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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.

Presenter: Samuel Perry

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.

Presenter: Terry Vanderheyden

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.

Presenter: Robert Linde

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. 

 

Presenter: Sarah Hung

 

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.

Presenter: Mel Kasting

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.

 

Presenters: Vicki McGee

 

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. 

 

Presenter: Heather Irvine

 

 

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.

 

Presenter: Fig Finkelstein

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.

Presenter: Olatokunboh Obasi

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.

 

Presenter: Mary Colvin

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!

Presenter: Anya Contierra

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. 

 

Presenter: Kelly McCarthy

 

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.

Presenter: Sajah Popham

 

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.

Presenter: Juliette Carr

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.

Presenter: Lora Krall

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.

Presenter: Janet Kent 

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

Presenter: Donald Yance

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!

Presenter: Abby Artemisia

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.

Presenter: David Beatty