This class explores the most important adaptogenic and rejuvenative herbs, classical formulas from Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, and their preparations and uses.

This class presents the most important herbs and essential oils for home and family use that are known for their antimicrobial and immune enhancing powers.

This presentation examines the relationships between fragrance, olfaction, the limbic system, moods and mental states according to concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda. It includes teachings on Shen (spirit) disturbances and the Seven Pathological Emotions, Prana Vata (mind / breath current) and mental health, the best essential oils for treating disturbances of Shen and Prana Vata, and using aromatherapy for management of anger, depression, addictions, OCD and PTSD.

This class explores the history, ecology, chemistry and therapeutic uses of Corsican helichrysum essential oils, one of the world’s most important therapeutic oils.

This presentation covers the historical uses of aromatic plants for contagious illnesses, the emerging research on the antimicrobial powers of essential oils, the limitations in therapeutic applications due to their potential toxicity, and the epidemic of injuries and adverse effects coming from fraudulent marketing claims in the aromatherapy industry.

The concepts of prana and qi are the foundation of classical Asian medicine, as well as its closely related yogic, meditative and spiritual lineages. Both Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine use sophisticated concepts to describe, diagnose and treat imbalances of prana and qi, thereby restoring homeostasis of body, mind and spirit. A comparative study of the similarities and differences between the terms prana and qi gives us a deeper and broader understanding of both; this deeper knowledge of prana and qi can in turn be applied to understanding the principles of physiological homeostasis from the Western scientific perspective, and vice versa.

This presentation introduces the many ways botanical medicine can offer effective treatments for common dental problems and maintaining good oral hygiene. Simple natural remedies are not only effective for dental health, but also play an important role in maintaining wellbeing and reducing the need for dental procedures that can have long term adverse immunological consequences. 

This class examines botanical species that have been studied for their protective effects against radiation. The first section reviews the radioactive elements and types of radiation, where they are coming from, how they accumulate in the environment and the body, and how they threaten health. The second section examines the various radio-protective mechanisms through which plant-based medicines may work, including activation of antioxidant defenses, prevention of hepatotoxicity, anti-inflammatory processes, detoxification pathways, anti-mutagenic and immune-modulatory actions. The third section reviews radio-protective properties of common herbs as well as lesser-known species.

This presentation gives an overview of different categories of herbal and nutraceutical stimulants. It differentiates the overlapping functions of stimulants, adaptogens, tonics, aphrodisiacs and nootropics, and explore how to maximize their benefits and minimize unwanted effects. The positive and negative actions of stimulants are considered from the viewpoint of Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine, and treatment protocols are given for stimulant dependencies and depletion syndromes commonly seen in holistic clinics

This class gives the most important herbs and essential oils for management of uncomplicated allergies and asthmatic conditions.