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I am delighted to be able to offer you this foundation course in herbal medicine run by The Heartwood foundation.

Pathways:- students opting for the assessed pathway normally begin their studies in March or September each year. Students choosing the non-assessed pathway can begin their studies on the 21st of any month

For details on how to sign up please click here

Foundation Course
The Heartwood Foundation Course is made up of 12 online Units offering a broad introduction to the field of Herbal Medicine, with emphasis on the practical use of herbs to deal with common ailments.
The course offers two pathways, assessed and non-assessed, and an award certificate and online badge is given to those that complete all 12 Units.

Learners on the assessed pathway who successfully finish all tasks, quizzes and assignments are able to apply for a place on the Heartwood Professional Course.

Video presentations are augmented by real-time monthly webinars, comprehensive PDF guides, and a variety of other learning materials (including a booklet on “Herbal Medicine and First Aid”).

Curriculum outline:

FC1

Introduction – the history, scope and philosophy of plant-based medicine

This unit touches on many different approaches to the art, and includes consideration of -

  • the safety and effectiveness of herbal medicine
  • how it is regulated and overseen
  • the extent to which it could be said to be ‘evidence-based’

FC2

Plant science

  • introduction to plant classification
  • introduction to plant anatomy
  • introduction to the basic pharmacology of the main plant families

FC3

Human science 1 (anatomy and physiology)

A systematic review of the structure and function of the human body.

FC4

Herbal Medicine 1

The first of three Materia Medica units, each of which includes consideration of 5 common medicinal plants. In this Unit we consider -

  • Fennel
  • Chamomile
  • Elder
  • Lemon Balm
  • Meadowsweet

FC5

Human Science 2 (physiology and comparative nutrition)

A review of the main nutrient classes (carbohydrate, fat, protein, water soluble vitaminss, fat soluble vitamins, minerals, trace elements, and essential fatty acids) and their relevance to human health. This unit does not present any specific approach to diet, but includes general reference to widely accepted principles of healthy eating.

FC6

Herbal Medicine 2

  • Hawthorn
  • Marigold
  • Lime Blossom
  • Lavender
  • Nettle

FC7

Human science 3 (introduction to pathophysiology)

A systematic review of the changes that occur in healthy tissue when the body is exposed to factors that provoke illness, and how various body systems, organs and tissues combine to mount a healing response.

FC8

Herbal Medicine 3

  • Thyme
  • Marshmallow
  • Yarrow
  • Cleavers
  • Dandelion

FC9

Herbal approaches to common conditions 1

In this, and the three following Units, each common condition is presented in terms of a real-life case history, followed from initial presentation to treatment with safe, inexpensive, widely available plant remedies.

  • hypertension
  • URTI
  • depression
  • diabetes
  • high cholesterol
  • osteoarthritis

FC10

Herbal approaches to common conditions 2

  • back pain
  • oesophageal reflux
  • bronchitis
  • asthma
  • anxiety

FC11

Herbal approaches to common conditions 3

  • eczema/dermatitis
  • allergy
  • common childhood illnesses
  • common conditions affecting women

FC12

Herbal approaches to common conditions 4

  • poor sleep
  • sinusitis
  • gastroenteritis
  • palpitations
  • chest pain
  • non-specific viral infections
  • nutritional disorders

Study methods:

The delivery of this course takes place through a VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) called Moodle.

A range of learning and teaching activities take place via this online delivery platform including -

  • Detailed monthly lessons, embedded into the delivery platform, featuring filmed tuition by expert practitioners and underpinned by text, graphics and other additional files and links
  • Signpost sessions comprising film and text guidance on progression through the course, assessment (where applicable), and the timing of feedback
  • Monthly real-time webinars offering guidance on all matters relating to the course
  • Bespoke filmed interviews with internationally renowned practitioners, supporting the learning aims of the course
  • Opportunity for students to collaborate on line via BigBlueButton, our high-quality, open source web-conferencing system.

All video materials are accompanied by downloadable slide presentations, notes and other break-out materials, including photos, public domain audio and video snippets, and relevant 3rd-party links