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Herbs for the Nervous System

November 7th-8th, 10am-3pm

Please email your questions to: MidAtlanticSchoolofHerbalism@gmail.com

The true Body-Mind connection is most evident in the Nervous System. If we are what we eat, do we not become what we think? A well-functioning nervous system creates a calm mind and herbal tonics, adaptogens, relaxants and nervines have often paved the way for a ‘relaxed constitution’ and good night’s sleep. This month we will explore such specific herbal actions and corresponding herbs for the nervous system herbs, used for soothing anxiety, insomnia, headaches and the blues.

Saturday, November 7: Herbal Actions, Materia Medica & Nutrition for the Nervous System

10:00 am-12:00 pm: Herbal Actions & Materia Medica for the Nervous System

This weekend’s module begins with and a look at herbal actions to balance the air element specific to the Nervous System. We’ll also define the qualities of nervine and sedative herbs such as Milky Oats, Vervain, Valerian, Hops, Jamaican Dogwood, California Poppy and Scullcap, as well as herbal blends for insomnia

1:00-3:00 pm: Nutrition & Supplements for the Nervous System

This afternoon starts with an overview of nervous system physiology & the physiological connection between the nervous and digestive system, including an overview of the enteric nervous system. We will delve into specific nutrition strategies that address healthy function, including dietary intake and the role of specific macro and micronutrients. We will conclude with an overview of supportive supplements including the B Vitamins, Alpha Lipoic Acid, antioxidants, and others.

Sunday, November 8: Nervous System Materia Medica, Herbal Energetics & Adaptogens

10:00 am-12:00 pm: Nervous System Materia Medica and Herbal Energetics Today we will be looking at an ‘Emotional First Aid Kit’ for Depression & Anxiety along with the classic Nervous System Materia Medica of St John Wort, Kava, Mimosa, Lemon Balm, Passionflower, Mugwort and Chamomile as well as formulations of herbal blends.

1:00-3:00 pm: Herbal Adaptogens and Nootropics

We will then delve into the concept of Herbal Adaptogens & Nootropics reviewing such herbs as Panax Ginseng, Holy Basil, Withania, Eleuthero, Gotu Kola, Bacopa, Rosemary and Ginkgo. You’ll also look at the conditions of headaches and migraines and specific herbs for them. The students will break up into groups and put together a herbal formula for stress.

Please email your questions to:

MidAtlanticSchoolofHerbalism@gmail.com

Intrigued by herbs? The herbalists at Mid-Atlantic School of Herbalism (MASH) have a combined experience of using them for more than 100 years! We’d love to share our expertise with you. Come and join our Foundations of Herbalism Certification at MASH at our home at the Smile Herb Shop. This certification course is currently taught online via Zoom in executive format, one (1) weekend (Saturday & Sunday, 10 am-12 pm, 1-3 pm) each month (except August) with a follow –up study group webinar 1 ½ weeks after the weekend classes. Assignments and study between classes are required for certification. Classes are recorded so they can be made up if missed. Each weekend is $199, which includes class recordings, power points, handouts, study material and the follow-up webinar. Enrollment is on a rolling basis so you can join at any time.

The one-year program consisting of 11 months of study, leads to a Foundations of Herbalism Certificate. For those who are interested in clinical practice, students can continue on for a second year of study to gain a Professional Herbalism Certification. This advanced course also consists of 1 weekend a month, over a period of 11 months and concentrates on protocols and a clinical component. If both years are completed with accompanying assignments and case studies, students receive a Certificate of Advanced Therapeutic Herbalism or a Diploma of Clinical Therapeutic Herbalism (depending on clinic choices).