Master Herbalist Program

Master Herbalist Program:
Remedial Herbal Skills

3 xii 2005 ce edition

"My Integrative Therapy practice benefits significantly from my Master Herbalist studies. Competent and effective knowledge of herbs is essential for my own peace of mind when recommending their use to clients. Paul's class has enabled me to amass and effectively use significant herbal resources, as well as develop confidence in my ability to recommend effective herbal remedies. Hands-on interaction with and personal use of the herbs themselves, from growing them to making infusions, baths, and alcohol extraction tonics and more have improved my own health and well-being as well. The addition of Hawthorn to my daily tonic, as one small example, has significantly reduced my experience of heart palpitations. Paul's knowledge, holistic approach and material, plus his detailed teaching methods provide a depth of information and experience that I find particularly beneficial."
—Alice Buehring

It is gratifying to know that the work and research I have done over the past twenty years is of interest and will be continued by others. Since the publication of The Master Book of Herbalism in 1984 I have not allowed weeds to grow in my mental gardens. That book, which has become a standard text for so many, represents such a small amount of the basic knowledge with which we work. Over the years many people have studied from me - some for as little as a two hour workshop - and have gone on to boast that they are fully trained as Master Herbalists with my blessing. While they definitely have my blessings, they do not have my recommendation as Master Herbalists. It is only since moving what was originally called the 'School of Healing' to Kirkland and, with my partner gerry (he requests the lower case spelling), establishing The Hermit's Grove that I have felt comfortable establishing a program of certification.

an overview

Enclosed is a copy of the requirements for certification. In 1999 and 2000 a major revision was undertaken so that the program of study became more defined and a student could more easily mark her/his progress. Many of the courses were significantly expanded to provide the student with a depth of knowledge which will serve them well. The certification program is designed to be a two-year study course with a student completing an average of one unit of study per week followed by the examination which would take place here at The Hermit's Grove. The educational materials are now provided to the student as published 'units,' each with exercises and written assignments. There are a total of 100 units, divided into four quarters. It is possible for a student to complete the program in a year (or less) when one's life has been arranged so as to study 'full time.' At the other end of the spectrum we expect a minimum level of study to be the completion of one unit of study per month. This has proven to be the most common pace of study.

upon completion:

When you have completed the Master Herbalist Program and the final examination you will receive a certificate.

It is important to remember that a "certificate" is just that. It is a piece of paper which I will sign indicating that you have completed our educational program and that I give you my recommendation.

A certificate is not the same as a license issued by your State. It is not the same as a medical license. In many states one's ability to advertise for clients as an herbalist may be seriously limited. On the other hand, if you intend to seek employment in an herbal or health-foods store you will have knowledge and confidence … and our certificate. The certificate should also facilitate your ability to teach herbal medicine, from the noncredit adult programs at your regional Community Colleges to programs you establish yourself.

It is not possible to create a program leading to certified status which assures you of employment. There are many vocational training ads on television and even they have great difficulty providing job placement. Herbal medicine is still an alternative field.

that final exam

The process of testing knowledge and skills is done in person. There is not, at this time, a formal written examination process, and I am uncertain whether one will be developed. I do not believe that memorized data is the only test of knowledge. Well-developed reference materials (index card files, notebooks, computer files, etc.) may be just as readily accessed. To complete this program a student will have provided a significant amount of written work which I believe may prove adequate when it comes to judging the written aptitude of a student.

The essential knowledge - those things one should have in her head - is not that which can easily be tested: it requires that I know you, as a student. This is accomplished through correspondence (written letters, cassette tape and telephone conversations) and by your spending time with me here in our gardens. How much time? It is not possible to apply the same number of hours to each person. It is quite possible that the final exam might be a student spending four to seven days working with me in the gardens, being able to ask questions of me and my being able to observe the student. However, in the future as this program expands and more students seek certification, those of you who complete this program are likely to become part of the training and examination process. In the future a standardized exam may well become necessary. It is my belief that you may be part of this creative process. Your experience is of great value. Your views regarding the testing of (i.e.) botanical knowledge will be most useful. As we evolve, prototypes of a standardized exam are being developed. As you complete various levels of your studies, we urge you to offer your suggestions. If you believe something 'should' be included, please let us know. The reputation of your certification depends upon the quality required of others.

costs:

There are a total of 100 units at a cost of $20.00 each.

Students working at a more intense level of study may meet criteria for reduced fees based upon income. Students living outside North America may have to pay a higher cost per unit to cover the additional postage. Payment from outside the U.S. must be in U.S. funds and may be by international money order or credit card [Visa or Mastercard]. Students who request one-on-one tutoring time receive special rates. The cost is $20.00 for a single session. For an ongoing or long term arrangement I do what I can to help reduce the cost.

work-study:

Students who are able to work in the gardens may qualify for limited work-study during the growing season (March-September) to cover a maximum of 50% of the cost of the units of study.

Although I have pondered the issue for some years I have been unable to develop any form of work-study which would be available for distance-learning students.

books:

Most required texts may be special ordered through The Hermit's Grove at a 15% discount (plus shipping) or through your local stores. We realize that not all books are in print at all times.

audit:

There are times when a student may wish to have access to the courses and study materials without working through the exercises and assignments. It is possible to audit the Master Herbalist program. There is no reduction in cost. Auditing may result in a student receiving a certificate indicating completion of the program but without certification. The only other option for those wishing access to the materials is that many of the courses which are covered by the Master Herbalist Program may be purchased outright and are offered for sale infrequently through The Hermit's Lantern.

volunteer service:

Students who are studying in person are also required to volunteer two hours a month working in the gardens, assisting with our ongoing research, or doing other work which is supportive of The Hermit's Grove. Correspondence students may provide this volunteer time during their visits or find other ways to share in this collective effort. Ideally, those who live out of state might be able to spend a few days each summer at the Grove. We do have space for you to set up a tent. This is one of the more flexible items on our required skills and experience list. Please feel welcome to discuss this with us.

research library:

We do have a significant research library here with many books costing more than a hundred dollars each. These books may be used on the premises but may not be checked out nor taken home. A student may have access to these books by arranging time here which, for correspondence students, can readily be integrated into a visit.

How do I begin?

There is no formal application process. I prefer a letter of introduction in which you provide me with some information about your background and expectations and any challenges you foresee in your ability to pursue an intensive program of study.

And, in conclusion…

My goal has been to create a program of study tailored to the experience, knowledge and needs of each student. My desire is to work with you in this process. For someone living in the area, an apprenticeship may be arranged which combined direct experience, hard labor (e.g. maintenance and garden work which is not the 'fun' stuff) and access to educational resources for greatly reduced or barter amounts. Outlines of the first several units are available. A unit averages 20-35 pages of comprehensive text, most pages in a small yet readable font covering a large amount of material. Included are units on a wide variety of afflictions (e.g. diseases, disorders, and various conditions which affect a patient or client's quality of life); materials derived from many books in our library to introduce you to other perspectives and other authors with the hope that this will not only expand your knowledge and perspective but allow you to recognize the value of these works and someday add them to your personal library. As the years pass, the reading materials should expand as papers and articles by students like yourself might be added to the Master Herbalist Program.

What I offer is not an easy course of study. It is designed for students who have some knowledge to begin with, and who feel that they are self-motivated, enjoy the challenge of written assignments and the complexity of educational materials. I do have students who have completed the work and who find it fulfilling and useful in their work.

Please do not hesitate to ask me any questions.

The Master Herbalist Program contains 100 units. This program is designed with the expectation that a student completes one unit per week, making this a two year program. We expect a level of commitment from a student to complete a minimum of one unit per month. Each unit contains an average of 40-50 pages of material which includes one or two herbal monographs plus materials derived from the various courses mentioned below. Students unable to complete a unit in the allotted time are required to request, in writing, an extension.

It is the student's responsibility to keep up with news about the program. Notices will be sent first by email and will be included in The Hermit's Lantern. Students who maintain the required level of work receive The Hermit's Lantern at no cost.

The cost of a unit of work is $20.00. Students who contract to complete a more accelerated rate of study may qualify for a reduced rate. Students who are unable to complete one unit of study per month have two options. Slower study (more than one but less than three months) per unit is available for $30.00 per unit. The other option is to take a Leave of Absence and return to your studies at a later time when your life is better prepared for an intense path of study. Being a Master Herbalist is a serious commitment and requires making changes in your life priorities. A Leave of Absence requires that a student wait at least six months before again requesting admission to the Master Herbalist Program.

I. A Master Herbalist will be tested on ethical issues.
Reference materials: legalities and "The Laws of the Traditional Herbalist"
If possible, have and know: Occult Science in Medicine, by Franz Hartmann, M.D.

II. A candidate has a working pharmacopoeia of 75 or more herbes. A Master Herbalist understands and can identify these herbes by appearance, taste, properties and association. A Master Herbalist can generally identify them in their dried state by appearance, flavor and scent. A Master Herbalist will have a well-developed reference file with cross references for quick access. A Master Herbalist will have a reference knowledge of all 165 herbs in The Hermit's Grove Pharmacopoeia.

III. A Master Herbalist is responsible for the following educational material and resources:

Have and know the following texts:

Thomas Bartram, Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine
Paul V. Beyerl, The Holy Books of the Devas
Paul V. Beyerl, The Master Book of Herbalism
Lesley Bremness, Herbs: The Visual Guide to more than 700
Dr. John R. Christopher, School of Natural Healing
Rosemary Gladstar, Herbal Healing for Women
James Green, The Male Herbal
James Green, The Herbal Medicine-Maker's Handbook
Mrs. M. Grieve, A Modern Herbal, (both volumes)
Barbara Griggs, Green Pharmacy
David Hoffmann, Holistic Herbal
Wynn Kapit & Lawrence Elson, The Anatomy Coloring Book
Daniel B. Mowrey, Ph. D., The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine
Varro Tyler, & James E. Robbers, Tyler's Herbs of Choice
Rudolf Fritz Weiss, Herbal Medicine
R. C. Wren, Potter's New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs

highly recommended but not required:

Mark Blumenthal, sr. editor, The Complete German Commission E Monographs
Thomas Fleming, chief editor, PDR for Herbal Medicines
Anne McIntyre, The Complete Woman's Herbal
Charles F. Millspaugh, American Medicinal Plants
Christiane Northrup, M.D., Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom
Murray, Michael & Pizzorno, Joseph, Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, 2nd edition
Priest & Priest, Herbal Medication
Humbart Santillo B.S., M.H., Natural Healing with Herbs
Clayton L. Thomas, ed., Taber's 18th Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary
Varro Tyler & Steven Foster, Tyler's Honest Herbal

Note: Most titles may be purchased through The Hermit's Grove. Some are available through the American Botanical Council, P O Box 144345, Austin TX 78714-4345 or through their website http://www.herbalgram.org. An excellent source for used books is http://www.abebooks.com, a web site representing more than 10,000 independent sellers of used books.

IV. A Master Herbalist will have completed the following coursework through The Hermit's Grove either in person or by correspondence:

Herbal Healing - A Basic Course [Coursenotes]
Extraction Methods [44 page course book]
The Art of Healing [Coursenotes]
Colour Therapy [41 page course book]
Basic Astrology [taped course, Painless Astrology available or take locally from acceptable teacher]
the most recent edition of The Hermit's Grove Remedial Index
Herbal Horticulture: Gardening and ... the botanical sciences [54 page coursework]
The Chemistry of Herbs: Constituents [43 page course book]

V. Herbes in one's pharmacopoeia should be included for the a large variety of conditions treated with nonprescription medication such as (but not limited to) the following symptoms and remedial uses:

general first aid (i.e. cuts, minor bleeding, bruises, sore muscles and sprains, sunburn, skin afflictions (e.g. poison ivy), antiseptics and disinfectants)
respiratory afflictions (i.e. coughs (understand the mechanism of a cough) and the common cold, dry coughs vs. coughs caused by sinus drainage, remedial differences with a sore throat, coughs to expulse phlegm, 'croup' coughs, treatment of chronic conditions (e.g. asthma, bronchitis)
pain (understand what causes physiological pain), i.e. local anaesthetic, dental pain; teething pain 'surface' pain (e.g. topical anodynes), deeper pain (e.g. muscles, tendons), headaches (incl. fevers, influenza, etc.)
sinus conditions, i.e. head colds, stuffed head, sinus infections (support mainstream work) hay fever and allergies
digestive system, i.e. basic discomfort and/or gas; colic, cramps, vomiting, stimulate appetite, food poisoning
influenza, fevers, infectious diseases
sleep patterns, i.e. disruption due to tension or health

VI. A candidate will be tested on a basic knowledge of botany.
A candidate will be tested on gardening; must maintain an herb bed with at least six varieties for a minimum of 24 months.
A Master Herbalist must be capable of harvesting and drying all parts of plants.
A Master Herbalist must know the spiritual energy of a plant. Required reading: Plant and Planet, Anthony Huxley

VII. A basic knowledge of anatomy is required with herbes contained in one's pharmacopoeia which work upon the various parts of the human anatomy and common afflictions of these systems (but not limited to the following):

Eyes, Ears and Skin [54 page course book]; eczema, dandruff, rashes, herpes; the functions of perspiration, ability to stimulate perspiration; allergies, cleansing of eyes and ears, sinus cavities, tonics
The Glandular System [course book]; a knowledge of the glandular systems, common disorders and remedies; lymphatic system
The Urinary System [29 page course book]; kidneys, bladder, etc; remedial treatment of common afflictions
The Cardiovascular System [36 page course book]; tonic, supportive remedies; emergency remedies; circulatory system, tonics for the blood
The Digestive System [55 page course book]; from the consumption of food to passing of wastes; ulcers, problems with digestion, tonics, cleansing; diarrhea, constipation, irregularity; organs supportive of the digestive system, e.g. liver, spleen; hepatitis, cleansing, tonics
The Nervous System [course book]; nervous disorders, stress, neuralgia
The Respiratory System [29 page course book]; respiratory, lungs and pulmonary system; congestion, expectoration, tonic, cleansing, asthma, bronchitis; common cold, pneumonia
The Reproductive Systems of Men and Women [101 page coursework]; sexual dysfunction; sexual stimulants; fertility; pregnancy (herbs for minor symptoms, herbs to avoid); menstrual cycle, PMS, general tonics, excessive bleeding; afflictions of the prostate; sexually transmitted diseases
The Musculo/Skeletal System [course book]; structural problems, e.g. broken bones, supportive remedies (to promote quicker healing)

VIII.A Master Herbalist will be knowledgeable in common and uncommon afflictions and conditions in addition to those commonly associated with the systems of the body (as described above). These units will be studied as part of the coursework and will be included in the Certification Exams. It is expected that, following certification, a Master Herbalist continues to obtain and study additional units through continuing education. Typical units include but are not limited to:

arthritis
cancer
catarrh
digestive disorders:

Crohn's disease
diabetes
enteritis
general digestive disorders
gastritis and inflammations
leaky gut syndrome

fasting and cleansing
fever
gum diseases
headaches:

common headache
migraine

herpes
infectious diseases:

candidiasis
cholera
dengue fever
e. Coli
malaria
measles
salmonellosis
typhoid fever

lupus (systemic l. erythematosus)
Lyme disease
multiple sclerosis
influenza
rheumatoid arthritis
sarcoidosis
sickle cell anemia
sinusitis
Sjögren's disease
stress

For the a complete list of the afflictions covered by the program as of 3 December 2005 ce, click here.

IX. Know these and other significant classifications of herbs, have these categories represented in your pharmacopoeia and be capable of making the following remedies. Under what circumstances would these be employed?

alteratives, tonics, vulneraries
anesthetics, anodynes, antiseptics, antispasmodics
aphrodisiacs, astringents, haemostatics, styptics
aperients, cathartics, laxatives, purgatives
aromatics, carminatives, stomachics
demulcents, emollients
diaphoretics, febrifuges, refrigerants, sudorifics
diuretics, emetics, purgatives, emmenagogue
expectorant, pectorals, pulmonaries
hepatics, nervines, sedatives, stimulants

X. General and Professional Skills
A Master Herbalist is capable of working with herbal remedies which are supportive of the patient during the course of a major illness.
A Master Herbalist is capable of working with some of the following to determine and diagnose the underlying causes of disorder within the person's whole self (physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual) which lead to disease: astrology, energetics, medical diagnosis (e.g. Registered Nurses); physical assessment, shamanic training, divinatory skills, etc.
Have on hand reference materials with which to understand the most common illnesses and diseases.
A Master Herbalist is capable of providing supportive therapy in addition to herbal remedies. These may include but are not restricted to the following:
affirmations, acupressure, acupuncture, reflexology, massage
shamanism, music therapy, colour work, healing with gems/minerals
chakra/aura work, Reiki, etc.
A Master Herbalist should be able to suggest (or recommend texts for) dietary changes to support a person during illness and, at other times, promote good health.

XI. Be capable of making the following preparations taking no short cuts. Be knowledgeable in working with water and alcohol extraction methods.
You will be expected to prepare and submit the following: balms, decoctions, elixirs, essential oils, infusions, liniments, lozenges, ointments, poultices, tinctures, washes and demonstrate other important herbal techniques
Assemble a set of colour remedies and demonstrate their use.

XII. A Master Herbalist will be knowledgeable about constituents, having studied the Grove-published book on constituents.

XIII. A Master Herbalist is knowledgeable about the majority of herbal species in The Hermit's Grove Pharmacopoeia and will have some knowledge about the gardens. A candidate must have completed two hours volunteer service to The Hermit's Grove for each month enrolled in the Certification program. For correspondence students this can be in the form of research projects or in a tailored program held during a study program held at the Grove.

XIV. Optional skills include working with plant devas, wild crafting, flower essences, organic and/or holistic gardening; working with addictions and dependencies; and/or women's herbal issues.

Master Herbalist with Prognostication Skills

Certification in Astrological Prognostication includes the following additional skills and requirements in addition to those of Master Herbalist:

Astrological Prognosis coursework completed through The Hermit's Grove
Have the following reference materials published by The Hermit's Grove:

Anatomical Correspondences
Herbal Correspondences

Have and know the following texts:

Astro-Diagnosis: A Guide to Healing, Max Heindel
Astrological Judgement of Diseases, Nicholas Culpeper
Painless Astrology, Paul V. Beyerl
A Compendium of Herbal Magick, Paul V. Beyerl
The Holy Books of the Devas, Paul V. Beyerl

Have familiarity with the following reference texts:

Encyclopaedia of Medical Astrology, H.L. Cornell, M.D.
Planetary Herbology, Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D.

Demonstrate the following skills:

Ability to interpret a natal chart to Prognostic standards.
Ability to chart transits and formulate holistic remedies for potential physiological conditions
Ability to chart transits and formulate holistic remedies for potential emotional and psychological conditions

Master Herbalist with skills as Spiritual Healer

Certification as Spiritual Herbalist includes the following additional skills and requirements in addition to those of Master Herbalist:

An understanding of the spiritual nature of herbs
The ability to develop and maintain a magickal garden
The ability to be in communion with the Devas
A knowledge of the magickal properties of herbes
Copies of Beyerl's Compendium of Herbal Magick and The Holy Books of the Devas and a thorough understanding of all that these two books contain.

Sample Lesson Plan

for The Hermit's Grove correspondence course
leading to certification as Master Herbalist

unit one

A. printed materials:

Herbal Healing: A Basic Course (pages 1 - 7 of the Coursenote series)
What is Herbal Medicine (pages 1-5) Rudolf Weiss
The Hermit's Grove Glossary (exams edition) (pages 1 - 5)
catalog of units on afflictions, disorders and diseases plus
Influenza (affliction/disease unit) complete
monograph of Gentian
monograph of Boneset
Pharmacopoeia Checklist (current edition listing all monographs)
Safety Guidelines by Alder
Extraction Methods (pages 1 - 10)

B. exercises and assignments:

Acquire one ounce or more of each of the two above herbs. Make an infusion and become familiar with the flavor. Attempt to identify constituents by flavor.
Study all materials with an eye toward your eventual exams. Ask any questions you may have. In studying by correspondence it must be your responsibility to ascertain whether or not you understand the materials being sent to you.
Write a general article (approximately 500 words) on the following topic: "Beginning the study of herbal medicine."

unit two