Health: Plant-Based Healing Med

Intermediate courses on health topics beyond the scope of departmental or college offerings. See Schedule of Courses for specific titles.

Dates July 5 - August 12, 2022; Prereqs: ENVS 001 or 002, or NR 001 or NR 002, or ENSC 001; Course meets synchronously online Thursdays from 2-4; Also meets asynchronously; Cross listed with ENVS 195 OL1; Instructor will ship a home lab kit in advance of course start date

https://www.spoonfulherbals.org/courses

This is an online, mostly asynchronous online 6 week intensive course. Live/synchronous class meetings will be held on Teams on Thursdays 2-4pm EST. Students explore the historical perspectives of Herbalism, as well as its present-day context within both the realms of complementary/integrative and Western allopathic biomedical medicines. The sustainable harvesting, preparation, and storage of herbs are covered, in addition to specific herbs as support for specific organs or systems of the body. Students will practice plant medicine making in their own homes using materials provided in a “home lab kit” purchased by students. A “weed walk” to view medicinal plants growing on the UVM campus is included. Guest speakers include area herbalists, gardeners, activists and integrative health practitioners.

This course is taught by a white, femme, cis gendered herbalist of european descent. Herbalism, when conducted by white herbalists with ignorance of Eurocentrism, institutional racism, Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) histories, and cultural appropriation, runs the risk of contributing to racism and perpetuating harm. Herbalism can also be a movement to combat oppression and dispossession and to heal the fragmentation and unworthiness created by centuries of settler colonialism and capitalism on this earth. This course strives to introduce and encourage the practice of herbal medicine through this critical lens everyday.

Class Participation (Attendance, completion of home lab activities, and participation in class discussion) - 20% 2 Critical Reflection Papers (15% each) - 30% “Plant of the Week” journals - 10% Group project and presentation - 10% Plant monograph research - 10% Final Critical Reflection Paper - 20%