of the oldest indigenous peoples living in East Africa. Roots of Maasai Medicine is embedded deeply in the land, planted in the first nations of a people that roamed the earth. Herbal medicines play a crucial role in their lifestyles, rituals and ceremonies. We will discuss these herbal medicines, Maasai folklore, and the importance of protecting traditional knowledge.
Solomon's Seal Root: An In-Depth Review
Solomon's Seal root (Polygonatum biflorum) is a tonic for multiple body systems. Learn new ways of using this root with an in-depth review of its phytochemistry, actions, energetics, and clinical applications along with experiences from Mary’s practice and the latest scientific studies.
Ten Chinese Herbal Roots for Internal Reproductive Health
This class reviews herbal roots commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for gynecology. We will learn about botanical classifications, taste profiles, energetics, actions, uses and common combinations for each herb. We will also analyze several TCM formulas that feature these herbal roots. This class will include lots of herb tastings!
The Herbal Consultation: Observation and Discussion
Would you like to see an herbal intake in action? In this participatory session, you’ll watch Kelly conduct an intake with a volunteer client. Together we’ll look at all the elements of a consultation including differential assessment, establishing goals, and creating effective herbal protocols. Recommended for both advanced herb students and new clinicians who want to sharpen their intake skills.
The Moistening Roots
Explore how to treat the patterns of dryness/excess vata/yin deficiency using various roots from around the world. You'll learn the key clinical indications for symptoms of these patterns in your clients (beyond just dryness), how they express in various organ systems and tissues, as well as the herbal tastes, actions, and energetics to consider for botanical protocols. We'll do an in-depth analysis of key remedies (roots only!) that address these very common yet commonly overlooked patterns.
The Potential of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy (PAP) for Supporting PTSD and Trauma : With 20 Years of Case Studies and Protocols
PTSD is a debilitating disorder with limited treatment options. This class explores the potential of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) for treating PTSD and trauma, citing promising results in reducing symptoms and facilitating recovery. Renee draws from her twenty years of experience with trauma therapies and shares case studies to shed light on proper safety protocols and pattern discrimination for support with this beautiful plant medicine.
Presenter: Renee Crozier Prince
The Synergy of Root Medicines
Synergists are herbs that enhance the effects other herbs when combined in formulas. Many of the most famous synergistic herbs are roots—but WHY? Explore the traditional uses, formula pairings, physiology and phytochemical underpinning of some of these synergistic roots. Learn how to choose specifc roots to act as synergists, boost the effectiveness of formulas, and achieve better outcomes in clinical practice.
Top Five Herb-Pharmaceutical Interactions
Many older people rely on herbs and may also use pharmaceutical agents to maintain their health. For a variety of reasons, they often don't disclose their herb use to their primary care providers. However, the possible interactions between herbs and pharmaceuticals need to be considered. In this lecture, we will discuss the top five herbs that can have potential interactions and complications with medications and how to educate this group of clients and empower them to be proactive about their choices.
Uncontainable Night: Herbs for the Stages of Grief in Clinical and Community Practice
Herbs can be powerful allies as we navigate the realm of grief. In this class we’ll discuss ways to frame the process of grief to better support the bereaved and discuss differentials for botanical remedies that provide support through the various stages of grief. We will also discuss strategies for mutual aid and community care in times of collective loss.
Understanding Biological Aging and Diversity: Botanical, Nutritional, Dietary, and Lifestyle Solutions
This presentation explores key theories and concepts in biological aging, including biomarkers like telomerase, inflammation, oxidation, hormones, and nutrient deficiencies. We’ll discuss the Quality Control Theory of Aging and its main targets, examine the impact of hormesis on health and aging, and present the latest research on botanicals that may increase lifespan. Attendees will gain insights into how botanical and nutritional medicine can help preserve and restore health in our aging world
Wildcrafting Appalachian Medicinal Mushrooms
If learning to identify and use wild mushrooms feels overwhelming as you start your wild mushroom journey, this class is for you! Abby focuses on the seven most well-known medicinal mushrooms in the Appalachians, sharing pictures and stories from her wild harvesting experiences. She also includes identification, habitat, and lots of harvesting tips!
Wrong Roots, False Flowers, and Toxic Fruits: Case Studies in Accidental Herbal Poisoning
Accidental poisoning is a nightmare for practicing herbalists, but it does happen. Learn how to prevent toxicity from herbal preparations as David presents three case summaries of toxicity caused by yellow dock, chamomile-like flowers, and rose hips to highlight errors of reasoning that contributed to poisonings.