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.

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.

2023 Herbal Conferences

Posted on September 26, 2022July 13, 2023 by Caitlin Maher

Medicines from the Earth Herb Symposium

Past conference — Videos and audio from this conference are now available! For CE information, please visit the 2023 Medicines from the Earth Recordings CE page.

Dates: June 2 – 4, 2023
Location: University of North Carolina, Asheville

We’re excited to share the beautiful UNC Asheville area with you. Tucked away in a beautiful location with on-site lodging next to the local botanical garden, attendees have the option of spending quiet time in nature or exploring downtown Asheville just minutes away while attending the 2023 symposium.

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

Continuing education for health professionals.

Registration is now open for the in-person Symposium!

Southwest Conference on Botanical Medicine

Past conference — Videos and audio from this conference are now available! For CE information, please visit the 2023 SW Recordings CE page.

Sonoran Desert Plants — Sonoran Desert in bloom

Dates: March 24 – 26, 2023
Location: Streaming online, with extended video access

Pre-Conference Intensive: Reclaiming Self: Herbs to Correct Autoimmunity with Eric Yarnell, ND

Speakers: Dee Atkinson, Paul Bergner, Chanchal Cabrera, Deborah Frances, Lillea Hartwell, Jack Lambert, Brianna Piche, Kenneth Proefrock, Katie Stage, Jillian Stansbury, Jen Stovall, David Winston, and Eric Yarnell

Continuing Education for health professionals.

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.

To stay up to date on the conferences, join our email list and check back here for updates.

Topical Applications for Pain

Posted on March 12, 2023April 29, 2023 by Caitlin Maher

March’s Featured Recording:
Topical Applications for Pain with Jillian Stansbury, ND

With the opiate epidemic being a glaring example of how NOT to manage chronic and acute pain, this session explores what tools herbalists possess to help comfort and soothe acutely painful conditions. Drawing from both folklore and modern research, Jillian Stansbury, ND offers a variety of liniments, soaks, poultices and pastes for a wide range of conditions.

She describes compresses for headache, capsaicin cream for arthritic and other pain, fennel oil for smooth muscle spasm, castor oil packs, lobelia vinegar compress for vascular, bronchial and uterine smooth muscle pain, to mention just a few. The PowerPoint accompanying this lecture offers a great resource by giving details for many more preparations than she was able to cover in her live presentation.

Jillian Stansbury will be presenting the pre-conference intensive in person at Medicines from the Earth in June in Asheville, NC. Registration is still open for that event.

And if you are interested in more information on botanicals and other natural medicine for pain, take a look at our series on management of pain and inflammation. Continuing education credits available for naturopathic physicians.

Long COVID: Symptoms, Etiology and Management Plans from the EU

Posted on February 27, 2023April 29, 2023 by Caitlin Maher

Early bird registration for the online Southwest Conference on Botanical Medicine ends this Friday.

Here’s a preview of just one of the videos offered as part of the SW Conference: Long COVID: Symptoms, Etiology and Management Plans from the EU with Jack Lambert, MD, PhD, a leading researcher on long COVID, who joined us last week from Dublin, Ireland. Enjoy!

Early bird savings through this Friday, 3/3!

Addressing the Multiple Causes of Insomnia

Posted on February 1, 2023April 29, 2023 by Caitlin Maher

February’s Featured Recording:
Addressing the Multiple Causes of Insomnia with Mary Bove, ND

Disruption of healthy sleep patterns can occur for many reasons, including current stressful situations, female hormonal imbalance, adrenal dysfunction, nutritional deficiency, depression, anxiety, glucose deregulation, hepatic detox issues, thyroid malfunction, chronic inflammation and pain. Botanical medicines offer safe and effective non-habit-forming sleep aids to address the specific needs of the individual.

This presentation includes a description of current standard medical treatments, diet and lifestyle recommendations and case histories. Naturopathic physician, Mary Bove, also discusses a variety of botanicals including California poppy, valerian, American skullcap, chamomile, catnip and more.

Included:

The featured recording mentioned above.
Complimentary PDF of the speaker’s PowerPoint presentation.
And free CE*: 1.5 general CME hours for naturopathic physicians, approved by OBNM

Steps to order your free* recording:

Order at least one audio recording or digital book from botanical-medicine.org at the regular price.
Proceed to checkout and finalize payment. The free recording will be added to your account automatically!

How to earn the free naturopathic CE:

Listen to the recording and keep a record on this certificate of all completed recordings. It’s as easy as that!

Every month, a new featured recording. To make sure you don’t miss your monthly FREE* recording, please sign up for our e-news and whitelist our sites (or add these domain names to your contacts: botanicalmedicine.org and botanical-medicine.org).

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

*The featured recording is free with the purchase of one recording or book. Continuing education (CME) credits are available for naturopathic physicians.

New Discoveries from the Rainforest

Posted on January 2, 2023April 29, 2023 by Caitlin Maher

January’s Featured Recording:
New Discoveries from the Rainforest with Chris Kilham, Medicine Hunter

Chris Kilham draws from his years in the Peruvian Amazon studying with curanderos (herbal healers) and shamans (healers who also work to heal the psyche and spirit). After describing the continuing devastation he has observed, he gives hope for saving portions of the rainforest by the cultivation of native foods and medicinals. He describes three of these plants in this presentation.

Dragon’s blood (also known as sangre de drago) is the red latex from the croton tree (Croton lecherli) which is excellent for wound healing and enhances new, healthy skin formation. It is also high in antioxidants and is anti-inflammatory and antifungal. The cosmetics industry has been using it recently to add to products that promote collagen formation, and he has been instrumental in establishing sustainable trade between local communities and skin care companies.
Juito (Genipa americana) is a medium-sized tree, whose fruits yield a blue-black dye when soaked in water. It is used for hair dye and tattoos in local villages. It has potential as a natural black dye in the cosmetics industry to replace highly toxic or irritating chemical dyes.
Chuchuhuasi (Maytenus laevis) is a large rainforest tree whose bark is used medicinally and is one of the most popular traditional rainforest remedies. It has been used for centuries as a remedy for arthritis and rheumatism and as an aid to relieve lower back pain. It is an overall tonic with broad application and few known side effects. Also used to treat diarrhea, hemorrhoids, menstrual dysfunction and as an aphrodisiac.

Chris also describes how the commerce in these botanicals can help the local communities in the Amazon to enjoy a better quality of life, and the connections he has made toward this end. We look forward to having him back at Medicines from the Earth in 2023!

Included:

The featured recording mentioned above.
And free CE*: 1.5 general CME hours for naturopathic physicians, approved by OBNM

Steps to order your free* recording:

Order at least one audio recording or digital book from botanical-medicine.org at the regular price.
Before checking out, add this month’s featured recording to your order.
Proceed to checkout. Enter coupon code FREE and this will discount the audio recording to zero.

How to earn the free naturopathic CE:

Listen to the recording and keep a record on this certificate of all completed recordings. It’s as easy as that!

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

*The featured recording is free with the purchase of one recording or book. Continuing education (CME) credits are available for naturopathic physicians.