Scholarship Program for 2024 Southwest Conference on Botanical Medicine

Posted on November 11, 2023November 12, 2023 by Caitlin Maher

At Herbal Educational Services we Cultivate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We recognize the need for increased diversity in the fields of clinical herbalism and natural medicine and are committed to creating a welcoming environment at our events that affords dignity to all.

The conference is offering a limited number of full scholarships to persons of color (Black, Indigenous, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino) who would like to further their education in the clinical uses of botanical medicine.

If you would like to apply for a scholarship to attend the online Southwest Conference on Botanical Medicine, March 22 – 24, 2024, please fill out and return this application form. We will notify you of acceptance within two weeks of submission. Scholarship includes basic registration fee. The pre-conference intensive and CE fee are extra.

Questions? Contact us and we’ll be happy to help.

Thank you for your interest, and we hope this initiative will further our goal of bringing more diversity to our events, and to the field of botanical medicine in general.

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)

Autumn Sale 2023

Posted on September 30, 2023December 13, 2023 by Caitlin Maher

Sale extended through October 19th.

Continue reading

2024 Herbal Conferences

Posted on September 27, 2023March 5, 2025 by Caitlin Maher

These events have been completed. Please see the 2025 herbal medicine conferences »

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.

These events have been completed. Please see the 2025 herbal medicine conferences »

Children’s Health Audio Series

Posted on September 13, 2023August 13, 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 (94-page PDF)
Continuing education credits: 12 hours for naturopathic physicians
Order with one click for $75 ($105 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.

Prostate Cancer: A Comprehensive and Collaborative Approach

Posted on September 4, 2023September 7, 2023 by Caitlin Maher

September’s Featured Recording:
Prostate Cancer: A Comprehensive and Collaborative Approach with Jason Miller, DACM, LAc

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men and, as men live longer, they are more likely to develop the disease. In general, prostate cancer is a slow growing cancer, and many men diagnosed with low-grade disease are recommended to follow an approach called “‘watchful waiting.” Watchful waiting entails allowing time to pass while monitoring the PSA at regular intervals, and most men with a diagnosis of prostate cancer will die with the disease, rather than from it.

In this presentation, Jason Miller explores prostate cancer risk factors, assessment protocols, treatments and their related side effects, and holistic therapeutics including botanicals. A botanical medicine approach can play a powerful role in managing symptoms, regulating androgen metabolism, and slowing disease progression. (Catalog Number 20ME21)

Learn more about Jason Miller and his work.

Pharmacy Video Series for Naturopathic Clinicians 2023

Posted on August 16, 2023August 11, 2024 by Caitlin Maher

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

Eight (8) video lectures (1.5 hours each)
Digital book of notes (90-page PDF)
10 pharmacy + 2 general continuing education credits for naturopathic physicians
- Approved by Oregon Board of Naturopathic Medicine (OBNM)
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.

Herbal Allies for Nourishing the Emotional Heart

Posted on August 3, 2023August 5, 2023 by Caitlin Maher

August’s Featured Recording:
Herbal Allies for Nourishing the Emotional Heart with Deborah Frances, ND

Keeping our hearts open but protected can be a challenge, especially in these chaotic, often heartrending times. Yet it is only from the heart that we have any hope of healing our relationships with ourselves, with others, and with all creation. Plants are invaluable allies in aiding us in this endeavor.

They can heal us, teach us and guide us physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. In this presentation, naturopathic physician Deborah Frances explores herbs that nourish and support the emotional heart. Herbal allies include hawthorn, cactus (night-blooming cereus), Aralia spp (spikenard), passionflower, pine, Leonurus (motherwort), Alchemilla (lady’s mantle), and frankincense. (Catalog Number 21SW06)

Ceremonial Use of Herbs by Deborah Frances

Posted on July 28, 2023August 13, 2024 by Deborah Frances, N.D.

Herbalist, naturopath, and much revered teacher and elder, Dr. Bill Mitchell once said, that through the process of photosynthesis, plants just naturally bring light into physical form, making them invaluable allies for those who proceed along a spiritual path. Indeed, I know of no tradition in which plants do not play a part.

2023 Herbal Conferences Recordings

Posted on July 18, 2023October 4, 2023 by Caitlin Maher

It was another wonderful year of herbal conferences! Many thanks to all the attendees, speakers, exhibitors, and sponsors. We could not do it without you!

If you were unable to join us this year for Southwest Conference on Botanical Medicine or Medicines from the Earth Herb Symposium in North Carolina, you can now enjoy the recordings from home.

Continuing education is available for naturopathic physicians and nursing professionals for the recordings.

Videos:

Southwest Conference videos
- Intensive with Eric Yarnell, ND — Reclaiming Self: Herbs to Correct Autoimmunity
Medicines from the Earth videos
- Intensive with Jason Miller, DACM, LAc — Management of Complex Chronic Disease: Combining Traditional Chinese Medicine Concepts with Modern Biomedical Analysis
- Intensive with Jillian Stansbury, ND — Botanical Influences on Cell Membranes

Audio Recordings:

Continuing Education for ND, RN, FNP, etc:

For visual learners, you will love our videos and digital books (a PDF of speakers’ lecture notes and PowerPoints). You can follow along while you listen and/or watch the presentations.

Happy herbal learning!

The One and Only Ashwagandha

Posted on July 15, 2023July 17, 2023 by Caitlin Maher

July’s Featured Recording:
The One and Only Ashwagandha with Mary Rondeau, ND, RH (AHG)

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an herb that deserves a deep look at the historical use and evidence-based use of this plant. Ashwagandha has global effects on the body including psychiatric, neurodegenerative, anti-aging, oncology, and fertility just to name a few.

The presentation will look at the use from an Ayurvedic perspective as well as a Western herbalism perspective. Mary Rondeau explores Ashwagandha’s effect on sleep, sub-types of anxiety, and Vata, Pitta and Kapha constitutions. She also provides several herbal recipes to highlight the medicinal strengths of Ashwagandha. (Catalog Number 22ME10)

40 Years of HerbalGram: Working to Ensure Accurate Herb Information and Authentic and Sustainably-Sourced Herbs

Posted on June 10, 2023June 14, 2023 by Caitlin Maher

June’s Featured Recording:
40 Years of HerbalGram: Working to Ensure Accurate Herb Information and Authentic and Sustainably-Sourced Herbs with Mark Blumenthal

Recorded on June 3, 2023 at Medicines from the Earth. Mark has never presented such a comprehensive overview of his work over four decades and we wanted to get this to you as soon as possible!

We congratulate Mark Blumenthal on the 35th anniversary of the nonprofit American Botanical Council (ABC) and the 40th anniversary of its peer-review journal HerbalGram. It was a pleasure and honor to have Mark join us at this year’s Medicines from the Earth Herb Symposium to share his journey with ABC.

Under his leadership, the organization has grown from an herbal education organization to one of the leading advocates and educators for the sustainability and authenticity of herbal materials. The Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program (BAPP) has seen ABC collaborating for over 12 years with leaders in the botanical field to help members of the herbal industry identify and select authentic herbal materials and avoid buying cheap, intentionally mislabeled fraudulent materials.

Additionally, ABC’s Sustainable Herbs Program has inspired and educated responsible herb companies to access sustainable and regeneratively farmed botanical materials. Mark’s lively presentation will increase awareness of the positive progress in responsible sectors of the herbal community and how we, as herbal consumers, benefit from this progress. (Catalog Code 23ME03)

Women’s Health Audio Series

Posted on May 10, 2023August 11, 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 (83-page PDF)
Continuing education credits: 12 hours for naturopathic physicians
Order with one click for $75 ($105 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.

A Weekend in Asheville for Medicines from the Earth: June 2 – 4, 2023

Posted on May 4, 2023June 14, 2023 by Caitlin Maher

Medicines from the Earth officially starts with a welcome reception on Friday night, followed by speaker introductions and the Keynote Address with Chris Kilham. Lectures, demonstrations and herb walks take place Saturday and Sunday, with the Symposium concluding Sunday at 5:40 PM.

Date: June 2 – 4, 2023

Location: UNC Asheville in Asheville, NC

Theme: Aging, Stress and Neurological Conditions: Tradition and Modern Science

Highlights:

24 herbal medicine lectures to choose
2 panel discussions
Herb walks and medicine-making demonstrations
Friday intensives and field studies
Keynote Address with Chris Kilham
Concert with Doug Elliott, Todd Elliott and the Possum Gravy Boys
Saturday evening bonfire with songs and stories
Qi Gong on Saturday and Sunday morning

Speakers: Lise Alschuler, Rebecca Beyer, Mark Blumenthal, Teresa Boardwine, Mary Bove, Doug Elliott, Todd Elliott, Joe Hollis, Chris Kilham, Kat Maier, Jason Miller, Kenneth Proefrock, Jillian Stansbury, Katie Stage, Marc Williams, David Winston, and Donald Yance

Those who register and attend the symposium in person receive:

Attendance at live lectures June 2 – 4 (Friday events, CE fee, lodging and meals are extra)
Streaming of all videos made at the symposium for 6 months (except outdoor sessions which won’t be recorded)
Full set of audio recordings to own
Digital lecture notes to own

Mushroom Medicine: Challenges and Potential

Posted on April 6, 2023April 17, 2023 by Caitlin Maher

April’s Featured Recording:
Mushroom Medicine: Challenges and Potential with Christopher Hobbs, PhD, LAc

Chris Hobbs begins this lecture with a detailed description of making medicinal mushroom water extracts and growing some varieties at home. He then reviews the different species of fungi and their medicinal uses, enriched with interesting personal anecdotes.

Mushrooms have consistently shown immunomodulatory and anti-tumor effects when tested on humans. This lecture explores the compounds responsible for these findings, and how best to utilize them in medicine, with a focus on the types and uses of beta-glucans found in fungi. He also discusses the pros and cons of using fruiting bodies vs mycelium for medicine. (Catalog Number 16ME09)

For those who want to pursue more information on this topic, Chris has recently published an updated book in March of 2021: Christopher Hobbs’s Medicinal Mushrooms: The Essential Guide, available on Amazon.