Institute of Natural Healing

1. UNDERSTANDING HERBAL THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

• The history of herbal medicine
• Traditional use of herbal medicine and its evolution over the years
• How do herbal medicines work?
• What is phyto-therapy?
• How safe are medicinal herbs?
• The advantages of herbal treatment
• Research into herbal medicines

2. HOW TO CLASSIFY HERBS AND PREPARE THEM

• A definition of a herb
• Methods of classifying herbs
• Classifying herbs based on their properties
• Classifying herbs based on their usage
• Classifying herbs as per active constituents
• How to prepare herbal infusions, teas, ointments etc

3. USING HERBS FOR THERAPEUTIC PURPOSES

• The principles of herbal therapy practice
• How to diagnose
• What is materia medica
• How can a materia medica be used
• Common ailments and their symptoms
• The best herbs to use for common ailments

4. DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT PRACTICE

• The different types of diagnosis
• Conducting patient interview
• Visual diagnosis
• Linking diagnosis and a person’s constitutional characteristics
• The stages of the treatment process
• Emergency situations
• How herbs, drugs and food can interact

5. TREATING WOMEN'S ILLNESSES

• Common illnesses in women
• Herbs for treatment of infertility in women
• Herbs for pregnant and nursing women
• Phytoestrogens and their use in treating menopausal effects
• Treatment of infertility and menopause

6. TREATING CHILDREN'S ILLNESSES

• Common illnesses amongst children and their herbal remedies
• Herbal medicines to build immunity and resistance
• Administering herbal remedies
• Herbal medicine for calming hyperactive children

7. FIRST- AID USING HERBAL REMEDIES

• Why are herbal medicines a good first-aid option?
• Items to keep in a first-aid kit
• A herbal first-aid kit that can be used at home
• A herbal first-aid kit that can be used when travelling
• Common injuries and their first-aid treatment

8. HERBAL PRODUCTS FOR PERSONAL CARE

• Treating skin disorders with herbal remedies
• Caring for your hair and skin with herbal remedies
• Herbal products for personal care
• Having a herbal bath
• The b enefits of using herbal products

9. HERBS IN FOOD AND NUTRITION

• Having a healthy diet and following a dietary plan
• Using culinary herbs
• Clinical nutrition from a herbal perspective

10. HERBAL REMEDIES FOR ANIMALS

• Illnesses commonly suffered by pets
• Common herbal remedies for pets
• Which herbs are not safe for pets
• How to give herbs to pets
• Licensed herbal veterinary medicines

11. SETTING UP AS A HERBALIST

• How to get started
• Using a telephone and answerphone
• Your equipment and materials
• Transport
• A place to work – for administration and for consultations
• Where to practice?
• Useful reading
• What skills do you need?
• How to assess your strengths and weaknesses
• Getting prepared

12. FINDING CLIENTS

• How will you position yourself?
• Sources of work
• Your website
• Making your website work
• Writing an e-book
• Networking
• Leaflet drop
• Seminars - Fee-charging seminars- Free seminars -
  How to organize a seminar that wins you clients
• Using PR to get business
• Gaining referrals
• Advertising, the media and writing an ad.

13. HERB GARDENING

• Growing your own herbs
• Outdoor herb gardening
• Indoor herb gardening
• How to dry herbs
• Herbs which are grown from a seed

14. NEXT STEPS