Herbal Management of Esophageal Reflux

Posted on November 5, 2024November 10, 2024 by Meghan Zech, ND, FABNO, RH (AHG)

Esophageal reflux, commonly known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a chronic condition where stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation and, in severe cases, damage to the esophageal lining. Conventional treatment options, including proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 receptor antagonists, focus on reducing stomach acid production to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. However, prolonged use of these medications is associated with potential side effects, such as impaired nutrient absorption, an increased risk of fractures, chronic kidney disease and changes in gut microbiota, prompting many patients to consider alternative management options. Continue reading

Geriatric Health Audio Series

Posted on October 1, 2024October 10, 2024 by Caitlin Maher

An audio series for health care providers – with continuing education for naturopathic physicians – bundled together in one discounted package:

Eight (8) audio recordings (1.5 hours each)
Digital book of notes (85-page PDF)
Continuing education credits: 12 hours for naturopathic physicians
Order with one click for $85 ($130 value)

Note: The information in this series is provided as a research resource and is not intended to replace diagnosis and treatment by a qualified health care practitioner.

2025 Herbal Conferences

Posted on September 15, 2024November 20, 2024 by Caitlin Maher

Exciting developments are underway for the 2025 herbal conferences! We’re busy crafting an extraordinary experience and can’t wait to reveal all the exciting details soon.

Stay tuned for updates as they unfold, and don’t forget to join our email list to be the first to know the latest news!

Southwest Conference on Botanical Medicine

Dates: March 28 – 30, 2025

Location: Online lectures and panels, plus 6 months access to videos, and audio / digital book of lecture notes to own

Intensive: Phytotherapy for the Respiratory System – Roots, Research and Clinical Relevance with Kristin Gilmour, BHSc (Naturopathy) and Julianne Grant, BHSc (Naturopathy), BApSc (HM)

Continuing Education: Applications to be submitted to OBNM, SUHS, AAFP and NCCAOM for continuing education for ND, MD, DO, RN, FNP, LAc, etc.

Speaker List (not yet finalized): Paul Bergner; Renée Camila; Camille Freeman; Kristin Gilmour; Julianne Grant; Christopher Hobbs; Lori Harger; Tori Hudson; Jack Lambert; Brigitte Mars; Kenneth Proefrock; Brianna Piché; Mary Rondeau; Brandon Ruiz; John Slattery; Katie Stage; Lucretia VanDyke; Allison Williams, and David Winston

Medicines from the Earth Herb Symposium

Dates: May 16 – 18, 2025

Location: As many of you know, Blue Ridge Assembly, the home of Medicines from the Earth since 1996, suffered severe damage during Hurricane Helene. They let us know this week that they will not be able to open until later next summer, so we have reached out to other venues in the Asheville area to see if they can host us May 16 – 18, 2025. We are committed to having an in-person event at Medicines from the Earth with a full 3-day program, and we will keep you posted. We know many in the Asheville area are still severely impacted by the storm, and our loving thoughts go to all of you as you face this next stage of recovery.

Intensive with Wendy Warner, MD, ABIHM, IFMCP (title TBA; topic: women’s health)

Keynote with Kiva Rose (title/topic TBA)

Continuing Education: Applications to be submitted to OBNM, AAFP and NCCAOM for continuing education for ND, MD, DO, RN, FNP, APRN, LAc, etc.

Speaker List (not yet finalized): Lise Alschuler; Teresa Boardwine; Sam Coffman; Doug and Todd Elliot; Tesia Love; Jim McDonald; Kenneth Proefrock; Kiva Rose; Mary Rondeau; Katie Stage; Wendy Warner; and David Winston

Note regarding location: It is too early for Blue Ridge to know when they will reopen after the storm damage from Hurricane Helene, and we hope they will be up and running by May. We are committed to having an in person event — the need to gather together is greater than it ever has been! Check back for updates.

” The highlight of the event is the diversity of the attendees all coming together to explore herbalism – from science focus all the way to practical applications. Love it! “
– 2024 attendee, Registered Nurse

Botanical and Complementary Therapies for Tick Borne Diseases: An Update

Posted on September 4, 2024 by Alyssa Bialy

September’s Featured Recording:
Botanical and Complementary Therapies for Tick Borne Diseases: An Update with David Winston, RH (AHG)

The history and current understanding of tick borne diseases such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis and other co-infections is presented. We examine both the current conventional approaches to treatment as well as complementary protocols. Includes the use of botanicals to enhance the effectiveness of orthodox therapy, and the treatment of many Lymerelated symptoms such as fatigue, arthritis, Bells palsy, brain fog and insomnia. (Catalog Number 15ME12)

The information in this series is provided as a research resource for health professionals and is not intended to replace diagnosis and treatment by a qualified health care practitioner. Please check your continuing education records to ensure you have not previously earned credits for these presentations.

The Herbal Approach To Metabolic Syndrome

Posted on July 29, 2024August 26, 2024 by Meghan Zech, ND, FABNO, RH (AHG)

Understanding Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome, also known as syndrome X, is not a single disease but a collection of risk factors that occur together. Individuals with metabolic syndrome are at a higher risk of experiencing a range of health complications, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and certain types of cancer. The incidence of metabolic syndrome has been increasing over the past few decades and is predicted to continue escalating in the coming years. Continue reading

Medicinal Uses of the Berberine-Containing Plants

Posted on March 16, 2024August 12, 2024 by Caitlin Maher

March’s Featured Recording:
Medicinal Uses of the Berberine-Containing Plants with Paul Bergner, Medical Herbalist

Wherever they are found, plants containing berberine and related isoquinoline-alkaloids are used in traditional systems of medicine as major topical and internal medicines. A body of research demonstrates the ability of these alkaloids to suppress or kill microbes and may validate their traditional topical applications. Research has also discovered synergistic constituents in several of these plants which potentiate the antimicrobial effects of the berberine. More recent research on concentrated forms of isolated berberine has demonstrated potential uses of these concentrates for diabetes and several other conditions.

We review the research on the antimicrobial effects of the isolated alkaloids, as well as the whole plants in the genera Hydrastis, Berberis, Mahonia, Coptis, and Xanthorhiza. We then differentiate between applications of whole plant preparations and concentrated berberine compounds. (Catalog Number 21SW09)

If you want to learn more from Paul Bergner, join us online next weekend for Southwest Conference on Botanical Medicine. Paul presents two classes through video: Comparative Materia Medica for the Bitter Herbs and Herban Legends and Clinical Pearls in the Female Reproductive Materia Medica. He will also present on a panel with Todd Caldecott, Dip, CI.H., RH(AHG), CAP(NAMA), AAC and Katie Stage, ND, RH (AHG), FABNG on Prevention of Viral Infections: Building Immunity with Botanicals.

Registration and information here.

The GI-Skin-Brain Axis: Exploring the Intricate Connection

Posted on February 9, 2024November 10, 2024 by Kristin Robinson

The human body is a complex and interconnected system, where various organs and systems communicate with each other to maintain homeostasis. An area of research that has gained attention in recent years is the exploration of the GI-Skin-Brain axis. This axis refers to the bidirectional communication between the gastrointestinal (GI) system, the skin, and the brain.

Increasing evidence shows that an imbalanced gut microbiome can induce inflammatory skin diseases.³⁵This offers a likely approach for improving skin conditions, by the modulation of the gut microbiome. Understanding the intricate connections within this axis provides valuable insights into addressing the root cause of any dysfunction that may occur here. Continue reading

Five Allies for Our Times

Posted on February 8, 2024February 22, 2024 by Caitlin Maher

February’s Featured Recording:
Five Allies for Our Times with Kat Maier, RH (AHG)

In this class, herbalist Kat Maier explores the wonderful medicine of Lobelia (Lobelia inflata), Poke (Phytolacca americana), Prickly Ash (Xanthoxylum americanum), Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) and Black Cohosh (Actea racemosa) and how appropriate they are for these challenging times. We learn their sacred language through chemistry, medicine making and a brief plant journey. (Catalog Number 19ME04)

This class takes you on a beautiful botanical journey with Kat Maier. You can join Kat in person at this year’s Medicines from the Earth Herb Symposium (May 17-19) in Black Mountain, NC! Kat will teach a class on Botanical Analogs for At-Risk Medicinals, and you can join for her beloved plant walk on Establishing Plant Relations.

Registration and information here.

The information in these materials is provided as a research resource for health professionals and is not intended to replace diagnosis and treatment by a qualified health care practitioner. This is especially important in the case of low-dose botanicals like Phytolacca.

Welcoming 2024: Mary Bove Looks Ahead, Encourages You to Challenge Yourself

Posted on January 16, 2024August 12, 2024 by Lily Holmberg

As 2023 wound down to a close, I reached out to an old friend, Mary Bove, ND, a visionary and trailblazer in clinical herbalism. We had a conversation about what 2024 may bring to our community of practitioners, including what she’s thinking about, and what she’s planning for. She obliged by reflecting on the evolving tapestry of holistic health as she sees it: growth mindset, the importance of nature, connecting with plants, and forgotten inner wisdom, illuminating the path forward for the coming year.

Pricing Update starting February 1, 2024

Posted on January 9, 2024February 5, 2024 by Caitlin Maher

Pricing Update

For 30 years we’ve been dedicated to providing the highest quality herbal education and are committed to ensuring these resources are available long into the future. So, starting on February 1, 2024, you will see a small change reflected in our pricing at BotanicalMedicine.org – audio recordings will increase to $11.99 each, videos to $23.99 each, and full video sets to $369.

To thank you for your understanding and continued support, on February 1 we’ll also provide a coupon for one free $23.99 video per customer, and a new audio recording program: Buy 3, Get 1 Free. This will replace our Free* CE Program, and will allow you to choose your own free audio recording when buying 3 or more.

Free Video Recording starting February 1

As a thank you, we’re offering a free video recording to each customer. One coupon per customer.

Steps to Free Video Recording:

Browse our video library and click on an individual video recording you’d like to receive for free.
The link will bring you to Vimeo where our videos are housed. Click the “Buy $23.99” button.
You’ll be prompted to create a Vimeo account (for free) or login to your existing.
At checkout, enter promo code TY24 and you will receive the $23.99 video for free.

Buy 3, Get 1 Free on Audio Recordings

Explore our expansive audio library of clinical botanical medicine presentations. When you purchase 3 or more audio recordings, you receive 1 for free starting February 1!

Steps to Buy 3, Get 1 Free:

Add at least 3 audio recordings from botanical-medicine.org to your shopping cart to purchase.
Before checking out, add 1 audio recording (for $11.99) to your shopping cart to receive for free.
Proceed to checkout. Enter coupon code B3G1
This will discount your purchase by $11.99 to receive an audio recording for free!

Clinical Approaches to Immune-Centered Illness

Posted on January 4, 2024January 6, 2024 by Caitlin Maher

January’s Featured Recording:
Panel: Clinical Approaches to Immune-Centered Illness with Mary Bove, ND; Chanchal Cabrera, FNIMH, RH (AHG); and Katie Stage, ND, RH (AHG), FABNG

January 2024 free CE speakers — *Panelists for Clinical Approaches to Immune-Centered Illness*

This dynamic panel begins with Mary Bove outlining the evolution of the understanding of the immune system in the last 3-4 decades. She describes current tools for evaluating the relationship between the gut/microbiome and the immune system and the importance of establishing a connection with the patient. Kitchen recipes for immune tonics close this segment.

Next, Katie Stage covers autoimmune conditions in an informational PowerPoint which covers patient assessment, useful labs and an outline of treatment approaches. These include decreasing triggers, improving vitality, decreasing inflammation, facilitating a healthy microbiome and decreasing toxic medication effects.

Finally, Chanchal Cabrera outlines the layers of the immune system and useful botanicals at each stage of mobilization. This begins with barrier immunity, which provides an instant response to an assault. The innate immune system then comes into play with a non-specific response involving the mobilization of white blood cells. And finally, a specific adaptive response addresses the particular pathogen. A lively Q&A session follows. (Catalog Number 20ME31)

Holistic Sleep Wellness with Lise Alschuler, ND: Integrative Approaches for Healthcare Practitioners

Posted on December 12, 2023August 13, 2024 by Lily Holmberg

Sleep may be the foundation on which all aspects of health are built, and in the clinic it has become an increasingly important topic. When practitioners help patients sleep better, it strengthens all areas of patients’ physical and mental health. As global sleep expert, Matthew Walker, PhD, Professor of Neuroscience and Psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, famously said: “Nearly every disease killing us later in life has a causal link to lack of sleep.”
Continue reading

Healing Sleep

Posted on December 4, 2023December 12, 2023 by Caitlin Maher

December’s Featured Recording:
Healing Sleep with Christopher Hobbs, PhD, LAc

In this presentation, herbalist and acupuncturist, Christopher Hobbs, describes the contemporary research on the function and importance of sleep for health and longevity, and natural remedies and lifestyle choices for optimizing sleep. We discover what factors can reduce sleep quality (such as drugs and alcohol, which can sedate but also interfere with delta and REM phases of sleep).

Then we explore specific conditions that impact the quality or quantity of healing sleep hours such as insomnia, restless leg syndrome and other sleep disorders. Christopher presents treatment principles and botanicals from Western herbalism and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for a variety of sleep conditions in this comprehensive lecture. (Catalog Number 15SW20)

30 Years of Community: A Journey with Linnea & Larry Wardwell

Posted on November 9, 2023August 13, 2024 by Lily Holmberg

The legacy of Herbal Educational Services, Medicines from the Earth, and the Southwest Conference on Botanical Medicine has taken root over the past three decades. Founded by Linnea and Larry Wardwell in 1993, with Ric Scalzo as an early contributor and mentor, their website BotanicalMedicine.org has nurtured the herbal community for the past 30 years by sowing the seeds of knowledge and connection across disciplines and modalities of clinical herbalism practice.

The first event was held in Ashland, Massachusetts, then moved to an extension campus of Boston University, which led to an island off the coast of Maine, then to venues in Oregon, and finally to Black Mountain, North Carolina, and the Sonoran University in Tempe, Arizona where herbal tradition and science are celebrated twice annually, bringing together a network of practitioners that now extends across the globe.

Substance Use Disorder Video Series for Naturopathic Clinicians

Posted on November 5, 2023August 13, 2024 by Caitlin Maher

A video series for health care providers – with continuing education hours for naturopathic physicians – bundled together in one discounted package:

Eight (8) video lectures (1.5 hours each)
Digital book of notes (88-page PDF)
12 continuing education credits for naturopathic physicians
- 7.5 pharmacy + 4.5 general (approved by OBNM)
- 9 opioid/addiction + 1.5 pharmacy + 1.5 general hours (approved by SUHS)
Order with one click for $99 ($160 value)

Note: The information in this series is provided as a research resource for health professionals and is not intended to replace diagnosis and treatment by a qualified health care practitioner. Please check your continuing education records to ensure you have not previously earned credits for these presentations.

Naturopathic Approaches to Weight Management and Obesity Prevention

Posted on October 26, 2023November 1, 2023 by Alyssa Bialy

November’s Featured Recording:
Panel: Naturopathic Approaches to Weight Management and Obesity Prevention with Lise Alschuler, ND, FABNO, Marianne Marchese, ND and Katie Stage, ND, RH (AHG), FABNG

*Lise Alschuler, ND, FABNO, Marianne Marchese, ND and Katie Stage, ND, RH (AHG), FABNG*

One of the challenges of this century is the prevalence of obesity and weight gain in our patients. They want to lose weight, but where do they start? These experienced practitioners describe their approaches using herbal medicine, nutritional supplements, dietary and lifestyle modifications and awareness of the effect environmental chemicals can have on our endocrine system. We also mention the most common weight-loss medications and their drawbacks and side effects. (Catalog Number 21SW20)

Longevity Elixirs, Foods & Recipes

Posted on October 3, 2023October 3, 2023 by Caitlin Maher

October’s Featured Recording:
Longevity Elixirs, Foods & Recipes with Teresa Boardwine, RH (AHG)

Foods rich in phytochemicals can slow down aging, support collagen, reduce oxidative stress, nourish skin and build resiliency and vitality in the body. Learn to work the longevity herbs into something delicious and nutritious in this hands- on session with Teresa Boardwine, RH (AHG).

Quite a bit of mixing and blending punctuate Teresa’s joyful presentation of her favorite recipes. These include Blueberry Kudzu pudding, Emperor’s Reishi Elixir, Detox Tonic Turmeric Shot and more! Support longevity by incorporating these foods and beverages into daily menus for their anti-aging, collagen building, nootropic, restorative and antioxidant effects. (Catalog Number 19ME27)

2024 Herbal Conferences

Posted on September 27, 2023August 1, 2024 by Caitlin Maher

Southwest Conference on Botanical Medicine
March 22 – 24, 2024

Location: Streaming online

Pre-conference Intensive with Lise Alschuler, ND, FABNO: Restorative Sleep: Integrative Strategies for Remediating Sleep Disorders

Panel Discussions: Prevention of Viral Infections: Building Immunity with Botanicals and Botanical Therapies for Recovery from Myocardial Infarction

Speakers: Lise Alschuler, Ann Armbrecht, Lydia Bartholow, Paul Bergner, Todd Caldecott, Renèe Camila, Kristin Gilmour, Naturopath (Australia), Julianne Grant, Naturopath (Australia), Marianne Marchese, Brianna Pichè, Kenneth Proefrock, Mary Rondeau, Katie Stage, Jillian Stansbury and Christina Veselak

Medicines from the Earth Herb Symposium
May 17 – 19, 2024

Location: Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain, NC or join us online!

Pre-conference Intensive with Donald Yance, CN, RH (AHG): Optimizing Physical Performance and Recovery with Botanicals

Keynote Address with Mary Bove, ND: Inspired by Herbs: A Herbal Journey of a Modern Day Herbalist

Post-symposium Online Intensive with Eric Yarnell, ND, RH (AHG): Natural Treatment of Prostate Conditions: Blending Western Herbal Practice, Traditional Chinese Medicine

Speakers: 7Song, Rebecca Beyer, Teresa Boardwine, Mary Bove, Doug and Todd Elliott, Kat Maier, Jason Miller, Kenneth Proefrock, Vickie Shufer, Jillian Stansbury, Lucretia VanDyke, Marc Williams, David Winston, Donald Yance, and Eric Yarnell.