Herbal remedies: exploring summer herbs

You will observe how plants grow from an energetic perspective but also learn some basic practical plant recognition skills. You will be encouraged to discover more about herbs to which you are personally drawn and make an Herbarium (a herb specimen mounted on card and labelled). Tea tasting will also be included. The course runs on Mondays 19:30 - 21:30. Additional Saturday garden visits on 19 May and 23 Jun from 11:00-14:00.

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Key course information

Dates
14/05/12 - 25/06/12

Day(s)
Mon+Sat

Duration
6 weeks

Time
11:00 - 21:30

Fees
Full fee: £135
Senior fee: £135
Concession: £68

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
FNQ48

Availability
This date is full

This course is full

Occasionally places may become available. You can add yourself to the waiting list.

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Course outline

What is the course about?

Learning about the common features of herbs in the same plant family is a simple way to study medicinal plants and gain useful knowledge quickly. We will look at one family from identification through to uses at home. Venue: roof terrace so dress according to the weather!

What topics will we cover?

What features to look for when identifying the family
Common herbs that are members of that family
Active constituents: what these are and how they affect the human body
The best way to make herbal products with the active constituent in mind.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

- List the 4 main features to look for when identifying plants from the mint family
- Name two common plant families that are often confused with the mint family
- Name at least six plants from the mint family
- Name the constituent that is considered to be significant in the activity of all mint family plants
- Define common actions on the body of volatile oils
- Use the information from the class to make simple remedies at home using these plants.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

The course is for anyone interested in the subject. No prior experience is necessary.

You are required to read short sentences, follow verbal instructions and extract information from handouts.

During this course, you will be encouraged to use herbal medicines both in class and at home. You may be offered samples to try in class either by mouth (at the very least, there will be a tea tasting) or on your skin. You may also be encouraged to touch plant material. Natural is not necessarily safe. Some plants contain compounds that are poisonous while others may cause skin irritation if you have sensitive skin. Allergic reactions, though unlikely are theoretically possible. Some herbs are known to interact with other medications.

If you have any medical condition or are taking any medication (prescribed or otherwise), you may need to be more careful than others when using or examining herbs, or indeed, not use them at all. Please consult your tutor if you are unsure about what to do.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Talk and exercises
Plant study using the roof terrace
Demonstrations, practical work, drawings, instruction and a fieldtrips. Students will be warmly encouraged to develop their own way of connecting with the plants. Some trips will take place at weekends.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

There is no course book; students will need a file to accommodate handouts. Be prepared for the weather on the day whether it be a warm balmy evening or wet and windy. Bring a notebook and pen for taking notes.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Students may wish to study the other courses in the Western Herbal Medicine series.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2622

health@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Tuesday 12.30 - 13.30 and 17.30 - 18.30 Thursday 12.30 - 13.30 and 17.30 - 18.30

Non term-time Tuesday 17.30 - 18.30 Wednesday 12.30 - 13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

Contact us

Health and movement studies

Tel: 020 7492 2622

health@citylit.ac.uk

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