HERBAL TRAINING PROGRAM

This course explores the clinical indications, potential risks, and evidence for alternative approaches to herbal and dietary supplement therapies. Conceptual approaches to herbal therapy and botanical medicine are explored. Emphasis is on the safety of herbs and supplements.

Disclaimer: Herbal therapy has multiple theory-based practices. This course primarily focuses on an introduction to general herbal theory but does not cover and in depth immersion of individual approaches or theories that would result in certification in any specific herbal theory.

Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine Herbal Course

10 Credit Hour

Fujio McPherson, DAOM, ARNP, EAMP, Lac.
Office # 253-968-3317, phone # 360-349-7882, email address:
 

I. Course Description
This course explores clinical indications, potential risks, and evidence for alternative
approaches to herbal and dietary supplement therapies. Conceptual approaches to herbal
therapy and botanical medicine are explored. Emphasis is on the safety of herbs and
supplements.

Disclaimer: Herbal therapy has multiple theory-based practices. This course primarily focuses on an
introduction to general herbal theory but does not cover and in depth immersion of individual
approaches or theories that would result in certification in any specific herbal theory.

II. Course Outcomes
At the completion of the course, the student will be able to:
1. Explore various theories of herbal medicine.
2. Examine the safety and regulatory issues surrounding the use of herbs and supplements.
3. Critically evaluate the function of and the evidence for the use of herbs and nutraceuticals
in clinical practice.
4. Examine the complexity of herbal selection for practitioners and patients.
5. Have confidence in the herbal recommendations that one can offer for themselves and
others.

III. Instructional Resources
Required Text:
Cham Ovitz, D. (2013). What a Plant Knows: A field guide to the senses: Scientific America,
New York, N.Y.
OR
Wohlleben, P. (2015). The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate:
Greystone Books, Vancouver, B.C.
Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science Principles and Practices of Herbal
Medicine. Healing Arts Press, Rochester, VT.
Optional Text (not required but recommended for in-depth study):
Skidmore-Roth, L. Mosby's Handbook of Herbs & Natural Supplements, 4e [Paperback]
(2010), Mosby-Elsevier, St Louis, Missouri.
OR

Blumenthal, M. (2000). Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs.
Tompkins, P. & Byrd, C. (1973). Secret Life of Plants: Harper & Row, New York, N.Y.
Balch, P.A. (2006), Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th Ed. Avery, New York, NY.
Chen, J.K. & Chen, T.T. (2004). Medical Chinese Herbology & Pharmacology: Art of
Medicine Press, City of Industry, California.
Chen, J.K. & Chen, T.T. (2008). Chinese Herbal Formulas & Applications, Art of Medicine
Press: City of Industry, California.
Shealy, N.C. (2002). The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies, Harper Collins
Publishers, Hammersmith, London
Pitchford, Paul, (1993). Healing with Whole Foods: Oriental Traditions and Modern
Nutrition, North Atlantic Books, Berkeley, California
Winston, D. & Maimes, S. (2007), Adaptagens: herbs for strength, stamina and stress relief,
Healing Arts Press, Rochester, Vt.

IV. Evaluation Methods
Herbal Final: minimum of 80%

V. Schedule of Topics
Part 1 Introduction to Herbal Theory
Part 2 Herbal Theory
Part 3 Immune Boosting Herbs
Part 4 Herbs for Mental Health
Part 5 Herbs for GI disorders
Part 6 Herbs for Pain
Part 7 Herbs for Women’s Health
Part 8 Herbs for Men’s Health
Part 9 Course Summary

VI. Instructions for Recommended Assignments
Herbal Review – It is recommended to ensure confidence in a specific herbal recommendation that the student review the evidence-based research and drug interactions of one specific herbal therapy for one specific disorder that you work with daily for the purpose of being able to substantiate support and be aware of any drug-herbal interactions to screen for.
Herbal Selection – It also recommended that each participant visit a local herbal supplement store; discuss herbal selections with the supplement store staff to get a perspective of how patients interact with and receive advise from commercial entities that profit from herbal sales. And review and assess the quality, cost and labeling of common herbal supplements specifically the one chosen from the herbal review to see the wide variability in choices and complexity faced by many consumers.

VII. AIM Inst. Academic and Professional Integrity
Academic integrity is openness and honesty in all scholarly endeavors. AIM Institute is a scholarly community dedicated to the discovery, investigation, and dissemination of truth, and to the development of the whole person. Membership in this community is a privilege, requiring each person to practice academic integrity at its highest level, while expecting and promoting the same in others. Using information ethically, as an element in open and honest scholarly endeavors, involves moral reasoning to determine the right way to access, create, distribute, and employ information including considerations of intellectual property rights, fair use, information bias, censorship, and privacy particularly in the use of herbal remedies.

VIII. Accessibility Statement
Students are encouraged to discuss issues from the course (questions, content, format, improvement recommendations, etc,) via email or discussion via video conferencing upon request at
Tuition is non-refundable after starting and accessing the video content.

IX. Health Statement
We acknowledge openly that herbal therapy is not exclusive, and any medical condition reviewed also requires a thorough medical evaluation and treatment regimen particularly with mental health disorders and conditions that require immediate medical intervention or could cause potential harm. We discourage any exclusive treatment from positions of bias, personal gain for any reason particularly at the cost of patient safety.

AIM Herbal Course: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is there a certification or designating title that I can use after completion?

No. the AIM herbal course is merely an introduction to herbal theory and review of
common herbs for certain conditions. If after completion participates which to use a
designated title or certificate in any given herbal tradition it is recommended that they
apply to either a traditional herbal program or enroll in the American Herbal Guild
certification program. https://www.americanherbalistsguild.com/

2. How can I use herbal therapy if I am a traditional allopathic clinician?

• a. The first lesson of the herbal program is to become more aware of the herbal power of food and start there with patients who are interested in herbal therapy.
• b. The additional incorporation of spices
• c. And the selective use of herbs that are safe for those with specific conditions and medications taken into consideration.
• d. And finally, being aware of product safety

3. Would taking the AIM Institute Acupuncture Program prior to taking the herbal course be necessary.

• a. It is not a requirement to complete the AIM Inst Acupuncture training program prior to enrollment in the herbal course.
• b. However it is an excellent adjunct to TCM therapy to have a general understanding of herbal theories and uses.